Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies are a savory and popular appetizer. A jalapeno that is hollowed out and stuffed with brisket, and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and then brushed with BBQ sauce and smoked to perfection. A meat lover’s treat, that is going to scream heaven in each bite.
This is a in Texas, the Lone Star state! If you like traditional , I think you will love this Texas Twinkie recipe. Or try out my for a savory dinner idea.
What is a Texas Twinkie
When I think of Twinkies I think of a cream filled cake, that screams 90’s nostalgia. But this Texas Twinkie is a jalapeno pepper that is full of smoked brisket, cream cheese, and wrapped in bacon and smoked on your grill.
A delicious appetizer that became super popular in the Texas barbeque world. Now this appetizer has taken over the world. Give it a try if you are a fan of jalapeno poppers.
Why You Will Love This Texas Twinkie Recipe
- Flavor explosion is what you are going to get in this barbecue recipe.
- Great for a backyard BBQ, pool party, finger food for a night in, etc.
- Full of Texas BBQ flavor in each bite.
- A great way to use leftover brisket from earlier in the week.
- This recipe will wow your family and friends with one bite!
Ingredients Needed
Jalapenos: You will find that the bigger the peppers the better since you are going to be stuffing them.
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese, as the lower-fat cream cheese becomes too runny and can leak out of the peppers.
Cheese: Pepper jack cheese adds more spice or opt for cheddar cheese for a tangy twist.
BBQ Rub: To take this dish to a whole new level I bought a BBQ rub to add more flavor to these stuffed jalapenos.
Brisket: You can buy pre-made brisket or use leftover brisket you have on hand from your grilling or even oven-baked brisket.
Bacon: Reach for a thick bacon for this recipe. I also like to reach for smoked bacon for added flavoring.
BBQ Sauce: Opt for any type of sauce you like. Whether it is a Kansas City style, sweet, , spicy, etc.
Variations to Recipe
Meat: Pulled pork, rib meat, crumbled sausage, and more can be used to go with the brisket or in replace of the brisket.
Cheese: Play around with different types of cheese to create a flavor profile you would like—white sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, gouda, etc.
Wrapping Peppers: Consider wrapping the peppers with pancetta or even prosciutto instead for a twist in flavor.
Sauce: Dip these in a ranch dressing, spicy mustard, aioli sauce, horseradish sauce, etc. Skip the BBQ sauce and do a different sauce.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Sweeten up the peppers and massage a little brown sugar on the bacon or even drizzle some honey on the bacon. It will add a sweet component to the peppers.
Filling: Chopped pineapple, add a spoonful of pepper jelly to the cream cheese, caramelized onions, chopped sauteed mushrooms, and more can be added into the pepper filling for even more flavor. The sky is the limit.
Storing
Make Ahead: You can make these ahead of time and keep them in the raw form in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then cook the same as you would just add a few more minutes to the cooking time. Or cook them store them in the fridge, and reheat them when you are ready.
Refrigerate: You can store any of the peppers in the fridge for 2-4 days. Eat them cold or warm them up as you desire.
Freezing: The peppers will become pretty soft as they are thawed after being frozen. If you do freeze them just know that the texture will be different. Freeze for 1-2 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips For Making
Prep Peppers
Wash the jalapenos, cut in half, and scrape out the membrane and seeds. Then rinse again in cold water. This will help reduce the spice factor. If you like spice then leave some seeds in the peppers.
Filling
Mix up the filling and then that way when you go to fill the peppers each bite will have a bit of all the flavors.
Wrapping In Bacon
Wrap the bacon around the pepper, working your way from one end of the pepper to the other. If you need cut the bacon if you have smaller peppers. Then use toothpicks to secure the bacon onto the peppers.
Rotate As You Grill
Make sure that you rotate the peppers so all sides of the peppers and bacon are fully cooked on the grill. Just know it will smoke as the bacon grease drips into the fire.
Long Tongs
I find that using long tongs is best at helping to rotate the peppers as they grill up. That way if the grease pops it doesn’t get on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you serve Texas Twinkies?
So these are best hot off the smoker or grill. Typically they are served as an appetizer but you can serve them as a side dish or even main. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and dive in.
How to make jalapenos less spicy?
Removing the white membrane and seeds will cool down the heat factor of these peppers. You can also soak the peppers in cold ice water once you clean them up, to help tame down the spice even more. Just soak them for 15 minutes in ice water.
Final Thoughts
These Texas Twinkies are pure game-day magic. Smoky brisket, rich cream cheese, and just enough jalapeño heat, all wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with sticky BBQ sauce… it’s the kind of bite that makes people stop mid-conversation and go, “wait… WHAT is this?” The gooey center paired with that caramelized bacon exterior is honestly unbeatable.
They’re bold, indulgent, and totally worth every napkin. Whether you’re serving them for football Sunday, a backyard cookout, or just because you’re feeling extra, these always disappear fast. I’ve learned the hard way to make more than you think you need because once people see that creamy filling oozing out, there’s no turning back. These are the kind of appetizers that don’t just get eaten, they get remembered.
More Summer Recipes
Texas Twinkies
Ingredients
- 14 extra large jalapenos
- 8 ounces cream cheese more if needed
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon BBQ rub
- 1 pound chopped brisket
- 28 slices thick-cut bacon
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325°. Place a cooling rack on a cookie sheet, or line with tinfoil.
- Cut the jalapeno open from top to bottom, making sure not to cut in half. Remove the seeds.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheese, and BBQ rub together well.
- Fill half the jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill the jalapenos full with brisket.
- Wrap the jalapenos from one end to the other with one to two slices of bacon. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon.
- Place the jalapenos on the pan and bake for 45 minutes. Turn every 10 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and continue baking.
- If cooking on a grill, heat the grill to 325°, then cook for 35 to 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Use a grill mat if possible for easier clean up.
- These can be cooked in the air fryer. Place the Twinkies in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. (You may need to do this in batches) Set the air fryer for 375° and fry for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. When the bacon is crispy, the jalapenos should be cooked through.
Notes
- Oven Cook Time: 45 minutes – 325°
- Air Fryer Temp: 375° – 20 minutes
- Smoker: 250° – 2 hours
- Grill: 325° – 35-40 minutes
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire