Texas Twinkies – Smoky Brisket-Stuffed Jalapeños Wrapped in Bacon! 🌶️🥓
Get ready for the ultimate BBQ appetizer—Texas Twinkies are jalapeños stuffed with smoky chopped brisket, creamy cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon! These irresistible bites are spicy, savory, and packed with bold Texas flavors, perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or anytime you want to impress.
Whether you bake them in the oven or smoke them low and slow, these bacon-wrapped poppers will be the first thing to disappear from your party spread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Smoky, cheesy, spicy perfection – The ultimate flavor combo!
✅ Easy to make – Ready in under an hour (oven method).
✅ Great for crowds – A guaranteed hit at parties & BBQs.
✅ Customizable heat – Keep it mild or make it extra spicy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Texas Twinkies:
- 8 large jalapeños 🌶️ (bigger = easier to stuff!)
- 1 ½ cups smoked brisket, chopped 🍖 (leftover brisket works great)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀 (for creaminess)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 (extra melty goodness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder 🧄
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon 🥓 (for that crispy wrap)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)
Optional Extras:
- Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
- Extra BBQ sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Jalapeños
- Slice jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds/membranes for milder heat (or leave some for extra spice!).
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix:
- Chopped brisket
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar
- Garlic & onion powder
- Stir until creamy and well combined.
3️⃣ Stuff & Wrap
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the brisket mixture.
- Wrap each with a bacon slice, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4️⃣ Cook to Crispy Perfection
Oven Method (Faster!)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place jalapeños on a wire rack over a baking sheet (for even crispiness).
- Bake 25-30 mins until bacon is crispy.
- Last 5 mins: Brush with BBQ sauce for a sticky glaze.
Smoker Method (For Extra Smoky Flavor!)
- Set smoker to 250°F (120°C).
- Smoke for 1 hour until bacon is crisp.
- Glaze with BBQ sauce in the last 5 mins.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool slightly (cheese will be molten hot!).
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping—watch them disappear!
Tips for the Best Texas Twinkies
🔥 Use large jalapeños – Easier to stuff & wrap.
🥓 Thick-cut bacon works best – Stays crispy without burning.
🌶️ Adjust the heat – Remove all seeds for mild, keep some for spicy.
💡 Make ahead – Assemble & refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Delicious Variations
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
🍯 Sweet & Smoky – Sprinkle brown sugar on bacon before baking.
🍗 Pulled Pork Swap – Use leftover pulled pork instead of brisket.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Add pepper jack cheese inside!
Serving Suggestions
- Game day appetizer
- BBQ side dish
- With cold beer or a margarita! 🍺🍹
Final Thoughts
These Texas Twinkies are the ultimate party food—smoky, cheesy, spicy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. Whether you bake or smoke them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Make them for your next gathering and prepare for compliments! 🤠🔥
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! 😋👇
