Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Prepare your favorite recipe and divide it into portions equivalent to the two tubes called for. The texture might be slightly different, but many people prefer the flavor of homemade dough.

How do I make these less spicy for kids or sensitive palates?

The heat in this recipe comes primarily from the jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeño or substitute with green bell pepper for the same color and crunch without the spice. You can also serve the spicier ones with cooling dips like ranch or sour cream to balance the heat.

Can I prepare these the night before a party?

Yes! These twists are perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble them completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dough. The convenience makes them perfect for entertaining!

Why did my twists unravel during baking?

This typically happens if the ends weren't pinched together firmly enough. Make sure to press the ends together with a bit of pressure to create a proper seal. Also, avoid overhandling the dough, which can make it too warm and more likely to come apart during baking.

Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists with Garlic Butter Recipe

Name: Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists with Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) pizza dough; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked, crumbled; 1 small red onion, finely diced; 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced; 2 teaspoons chives, minced; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt

This incredible Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists recipe delivers pure comfort food magic in every bite. With layers of pizza dough wrapped around a creamy, spicy filling and topped with melted cheese and garlic butter, these twists are perfect for game day snacking, casual entertaining, or whenever you need a savory treat that’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re surprisingly simple to make despite their impressive appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile that hits all the right notes – creamy, smoky, spicy, and savory.
Impressive Presentation: These twisted bites look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re actually quite simple to make. Your guests will be thoroughly impressed!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these twists ahead of time and bake them when needed, making them perfect for entertaining.
Customizable Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or keeping some seeds for extra kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pizza Dough: The foundation of our twists, providing a soft, chewy texture. Using refrigerated dough makes this recipe quick and accessible.
Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base for our filling that holds everything together beautifully.
Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and delightful crispiness. The thick-cut variety gives you substantial bacon pieces in every bite.
Red Onion: Provides a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast. Its flavor mellows during baking.
Jalapeño Pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Chives: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and lovely color to the filling.
Garlic: Incorporated in both the filling and butter topping, it adds depth and an aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish.
White Cheddar Cheese: Creates that stretchy, melty goodness on top. Its sharpness complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Butter: Forms the base of our finishing touch – a rich, garlicky glaze that takes these twists to the next level.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds the perfect finishing touch to the garlic butter.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These twists are wonderfully versatile! Here are some delicious ways to switch things up:

Mediterranean Style: Swap the filling for a mix of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a Greek-inspired twist.
Italian Twist: Use a combination of mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs for a pizza-inspired version.
Veggie Option: Skip the bacon and add extra diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Extra Cheesy: Mix different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, stack both tubes of pizza dough and press them together gently. Cut the dough into 4 equal sections and roll each into an 8×10-inch rectangle.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, jalapeño, chives, and minced garlic until well mixed.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Take one dough rectangle and spread ⅓ of the cream cheese mixture over it. Place a second rectangle on top and add another ⅓ of the mixture. Add the third rectangle, spread the remaining filling, then top with the fourth rectangle. Press down gently to seal the layers.

Step 4: Cut and Shape

Using a sharp knife, cut the layered dough into 8 equal strips, then cut each strip in half to create 16 shorter strips. Twist each strip 3-5 times, then form into a circle by pinching the ends together.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Place the twists on prepared baking sheets, sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown with bubbly cheese.

Step 6: Add Garlic Butter Topping

While the twists bake, melt butter in a small saucepan, add garlic and salt, cook for one minute, then remove from heat. After the twists cool for 5 minutes, brush them with the garlic butter mixture and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Dough Works Best: Keep the pizza dough refrigerated until ready to use for easier handling.
Seal Those Edges: Make sure to pinch the ends of your twists firmly to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
Even Filling Distribution: Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges for consistent flavor in every bite.
Don’t Overtwist: 3-5 twists is perfect – too many and they might break, too few and they won’t have that beautiful twisted look.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning.

How to Serve

These cheesy twists are versatile and pair wonderfully with various accompaniments:

Dipping Sauces:

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor dimensions.

Complete the Spread:

These twists make a fantastic appetizer alongside other finger foods like chicken wings, meatballs, or a fresh vegetable platter.

Meal Pairing:

Turn them into a complete meal by serving with a hearty soup or crisp green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Making Ahead

You can assemble these twists up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight!

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. A microwave works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), but the texture won’t be quite as good.

Freezing

These twists freeze beautifully! Freeze baked twists on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Prepare your favorite recipe and divide it into portions equivalent to the two tubes called for. The texture might be slightly different, but many people prefer the flavor of homemade dough.
How do I make these less spicy for kids or sensitive palates?

The heat in this recipe comes primarily from the jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeño or substitute with green bell pepper for the same color and crunch without the spice. You can also serve the spicier ones with cooling dips like ranch or sour cream to balance the heat.
Can I prepare these the night before a party?

Yes! These twists are perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble them completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dough. The convenience makes them perfect for entertaining!
Why did my twists unravel during baking?

This typically happens if the ends weren’t pinched together firmly enough. Make sure to press the ends together with a bit of pressure to create a proper seal. Also, avoid overhandling the dough, which can make it too warm and more likely to come apart during baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists truly deliver on both flavor and presentation. They’ve become my go-to recipe whenever I need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy, spicy filling and the buttery garlic finish creates something that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting game day, need a potluck contribution, or just want to treat yourself to something special, these twists won’t disappoint. Give them a try – your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share them with you) will thank you!