Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Twists With Garlic Butter

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Twists with Garlic Butter. These aren’t just any ordinary twists; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite! Imagine flaky pizza dough, generously filled with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of red onion, all topped with melted cheddar. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a brush of garlic butter takes it to the next level!1.

Why You’ll Love These Twists

• Flavor Packed: The combination of cream cheese, bacon, jalapeño, and garlic butter is simply irresistible1.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time1.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, game night, or just a craving, these twists are always a hit6.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes1
• Cook Time: 25 minutes1
• Total Time: 45 minutes1
• Serving Size: 16 twists1

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) pizza dough1
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened1
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled1
• 1 small red onion, finely diced1
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced1
• 2 teaspoons chives, minced1
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced1
• 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided1

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter1
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced1
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt1

Let’s Get Twisting: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside1.
2. Dough Prep: On a lightly floured surface, unroll both tubes of pizza dough. Stack one on top of the other, aligning them perfectly. Gently press them together so they stick1.
3. Layering: Cut the layered dough into four equal sections. Roll each section into an approximately 8×10-inch rectangle and set aside1.
4. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, diced jalapeño, minced chives, and minced garlic1.
5. Assembly: Take one section of dough and spread 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Top with a second section of dough and spread another 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat with the third piece of dough and the remaining cream cheese mixture. Finally, place the fourth piece of dough on top. Gently press down to seal all the layers1.
6. Cutting and Twisting: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough stack into eight equal strips (about 1 inch each). Then, cut each strip in half to create 16 shorter strips, each about 5 inches long1.
7. Twist and Shape: Gently twist and stretch a strip of dough (3-5 twists), then bring the ends together to form a circle. Pinch the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining strips to make 16 twists1.
8. Cheese Topping: Place the twists onto the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle the tops evenly with the shredded cheese (about 2 tablespoons per twist)1.
9. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly1.
10. Garlic Butter: While the twists are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and salt, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat1.
11. Finishing Touch: Once the twists are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Brush the warm garlic butter mixture over the twists and serve immediately1.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal1.
• Pair with a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
• Enjoy them warm for the best experience!1.

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat4. For an extra kick, leave some seeds in!
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, or a cheddar jack blend4.
• Additions: Consider adding other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different types of cooked meats.

Nutritional Information (per twist, approximate)

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 12-15g
• Protein: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Can I make these ahead of time?Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the baking stage, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve4.

How do I store leftovers?Store any leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze these twists?Yes, you can! Freeze the baked twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven until warmed through.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?You can use puff pastry as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different24. Crescent roll dough can also be used3.