Texas Twinkies are a popular BBQ treat that involves stuffing large jalapeños with a savory mix of cream cheese and brisket, wrapping them in bacon, and grilling or smoking them to perfection. The result is a smoky, cheesy, and spicy bite that makes for a fantastic appetizer or side dish at any BBQ gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded or chopped cooked brisket (or pulled pork)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 12 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons barbecue rub or seasoning
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (optional for basting)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon diced chives for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce for added heat
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky kick
For Serving:
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Extra barbecue sauce on the side
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
- Cut the jalapeños lengthwise, creating a flap (do not cut all the way through), and remove the seeds and membranes. If you want a milder flavor, remove more of the seeds and membranes; for spicier Twinkies, leave some seeds.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded brisket, and cheddar cheese (if using) until well combined.
- Add any additional seasonings such as chives, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
- Stuff each jalapeño with the cream cheese and brisket mixture, being careful not to overfill them.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. Make sure the bacon covers the opening of the jalapeño to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 5: Season the Texas Twinkies
- Sprinkle the barbecue rub or seasoning over the wrapped jalapeños for added flavor.
Step 6: Cook the Texas Twinkies
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
- Smoker Method: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and smoke the jalapeños for 1.5 to 2 hours until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are soft.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are cooked through.
Step 7: Baste with Barbecue Sauce (Optional)
- During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped jalapeños for a sweet, smoky glaze.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, remove the Texas Twinkies from the grill, smoker, or oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
Cooking Notes
- Brisket: If you don’t have brisket, you can use pulled pork or even cooked ground beef as a substitute.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it crisps up more easily. Thicker bacon may take longer to cook.
Variations
1. Sweet and Spicy Texas Twinkies
Add a touch of brown sugar or honey to the barbecue sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast to the smoky bacon and savory filling.
2. Cheesy Texas Twinkies
For extra cheesiness, add Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese to the cream cheese filling for a gooey, melty texture.
3. Vegetarian Texas Twinkies
Replace the brisket with smoked tofu or grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor.
4. Extra Hot Texas Twinkies
For spice lovers, mix diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the cream cheese filling and leave the seeds in the peppers for maximum heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Texas Twinkies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Texas Twinkies and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before grilling or smoking them.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Texas Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While brisket is traditional, you can use pulled pork, smoked chicken, or even ground beef as an alternative.
Q: Can I make these without a smoker?
Absolutely! You can cook Texas Twinkies on a regular grill or in the oven, and they will still have plenty of flavor.
Q: How do I make them less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as that’s where most of the heat comes from.
These Texas Twinkies are a smoky, cheesy, and savory BBQ treat that’s perfect for any gathering. The combination of jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and brisket, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with barbecue sauce makes them irresistible. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or baking them, these Texas Twinkies are sure to be a hit with friends and family!
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