Description
A deliciously savory twist on the classic Danish pastry, this Savory Jalapeño Popper Danish features flaky puff pastry filled with creamy cream cheese, spicy sliced jalapeños, melty cheeses, and a crispy panko topping. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden-baked danishes are bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 10 frozen puff pastry squares, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Granulated garlic, to taste
- 4-6 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Take the thawed puff pastry squares and fold each one corner to corner. Then, make two slits on either side of the folded pastry to create the classic Danish “kite” shape. Place the shaped puff pastries onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced evenly.
- Assemble Danishes: Brush each pastry generously with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly in the center of each pastry. Season with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste. Layer the sliced jalapeños over the cream cheese, then sprinkle with shredded Colby Jack cheese and your choice of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Finally, top each with a sprinkle of panko bread crumbs for added texture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake until the pastries are golden brown and flaky, about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the panko topping. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
- You can substitute panko bread crumbs with regular bread crumbs if unavailable, but panko offers a crispier topping.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
- Serving warm maximizes the cheesy, gooey experience.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispiness, avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
