Texas Twinkies are a mouthwatering BBQ appetizer that transforms leftover brisket into something extraordinary. This Texan delicacy features jalapeños stuffed with a creamy brisket filling, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with barbecue sauce for the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Originally created in Texas BBQ joints to use up day-after brisket, these flavor bombs have become legendary at cookouts and tailgates across the South.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The perfect way to transform leftover brisket into an irresistible appetizer
• Balances spicy, smoky, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite
• Easy to prepare ahead for parties and gatherings
• Crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears faster than you can make them
• Customizable heat level based on how you prep the jalapeños

Ingredients

• Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños provide the vehicle for these flavor bombs. Leave some seeds for extra heat or remove all for a milder experience.
• Bacon: Select regular-cut bacon strips (not thick-cut) that will wrap easily around the jalapeños and crisp up nicely.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the creamiest texture and best mixing results.
• Leftover Beef Brisket: The star of the show! Chopped into small pieces, the smoky, tender brisket adds incredible flavor and texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds tanginess and gooey texture. Pre-shredded works, but freshly shredded melts better.
• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: This Cajun seasoning blend adds the perfect kick. Tony Chachere’s or another Cajun seasoning can substitute.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the smoky brisket flavors.
• Onion Powder: Provides savory depth without the texture of fresh onions.
• Barbecue Sauce: The final brushing of BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully. Choose your favorite style—sweet, spicy, or smoky.

Variations

Smoked Texas Twinkies

Take these flavor-bombs to the next level by cooking them on your smoker instead of in the oven. Prepare them as directed, then smoke at 250°F for about 75-90 minutes until the bacon is crispy. The additional smokiness creates an even more authentic Texas BBQ experience.

Pulled Pork Twinkies

No leftover brisket? No problem! Substitute pulled pork for an equally delicious variation. The tender pulled pork combines beautifully with the cream cheese and provides a slightly sweeter flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the spicy jalapeños.

Vegetarian Twinkies

Create a meatless version using seasoned jackfruit or chopped smoked mushrooms in place of the brisket. The meaty texture of these plant-based alternatives works surprisingly well in this recipe, especially when combined with some extra smoky seasonings like smoked paprika.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top—this setup allows the bacon grease to drip away during cooking, resulting in crispy bacon all around. Rinse and thoroughly dry your jalapeños. Make a lengthwise cut down each pepper, being careful not to cut all the way through. Create a pocket by removing about ¼ inch down the center and scoop out the seeds and membranes. For a milder result, remove all seeds; for more heat, leave some behind.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. This ensures your filling will be creamy and easy to work with. Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder, mixing well to distribute the flavors. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped brisket pieces, gently combining until evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together well but still have visible pieces of brisket throughout.

Step 3: Stuff and Wrap

Using a small spoon, generously fill each prepared jalapeño with the brisket-cheese mixture, slightly mounding the filling. Don’t be afraid to pack it in. Then, wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling around to cover most of the pepper. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed. Place each wrapped pepper on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they’re not touching.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Bake the wrapped jalapeños for 50-60 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remove from the oven and brush each Twinkie generously with barbecue sauce. Return to the oven for 10-15 additional minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and set. Let cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot right out of the oven.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For easier handling, wear disposable gloves when preparing the jalapeños to avoid irritating your skin and eyes with capsaicin.
• Choose jalapeños of similar size for even cooking; larger jalapeños hold more filling but take longer to cook through.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more workable filling.
• Chop the brisket into small, consistent pieces (about ¼-inch) so it distributes evenly throughout the filling.
• If the bacon isn’t staying put, secure it with toothpicks, but remember to remove them before serving.
• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese in the filling.
• The wire rack is crucial—without it, the bacon will sit in its grease and won’t crisp properly.

How to Serve

Texas Twinkies make a show-stopping appetizer for backyard BBQs, game days, or any gathering where bold flavors are appreciated. Serve them hot or warm on a large platter, perhaps garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. A small bowl of extra barbecue sauce on the side makes an excellent dipping option for those who want more sauce.

These hearty appetizers pair wonderfully with cold beer, especially amber ales or IPAs that can stand up to the bold flavors. For a complete Texas BBQ spread, serve alongside coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. For a more elegant presentation, drizzle the platter with a zigzag of thinned barbecue sauce or honey before serving.

Make Ahead

Texas Twinkies are perfect for prepping in advance. You can prepare the jalapeños and filling up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The fully assembled but unbaked Twinkies can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked Twinkies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Leftover cooked Texas Twinkies can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the bacon crisps back up.

FAQs

Can I make these less spicy? (H3)

Absolutely! For a milder version, thoroughly remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. You can also substitute mini sweet bell peppers for a completely non-spicy option while keeping the same great flavors.

What can I use instead of brisket?

If you don’t have leftover brisket, several substitutions work well: pulled pork, chopped smoked chicken, chopped pastrami, or even crumbled cooked sausage. For a vegetarian option, try smoked jackfruit or finely chopped smoked mushrooms.

Can I grill these instead of baking them?

Yes! Texas Twinkies are excellent on the grill. Prepare a grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (about 350-375°F). Place the prepared Twinkies on the cooler side and cook with the lid closed for about 40-50 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Brush with BBQ sauce and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes more.

How do I prevent the filling from oozing out during baking?

Make sure not to overfill the jalapeños, leaving about ⅛ inch from the top. Wrapping the bacon tightly helps contain the filling. Also, chilling the assembled Twinkies for 30 minutes before baking helps firm up the filling so it’s less likely to escape during cooking.

Conclusion

Texas Twinkies represent the best of Texas BBQ creativity—taking something as perfect as smoked brisket and transforming leftovers into an even more crave-worthy appetizer. The combination of spicy jalapeños, smoky brisket, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible bite that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just someone looking to make something special for your next gathering, these flavor-packed poppers deliver big Texas flavor in every bite. Give them a try at your next cookout—just be prepared to make a double batch!

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