Name: Irresistible Texas Twinkies: Your New Favorite BBQ Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 pieces Jalapeño Chiles (Choose medium to large peppers with thick walls.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Soften for better mixing.); 1 cup Chopped Cooked Brisket (Can substitute with chicken or sausage.); 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Adds creaminess and tang.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Enhances savory flavor.); 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Key spice for smoky flavor.); 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional for extra heat.); 12 slices Bacon (Pre-cook slightly for crispiness.); 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce (Any favorite variety works.)

“Oh, my goodness! You won’t believe how easy it is to elevate your next BBQ gathering with these Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Texas Twinkies. These little gems truly encapsulate the heart of comfort food—think crispy bacon hugging a zesty jalapeño that’s brimming with a creamy brisket filling. Yes, please! Not only are these Texas Twinkies a hit for game days or summer cookouts, but they also come together in no time. Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe brings the smoky flavors of the grill right into your kitchen. Are you ready to spice up your appetizer game? Let’s dive in!”

Why Are Texas Twinkies So Addictive?

Crispy, Creamy Delight: The perfect combination of textures makes each bite a delight—crispy bacon wrapped around a creamy filling that oozes with flavor.
Flavor Explosion: Packed with smoky, spicy goodness, these Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Texas Twinkies bring a taste of BBQ right to your table!
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, these appetizers are perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for any occasion, from game days to family picnics, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone. Give them a try alongside our flavorful Meaty Texas Trash for a double dose of goodness!

Texas Twinkies Ingredients

• Get ready to whip up these flavorful bites!

For the Filling

Jalapeño Chiles – Choose medium to large peppers with thick walls for the best stuffing experience.
Cream Cheese – Soften it to make mixing with your other ingredients seamless and creamy.
Chopped Cooked Brisket – Adds hearty depth; feel free to swap it out for chicken or sausage if you’d like.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Use for greater creaminess and a tangy flavor burst in each Texas Twinkie.
Garlic Powder – It lifts the savory notes, making the filling oh-so-delicious.
Smoked Paprika – This key spice infuses your Twinkies with that irresistible smoky flavor.
Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Kick up the heat according to your spice tolerance.

For Wrapping

Bacon – Lends a savory and crispy final layer; pre-cooking it slightly will help achieve the perfect crunch.

For the Glaze

Barbecue Sauce – Brush on any favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy finish to tie the whole dish together.

With these Texas Twinkies ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from creating a mouthwatering BBQ appetizer that’ll delight your guests!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Texas Twinkies

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To prepare for baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This setup will help the grease drain off during cooking, ensuring your Texas Twinkies come out crispy and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare Jalapeños
Place the jalapeños on the wire rack and roast them in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes. This step will soften them, making them easier to stuff later. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before handling.

Step 3: Cut Jalapeños
Once cool enough to touch, carefully slice each jalapeño to create a ‘T’-shaped slit. This opening will allow you to stuff the peppers with the delicious filling. Remove the seeds and membranes to tone down the heat if desired, ensuring a milder flavor for your Texas Twinkies.

Step 4: Mix Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cooked brisket, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are nicely blended, resulting in a creamy and flavorful filling for your Texas Twinkies.

Step 5: Stuff Jalapeños
Using a spoon or a piping bag for precision, fill each jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture, being careful to fill them about three-quarters full. Make sure the filling is packed in well to avoid any spillage during baking, ensuring every bite of your Texas Twinkies is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Wrap with Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing the ends with toothpicks as needed. This bacon wrap will keep the filling intact while adding a crispy and smoky flavor to your Texas Twinkies. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly for the best coverage.

Step 7: Bake
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the initial flavors to meld together and the bacon to start crisping up nicely.

Step 8: Add Sauce and Finish Baking
After the first baking time, carefully rotate the jalapeños. Brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze. Return them to the oven for another 7 minutes, or until the bacon is gloriously crispy, signaling that your Texas Twinkies are ready to be devoured.

Expert Tips for Making Texas Twinkies

Choose the Right Peppers: Select firm jalapeños with thick walls to withstand stuffing and roasting without falling apart.
Pre-Cook Bacon: For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it slightly before wrapping to ensure it crisps up nicely during baking without burning.
Watch Portion Sizes: Avoid overstuffing jalapeños; fill them only about three-quarters full to prevent any spillage and keep flavors intact.
Balance the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, remember to remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder taste in your Texas Twinkies.
Serve with Cooling Sides: Pair these spicy treats with cooling sides like creamy coleslaw or potato salad to balance the heat and provide relief.

Texas Twinkies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!

Meat-Free: Swap brisket with sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick: Use habanero or serrano peppers instead of jalapeños to up the heat level significantly. Just be prepared for a fiery delight!
Cheese Variants: Experiment with gouda or feta to add unique flavors to your filling; these cheeses can bring a whole new dimension to your Texas Twinkies.
Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to the cheese mixture for a fresh burst of flavor; it’s like taking a mini flavor vacation with each bite.
BBQ Sauce Swap: Explore different barbecue sauce flavors, such as honey mustard or chipotle, for a unique taste experience that can complement your gathering’s theme.
Bacon Alternatives: Try turkey bacon or pancetta for a lighter or different flavor profile; just remember that they may crisp at different rates.
Smoky Flavor Boost: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the filling for an enhanced barbecue taste—perfect for those smoky flavor fans!

These variations ensure there’s something for everyone, making your Texas Twinkies perfect for any occasion. For more crowd-pleasing recipes, you might want to check out our scrumptious Meaty Texas Trash appetizer!

How to Store and Freeze Texas Twinkies

Fridge: Store cooked Texas Twinkies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the Texas Twinkies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen Texas Twinkies straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the bacon is crispy again.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare and stuff the jalapeños a day ahead, then store in the refrigerator. Wrap with bacon and bake when you’re ready to serve!

Make Ahead Options

These Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Texas Twinkies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal last-minute effort! You can prep the jalapeños by stuffing and wrapping them up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the prepared Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious. When you’re ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, following the cooking instructions as usual. Just brush on the BBQ sauce and let them crisp up for that mouthwatering finish. This approach not only saves you time but ensures they maintain their flavor and texture, making your busy weeknights a breeze!

What to Serve with Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Texas Twinkies?

Elevate your BBQ spread with delicious sides that perfectly complement each spicy bite of your Texas Twinkies.

Coleslaw: This classic crunchy side salad delivers coolness and a refreshing contrast to the spicy kick, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Creamy Mac and Cheese: Indulge in this comforting dish for a rich and creamy pairing that welcomes the heat while adding a layer of satisfaction.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky, and slightly charred, corn on the cob adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs exquisitely with your Texan bites.
Baked Beans: The sweetness and heartiness of baked beans enhance the savory flavors of the Texas Twinkies, making for a classic BBQ combination.
Potato Salad: Chill out and enjoy the creamy texture of potato salad; it offers a perfect cooling effect that tempers the spicy richness of the jalapeños.
Spicy Pickles: Add a zingy crunch with spicy pickles that can enhance the savory character of your appetizers for a delightful flavor contrast.
Beer or Iced Tea: For drinks, serve a cold, refreshing beer or sweet iced tea to wash down the flavors; the ideal quencher for that warming spice!

Creating the perfect Texas Twinkies experience is all about delightful pairings that enhance the flavors and vibes of your gathering!

Texas Twinkies Recipe FAQs

What kind of jalapeños should I use for Texas Twinkies?
Absolutely! Choose medium to large jalapeño chiles with thick walls for the best stuffing experience. Look for peppers that are firm and free of blemishes to ensure they hold up during roasting and stuffing.

How should I store leftover Texas Twinkies?
Very good question! Store any cooked Texas Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. When you want a snack, just pop them in the oven for a quick reheating!

Can I freeze Texas Twinkies?
Definitely! To freeze, wrap each cooked Texas Twinkie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.

What should I do if my jalapeños are too spicy?
No worries! If your jalapeños are turning up the heat too much, simply remove the seeds and the membrane inside before stuffing them. This will significantly reduce their spiciness and allow for a more balanced flavor in your Texas Twinkies, making them enjoyable for everyone.

Can I use other meats instead of brisket in Texas Twinkies?
Absolutely! If brisket isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with shredded chicken or pulled pork. These variations can give your Texas Twinkies a whole new flavor profile; try it with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and tasty option!

Is this recipe suitable for pets?
It’s best to keep these spicy treats away from pets. Ingredients like jalapeños and bacon can be harmful to animals, so it’s safer to enjoy these Texas Twinkies solo or share some plain cooked chicken or cheese with your pets instead!