Texas Twinkies are a mouthwatering culinary creation that takes the classic American snack to a whole new level. This appetizer has a heavenly combination of flavors that will leave you begging for more.
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These Texas Twinkies are the epitome of Southern comfort food, combining the smoky flavors of barbeque with the creamy richness of cheese and bacon. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Texan or just craving a smoky treat, indulging in this iconic dish is an absolute must for any food lover.
If you’re looking for more jalapeno recipes, try these Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Log, Crock Pot Cream Cheese Corn Dip, and Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers.
Why We Love This Texas Twinkies /Smoke Jalapeno Popper Recipe
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe. Wrapped in crispy bacon and cooked to perfection, these Texas Twinkies poppers are a crowd-pleasing sensation, perfect for parties or anytime you crave a savory and spicy treat.
- 30-Minute Appetizer: Our jalapeno poppers are the perfect quick and easy appetizer to whip up in just 30 minutes with leftover brisket mixture.
- Easy Ingredients: With only 4 simple ingredients, this recipe is incredibly straightforward yet the flavors are unbelievably delicious.
- Great for Parties: These poppers are a show-stopping addition to any party or gathering. The combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and savory bacon is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Cook out on the grill too.
Ingredient Notes for Smoked Texas Twinkies
- Brisket: Smoked brisket adds a delicious and tender flavor to this Texas Twinkies recipe. Use fully cooked brisket that has been shredded or chopped into small bite-sized pieces.
- Whole Jalapeno Peppers: Choose large jalapeno peppers for easy stuffing. If you prefer more spiciness, remove the seeds and leave the white rib portion intact.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese balances the heat of the jalapenos and complements the flavors of the brisket. Make sure your softened cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Bacon: Thick-cut slice of bacon not only adds a salty and savory touch but also helps hold the stuffed jalapenos together. The thick-cut bacon enhances the flavor, use hickory smoke or whatever you like.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions for this Smoked Brisket and Jalapeno Pepper Appetizer
Elevate your bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeno peppers with these creative twists! From experimenting with barbecue flavors to exploring alternative cooking methods, these variations can open the door to a world of culinary possibilities.
- Barbecue Sauce: For an extra flavor boost, brush the bacon-wrapped jalapenos with your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking. Truly, any type of BBQ glaze will do for this jalapeño stuffed appetizer. Sweet barbecue sauce is delectable.
- Barbeque Rub: Sprinkle a barbecue rub over the cream cheese and brisket stuffing to infuse the poppers with more smoky goodness.
- Smoker Cooking: If you have a smoker, opt for that cooking method to incorporate even more smoky flavor. Simply preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F and cook the Texas Twinkies for 60 to 90 minutes.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppers
These are the basic steps for making Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Peppers. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Prepare the Jalapenos
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then using a sharp paring knife, cut off the top of each jalapeno and slice a straight line down the back to open it up. Next, use a spoon to remove the seeds and rinse the jalapenos under water to clean them.
Step 2: Stuff Peppers with Brisket and Cream Cheese Filling
Then spread the cream cheese mixture inside each jalapeno, ensuring there’s enough to hold the chopped brisket in place. Then add your chopped or shredded smoked brisket to each cream cheese stuffed pepper.
Step 3: Wrap Stuffed Jalapeños in Bacon
Lay out a slice of thick-cut piece of bacon and secure one end to the jalapeno with a toothpick. Next, wrap the bacon around the jalapeno, securing the other end with another toothpick.
Step 4: Cook the Texas Twinklies in the Oven
Finally, place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet with a wire rack to catch drippings. Lastly, place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy on the outside.
Recipe FAQs about this jalapeño popper Recipe
Expert Tips for Making This Texas Twinkies Recipe
These tips will ensure your stuffed jalapeno peppers turn out absolutely delicious. From adding a touch of sweetness to freezing for convenience, these tips will elevate your Texas Twinkie game and impress your guests.
- Add Sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some brown sugar or maple syrup over the stuffed jalapenos before wrapping them in bacon.
- Pulled Pork: If you don’t have brisket, pulled pork makes an excellent substitution, adding its own unique flavor. Or try breakfast sausage, and smoked chicken, or use up leftover meat you like if you do not have to use leftover brisket.
- Great for Freezing: These stuffed jalapenos freeze well, making them an ideal make-ahead appetizer for busy days or parties. Simply freeze them after cooking, and reheat them when needed.
- Wash: When dealing with peppers make sure to wash your hands several times to prevent burns.
- Air Fry: Of course, you can use this Texas Twinkies recipe and make it in the air fryer instead of using the grill.
What to Serve with Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 Jalapenos , sliced and de-seeded
- 8 slices Bacon, thick cut
- 12 tablespoons Cream cheese , room temperature
- 2 cups Smoked brisket , chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees before using.
- Start by removing the top part of the jalapeno. Then, with a sharp paring knife, make a straight cut along the back of the jalapeno (usually the flat side). Finally, use your fingers to separate and open up the jalapeno.
- Take your paring knife and carefully remove the seeds from the jalapeno. If you prefer to keep a slight level of heat in the jalapeno, retain the white rib section and discard only the seeds.
- Clean your jalapenos by rinsing them under water and washing away any seeds.
- With a knife, fill half of the jalapeno’s interior with cream cheese, making sure to use enough to help the brisket adhere and stay intact.
- After filling the jalapenos with cream cheese, proceed to incorporate the brisket. Fill each jalapeno with shredded or chopped brisket.
- Place a slice of thick cut bacon on a flat surface.
- Start by attaching the bacon to the jalapeno using a toothpick, beginning from one side. Proceed to wrap the bacon around the jalapeno and use another toothpick to secure the opposite end.
- To cook the Texas Twinkies, arrange them on a baking sheet, preferably on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to collect any drippings. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the bacon is fully cooked and reaches your desired level of doneness.
Expert Tips
- Add Sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some brown sugar or maple syrup over the stuffed jalapenos before wrapping them in bacon.
- Pulled Pork: If you don’t have brisket, pulled pork makes an excellent substitution, adding its own unique flavor.
- Great for Freezing: These stuffed jalapenos freeze well, making them an ideal make ahead appetizer for busy days or parties. Simply freeze them after cooking, and reheat when needed.
Don’t laugh but I’ve made something real similar with small sweet peppers instead of hot peppers since I really don’t like hot things. They were great in just about every way! The only difference from your recipe was the type of pappers.
That is a great idea. You could have both for a party and then people have choices.