Cheesy Party Bites

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

These savory twists combine layers of pizza dough with a creamy bacon-jalapeño filling, topped with melted cheese and brushed with garlic butter for the ultimate appetizer.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:09 GMT
A close-up view of golden, cheesy bagel bites topped with crispy bacon and sprinkled with green herbs. Pin it
A close-up view of golden, cheesy bagel bites topped with crispy bacon and sprinkled with green herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Every time I make these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Twists my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma of garlic butter and bacon. They've become my signature party appetizer because watching people's faces light up when they bite into these flaky savory twists filled with creamy spicy goodness just makes me so happy.

What Makes These Extra Special

I love how versatile these twists are. They're perfect for everything from game day snacks to holiday appetizers. The combination of crispy dough creamy filling and that hint of jalapeno heat creates something truly irresistible. Plus they're so easy to make ahead which is always a win in my book.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Pizza Dough: Two tubes make this so quick and easy.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it's nice and soft.
  • Bacon: Cook it until perfectly crispy.
  • Red Onion: Adds such lovely color and crunch.
  • Jalapeno: One large one brings just enough heat.
  • White Cheddar: It melts into the most beautiful topping.
  • Garlic Butter: Takes everything over the top.

Let's Start Twisting

Get your dough ready:
Stack those layers and roll them out I like working in sections to make it manageable.
Mix up the filling:
Blend your cream cheese bacon onion and jalapeno until perfectly combined.
Create those twists:
Spread fill fold and twist each strip they look so pretty already.
Cheese it up:
That white cheddar on top makes everything better.
Bake to perfection:
Watch for that golden brown color and bubbly cheese.
The finishing touch:
That garlic butter brush at the end is pure magic.

Plan Ahead Success

I love that I can make these a day before and just pop them in the oven when needed. They even freeze beautifully just remember to add some extra baking time. Leftovers keep well in the fridge but they rarely last that long in my house.

A close-up view of a black plate filled with savory cheese and bacon-topped baked goods, garnished with fresh cilantro in the background. Pin it
A close-up view of a black plate filled with savory cheese and bacon-topped baked goods, garnished with fresh cilantro in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Spice It Your Way

Sometimes I make these milder by scraping out the jalapeno seeds. Other times I spice them up with serrano peppers or pepper jack cheese. It's so easy to adjust the heat level to match everyone's preferences.

Bringing Them Back to Life

While these are best fresh from the oven you can easily reheat them. I prefer using the oven to keep that crispy texture but the microwave works in a pinch when you just can't wait.

Pure Snack Joy

These twists really are something special. The way they combine that buttery flaky dough with spicy creamy filling creates such an amazing snack. Whether for game day parties or just because they never fail to make people happy.

A close-up of golden, cheesy bagels topped with crispy bacon and sprinkled with green herbs. Pin it
A close-up of golden, cheesy bagels topped with crispy bacon and sprinkled with green herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why stack the pizza dough?
Stacking the dough creates stronger, more even layers that are easier to handle and maintain their shape during baking.
→ Can I make these ahead?
You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake just before serving for best results.
→ How spicy are these?
With the seeds removed from the jalapeño, the heat level is mild. Leave some seeds in for more spice, or use a milder pepper for less heat.
→ Why let them cool before adding butter?
A brief cooling period allows the layers to set, preventing them from falling apart when brushed with butter.
→ Can I freeze these?
While best served fresh, you can freeze baked twists. Reheat in the oven and brush with fresh garlic butter before serving.

Conclusion

These bacon jalapeño twists are a delightful appetizer that combines flaky pizza dough, creamy filling, and savory toppings. Perfect for gatherings and parties, they offer a balance of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.

Bacon Jalapeño Twists

Flaky pizza dough twists loaded with cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and cheese, finished with garlic butter. A crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 twists)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 tubes (13.8 oz each) pizza dough.
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
03 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled.
04 1 small red onion, finely diced.
05 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced.
06 2 teaspoons chives, minced.
07 2 teaspoons garlic, minced.
08 2 cups (226g) white cheddar cheese, shredded.
09 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
10 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (for topping).
11 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.

Step 02

Stack and press pizza dough sheets together, cut into 4 sections, roll each to 8x10 inches.

Step 03

Mix cream cheese, bacon, onion, jalapeño, chives, and garlic.

Step 04

Spread filling between dough layers, stacking all four pieces.

Step 05

Cut into 16 strips, twist each and form into circles.

Step 06

Add cheese and bake 25-30 minutes until golden.

Step 07

Prepare garlic butter while twists bake.

Step 08

Cool 5 minutes, brush with garlic butter and serve.

Notes

  1. Stacking dough creates better structure.
  2. Best served warm.
  3. Can adjust spice level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter, cheddar).
  • Wheat (pizza dough).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 268
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 8 g