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Texas Twinkies: The Ultimate & Irresistible Guide to This Brisket-Stuffed BBQ Snack

A plate of Texas Twinkies with crispy bacon and melted cheese.

Texas Twinkies are smoky, spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon—a true Texas BBQ classic! These brisket-stuffed jalapeños are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any BBQ feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 large jalapeños, fresh and firm
  • 2 cups smoked brisket, finely chopped
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • BBQ sauce (optional) for glazing

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños

  1. Cut a small slit along one side of each jalapeño (don’t cut all the way through).
  2. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder taste. If you love heat, leave some in!

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix the chopped brisket, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff & Wrap

  1. Carefully stuff each jalapeño with the brisket-cheese filling.
  2. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of thick-cut bacon, making sure to cover the opening. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Smoking method:
6. Preheat the smoker to 250°F and smoke the Twinkies for 1.5 to 2 hours until the bacon is crispy.
7. (Optional) Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 15 minutes for extra flavor.

Baking method:
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until crispy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with ranch, BBQ sauce, or queso for dipping!


Notes

  • For extra heat, swap jalapeños for serrano peppers.
  • For a milder version, soak the jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing.
  • Low-carb/keto-friendly? Yes! Just use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
  • No smoker? Use an oven or an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: exas Twinkies, brisket-stuffed jalapeños, smoked jalapeño poppers, BBQ appetizer, bacon-wrapped stuffed peppers