These Texas Twinkies are bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and smoked brisket-perfect for game day, BBQs, or any gathering.
Whether you cook them in the oven or smoker, they're sure to be a hit! Inspired by classic Texas flavors, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to love.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Substitutions
Brisket Substitution: If you don't have smoked brisket, use pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even ground beef seasoned with barbecue spices.
How to make Texas Twinkies
Bring the taste of Texas to your table with these irresistible Texas Twinkies! Juicy smoked brisket and creamy cheese are stuffed into spicy jalapeños, then wrapped in crispy bacon for the ultimate flavor combo. Perfect for game day, BBQs, or even a cozy night in, these bacon-wrapped bites are versatile, indulgent, and sure to become your new go-to appetizer.
Prepare the Jalapeños
Spice Tip
Leave some membrane if you prefer a spicier bite.
Stuff the Jalapeños
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese into each jalapeño, filling one side.
Pro Tip
The cream cheese acts as a binder for the brisket.
Add Brisket
Add 2-3 tablespoons of shredded brisket to each jalapeño, pressing gently to ensure it sticks to the cream cheese.
Wrap with Bacon
- Lay a slice of bacon on a flat surface. Place a stuffed jalapeño at one end and roll the bacon around it, overlapping slightly.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks at both ends. Repeat for all jalapeños.
Cook the Texas Twinkies
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (to catch drippings and ensure even cooking).
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
Smoker Method:
- Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
- Place the jalapeños directly on the smoker rack. Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and has a rich smoky flavor.
Serve
- Let the Texas Twinkies cool for 5 minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks carefully.
- Serve as an appetizer or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ranch dressing or barbecue sauce).
Sarah's Top Tip
Glove Up: Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from the oils.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
How do you cut jalapeños pepper for stuffing?
Select large jalapeños for easier stuffing.
Wash and dry them thoroughly.
Trim
Trim off the stem end of each jalapeño. Using a sharp paring knife, make a straight cut lengthwise along one side (the flatter side works best).
Open
Gently open the jalapeño and use the knife or a small spoon to remove the seeds and white membrane.
Rinse the jalapeños under cold water to remove any remaining seeds.
Pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Can I make Texas Twinkies without a smoker?
Yes, you can definitely make Texas Twinkies without a smoker!
Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook them for 20-30 minutes on a baking sheet. For best results, use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet - this elevates the Twinkies and allows the bacon to crisp up evenly on all sides since the air can circulate underneath.
While you won't get the extra smoky flavor that a smoker provides, the smoked brisket used in the filling will still give you that wonderful smoky BBQ taste. The bacon will also add its own smoky notes as it cooks.
How to add smoky flavor when cooking in the oven
- Use smoked bacon.
- Add a tiny bit of liquid smoke to your brisket (use very sparingly!).
- Consider using smoked paprika as a seasoning on the outside of the bacon.
Reheating Instructions
If you have already cooked Texas Twinkies that you want to reheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place on wire rack over baking sheet.
- Heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Use broiler for last 1-2 minutes if bacon needs crisping.
Can Texas Twinkies be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Texas Twinkies in advance! Here are the best ways to do it:
Same Day Prep (recommended):
- You can assemble them completely (including wrapping in bacon) up to 4 hours ahead.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
- Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to let them come closer to room temperature.
- Cook according to recipe instructions.
Can they be frozen before cooking?
- Don't freeze uncooked Texas Twinkies (the texture of the jalapeños and cream cheese will suffer).
- Don't pre-cook partially - cook them completely when you're ready.
- Don't prep more than 24 hours in advance as the jalapeños can get soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Clean and prep jalapeños up to 24 hours ahead, store in airtight container in fridge
- If storing assembled but uncooked Twinkies overnight:
- Make sure cream cheese is spread evenly to create a barrier between the brisket and pepper.
- Wrap very tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
- Remove toothpicks before storing and re-secure with fresh ones before cooking.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Texas Twinkies: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños (Smoked Brisket)
Ingredients
Method
- Cut off the stem end and slice each jalapeño lengthwise. Remove seeds and membrane. Rinse and pat dry.8 jalapeños
- Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese into each jalapeño. Add 2-3 tablespoon shredded brisket, pressing gently to stick.12 Tablespoons cream cheese, 2 c smoked brisket
- Roll each stuffed jalapeño in a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks at both ends.8 slices Bacon
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Smoker Method: Smoke at 275°F for 60-90 minutes until bacon is cooked.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve with dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition Discolure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 16 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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