Texas Twinkies - Jalapeños Stuffed with Smoked Brisket Recipe

Step into a backyard scene where jalapeños meet brisket in a way you wouldnt believe - thats Texas Twinkies. Theres just something about biting into these peppers, stuffed so full of smoky meat and cheese that you almost forget your just eating an app before dinner. This treat comes straight from Texas pit masters who love mixing bold flavors with a bit of fun, and you can taste that passion with every messy bite.

In a world where stuffed peppers is all over every BBQ menu, Texas Twinkies still steals the show, They got creamy cheese that drips out, a pop of heat, and a crunchy layer of bacon you cant ignore. Whether its at a tailgate or just chillin with family on a sunday afternoon, these things bring everyone together, even if theyre a little tricky to eat.

With just the right kick from peppers mixed with gooey cheese and salty bacon, you end up with a snack thats impossible to stop eating trust me. Keep reading and youll learn where they come from, what ingredients youll need, and a simple recipe thats sure to make your next party a hit.

What are Texas Twinkies?

Texas Twinkies is a crazy tasty mashup of Texan BBQ and spicy peppers. These morsels is really big jalapeño peppers packed tight with smoked brisket, cream cheese, and spices then wrapped in bacon and cooked till crispy. Its a perfect example of how folks in Texas like to get creative with regular barbecue to make something new and exciting.

The history of Texas Twinkies is kinda like backyard legend, but most reckon they popped up in the late 1900s. It started as a simple grill experiment—combine jalapeños and brisket, why not, right?—and over time they become a BBQ staple at tailgates, fam get-togethers, and big festivals. They show how important communal dining and celebrations are in Texan culture.

Key Ingredients

The real magic of Texas Twinkies lies in the main stuff you need. First off, jalapeños—the spicy peppers that give this dish its kick. Pick fresh, firm jalapeños so they dont go all soggy when you cook them.

Next up is the smoked brisket, usually the flat cut thats got just enough fat to stay tender but not too much. You want it slow-smoked so it gets that deep, smoky taste and then shredded or chopped up nice and small before you mix it with the rest of the filling.

Dont forget the cream cheese and cheddar cheese for that creamy, melty middle. Cream cheese gives it a smooth feel, while cheddar brings its own sharp flavor. Then theres bacon, which you wrap around everything to add a salty crunch. Lastly, some simple seasonings—like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper—round it all out, but feel free to colour outside the lines with your fav spices or a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Texas Twinkies might seem like a guilty pleasure, but they do pack in some good stuff, especially from jalapeños and brisket.

Jalapeños

These peppers are low in calories and full of vitamins like C and A. They also have capsaicin, the compound that makes them hot, and that can help:

• Boost your metabolism and help you lose weight
• Reduce inflammation and ease pain
• Improve digestion

Plus, jalapeños are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body.

Smoked Brisket

On the flip side, smoked brisket is a solid source of protein, which your muscles need to grow and repair. If you chose lean cuts or grass-fed meat, it can be pretty healthy. Just watch out for too much fat:

• Go for grass-fed or organic when you can for better nutrients
• Eat fatty cuts in moderation since theyre high in saturated fat

When you serve Texas Twinkies with some veggies or a side salad, you can fit them into a balanced diet without feeling guilty.

Recipe: Texas Twinkies

Ingredients List

Gather all this before you start:

• Fresh jalapeños: 12 large peppers
• Smoked brisket: 1 lb (flat cut is best)
• Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
• Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Bacon: 10 slices
• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper to taste
• BBQ sauce: optional for drizzling

Directions

1. Prep the jalapeños: Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave some if you want more spice.
2. Get the brisket ready: If you havent smoked your brisket yet, season it and cook it in a smoker or slow cooker until it falls apart.
3. Mix cheeses: In a bowl, stir together cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
4. Stuff the peppers: Fill each jalapeño with some chopped brisket and cheese mix, packing it tight.
5. Wrap in bacon: Wrap a bacon slice around each stuffed pepper, using a toothpick to hold it if you need to.
6. Cook: Put the wrapped peppers on the grill or in the oven. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot. If youre grilling, a grill basket helps keep them from falling through.
7. Serve: Pull them off the heat, drizzle BBQ sauce if you like, and let cool a bit before you dive in.

Cooking Tips

• Use homemade smoked brisket if you can, and try different wood chips for new flavors
• Adjust spice by picking mild or hot jalapeños, or add extra chili powder to the mix
• For the best brisket, go low and slow—that means low temp and lots of time

Texas Twinkies - Jalapeños Stuffed with Smoked Brisket

Texas Twinkies are a delicious twist on traditional jalapeño poppers, stuffed with creamy cheese and tender smoked brisket, then wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection. These spicy, savory treats are perfect for your next barbecue or game day gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 4 People

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• 1 smoker or grill
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 parchment paper or aluminum foil
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 mixing bowl
• as needed toothpicks optional

Ingredients

  

• 16 large jalapeños
• 2 cups cooked smoked brisket Shredded
• 1 cup cream cheese Softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 slices bacon
• optional BBQ sauce For drizzling or dipping

Instructions

 

• Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the jalapeños: Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded smoked brisket, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
• Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the brisket and cheese mixture, pressing it down gently so the filling holds.
• Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with one slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if desired.
• Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• If working on a smoker or grill, place the baking sheet directly on the grill grates. If using an oven, simply place the baking sheet on the middle rack.
• Cook for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Remove from the heat and allow cooling for a few minutes. Serve warm with BBQ sauce drizzled on top or as a side for dipping.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by using milder peppers or removing all the seeds and membranes.

You can make the filling ahead of time and stuff the jalapeños shortly before cooking.

These Texas Twinkies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.