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Easy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels: Best Tailgate Appetizer

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These easy jalapeño popper pinwheels are the ultimate tailgate appetizer—creamy, spicy, and wrapped in golden, flaky dough. Perfect for game day, they disappear fast and taste great warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3–4 medium jalapeños, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed for milder heat)
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
  2. Wear gloves, cut jalapeños in half lengthwise, scrape out seeds and membranes, then dice the flesh into tiny pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll crescent dough and separate into rectangles. If using perforated dough, press seams together to form solid rectangles.
  5. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over each dough rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Roll up tightly from the opposite long edge, like a sleeping bag.
  6. Place rolls seam-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 8 even pieces (about 1 inch thick). If too soft, chill in freezer for 10 minutes first.
  7. Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden brown and filling is bubbly. Optionally, broil for the last minute for extra color.
  8. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For clean slices, chill the rolls in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing. Drain jalapeños well to avoid soggy dough. Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for neat cuts. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper pinwheels, tailgate appetizer, game day snack, easy appetizer, crescent roll recipe, bacon cream cheese pinwheels

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/easy-jalape-n-o-popper-pinwheels-best-tailgate-appetizer/