Smoked Texas Twinkies Recipe
Holy moly – this Texas Twinkies Recipe is so much fun to make! Loaded with bacon and cheese flavor, you really can’t go wrong! Once you have a Texas Twinkie, you’re going to be hooked and want more! Luckily they’re easy to make so that can become a reality.
Contents
What Is A Texas Twinkie?
A Texas Twinkie or Brisket Stuffed Jalapeno Pepper is a type of Jalapeño pepper that is filled with brisket and then smoked. Texas twinkies can also be oven-baked or air fried, however, the bacon-wrapped brisket tastes amazing after being cooked on the smoker.
Texas Twinkie Ingredients
- Jalapenos (sliced and de-seeded): Provide a spicy kick, balanced by the creamy filling and smoky brisket.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Wraps around the jalapenos, adding a crispy, salty layer that complements the heat and richness.
- Cream Cheese (room temp): Adds a smooth, creamy texture that mellows the spice of the jalapenos.
- Smoked Brisket (chopped or shredded): Infuses the filling with deep, smoky flavor, making these stuffed jalapenos hearty and satisfying.
How To Make A Texas Twinkie
Start by preparing your jalapenos. When selecting your jalapenos at the store, just like they say in Texas “bigger is better”!
I trim the top of the jalapeno off. Next, using a sharp pairing knife, slice a straight line down the backside of the jalapeno (it’s often the flat part). Using your fingers spread the jalapeno open.
Grab your pairing knife and carefully de-seed the jalapeno. This is where all the heat is. If you want to leave the jalapeno a little spicy, leave the white rib portion and remove the seeds.
Rinse your jalapenos under water to clean them and rinse any seeds away.
Using a knife stuff half of the inside of the jalapeno with cream cheese. Ensure there is enough as this will help the brisket stick to and keep intact.
Once the jalapenos have been stuffed with cream cheese it’s time to add the brisket. Take your shredded or chopped brisket and stuff each jalapeno.
On a flat surface, lay out a slice of thick-cut bacon.
Beginning at one side, secure the bacon to the jalapeno with a toothpick. Wrap the jalapeno with the bacon and secure the other end with another toothpick.
When all of the jalapenos have been wrapped in bacon it’s now time to cook them. You can choose to cook them in the oven or the smoker.
OVEN COOKING
Preheat your oven to 400°. Place the Texas Twinkies on a baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack with a baking sheet under to catch the drippings), this will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the bacon has cooked through and is done to your liking.
SMOKER COOKING
Preheat your smoker to 275°. Place the Texas Twinkies directly on the wire rack. Allow cooking for 60-90 minutes, until the bacon has cooked through.
Expert Tips For Making Perfect Texas Twinkies
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the bacon wrapped tightly around the jalapenos during cooking.
- Indirect Heat for Grilling: Cook over indirect heat to prevent the bacon from burning while the jalapenos and filling cook through.
Variations
Many different types of stuffed jalapeno peppers are popular in Texas. Some other popular options include the BBQ brisket-stuffed pepper, the pulled pork-stuffed pepper, or Paprika Jalapeno Poppers. Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a stuffed pepper recipe that is perfect for you!
What To Serve With Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies pair well with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad to complement their smoky flavor. A fresh green salad or grilled corn on the cob adds a lighter, crisp contrast. For a hearty meal, serve them with mac and cheese or cornbread. Don’t forget a tangy barbecue sauce for dipping!
FAQ’S
What Is The Best Way To Eat A Texas Twinkie?
The best way to eat a Texas Twinkie is by slicing it in half and then topping it with your favorite sauce. Ooh, yummy!
Is A Texas Twinkie An Appetizer?
Yes, a Texas Twinkie can absolutely be served as an appetizer. They are also great as a main course or even as a side dish. However you want to eat these Brisket Stuffed Peppers is totally up to you.
What’s The difference between A Texas Twinkie and Jalapeno Popper?
The main difference between a Texas Twinkie and a regular jalapeno pepper is that the Texas Twinkie is stuffed with brisket, whereas a regular jalapeno pepper is usually filled with cheese or other types of fillings.
Additionally, the Texas Twinkie has a crispy bacon wrap, while the jalapeno pepper is typically just stuffed and cooked.
What Does A Texas Twinkie Taste Like?
The taste of a Texas Twinkie will depend on the quality of the brisket used as well as the smoking process.
Some people find that the pepper itself has a slightly spicy and slightly smoky flavor, while others prefer to combine their Texas Twinkie with other toppings like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
No matter how you choose to eat it, there’s no denying that a Texas Twinkie is a delicious and satisfying snack.
Texas Twinkie Recipe
You're going to love the ease of making this simple Texas Twinkie Recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 jalapenos sliced and de-seeded
- 8 slices thick cut bacon
- 12 tbsp cream cheese room temp
- 2 c smoked brisket chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Start by preparing your jalapenos. When selecting your jalapenos at the store, just like they say in Texas “bigger is better”!
- I trim the top of the jalapeno off. Next, using a sharp pairing knife, slice a straight line down the backside of the jalapeno (it’s often the flat part). Using your fingers spread the jalapeno open.
- Grab your pairing knife and carefully de-seed the jalapeno. This is where all the heat is. If you want to leave the jalapeno a little spicy, leave the white rib portion and remove the seeds.
- Rinse your jalapenos under water to clean them and rinse any seeds away.
- Using a knife stuff half of the inside of the jalapeno with cream cheese. Ensure there is enough as this will help the brisket stick to and keep intact.
- Once the jalapenos have been stuffed with cream cheese it’s time to add the brisket. Take your shredded or chopped brisket and stuff each jalapeno.
- On a flat surface, lay out a slice of thick-cut bacon.
- Beginning at one side, secure the bacon to the jalapeno with a toothpick. Wrap the jalapeno with the bacon and secure the other end with another toothpick.
- When all of the jalapenos have been wrapped in bacon it’s now time to cook them. You can choose to cook them in the oven or the smoker.
- OVEN COOKING: Preheat your oven to 400°. Place the Texas Twinkies on a baking sheet (preferably on a wire rack with a baking sheet under to catch the drippings), this will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the bacon has cooked through and is done to your liking.
- SMOKER COOKING: Preheat your smoker to 275°. Place the Texas Twinkies directly on the wire rack. Allow cooking for 60-90 minutes, until the bacon has cooked through.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 292Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 92mgSodium 291mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 22g
