There’s something undeniably inviting about the sight of crispy bacon wrapped around savory stuffed jalapeños. Picture this: a group of friends gathered in your backyard, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of smoky brisket mingling with zesty cheese, as I pull out a tray of Texas Twinkies fresh from the oven. These little gems are not just appetizers; they’re a celebration of flavor and creativity, perfect for impressing guests or simply elevating your weeknight dinner routine.
When I first discovered this recipe, I was amazed by how simple it was to create such a mouthwatering dish. With just a handful of ingredients, including vibrant jalapeños and rich cheese, I found a delicious solution to my weeknight meal boredom. The best part? You can easily adapt these Texas Twinkies to your taste by swapping in different proteins or cheeses, making them a versatile delight for any occasion. Join me as we dive into this fun and flavorful recipe that’s destined to become a crowd favorite!
Why are Texas Twinkies a must-try?
Flavor Explosion: These bacon-wrapped wonders are bursting with the rich, smoky taste of brisket, enhanced by creamy cheese.
Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, even beginners can impress their friends and family.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, making them suitable for everyone, including vegetarians!
Perfect for Gatherings: Their crowd-pleasing appeal makes them an ideal appetizer for parties or game days.
Quick Cooking: Bake them to crispy perfection while freeing up time to enjoy good company — it’s a win-win!
Texas Twinkies Ingredients
• Get ready to dive into flavor!
For the Filling
- Jalapeño Peppers – These are the vessels for the filling, providing a mild heat and delightful crunch. Substitution: Mini bell peppers for a milder option.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy texture that complements the heat of the jalapeños. Substitution: Greek yogurt or a dairy-free spread can work beautifully.
- Leftover Brisket – Infuses rich flavor and protein into each bite. Substitution: Shredded rotisserie chicken or pulled pork for a tasty twist.
- Cheddar Cheese – Enhances flavor and helps bind the filling together. Substitution: Monterey Jack or spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Seasonings (Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cajun-style seasoning) – These elevate the overall taste of the filling. Personalization: Consider adding smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce for added flair.
For Wrapping
- Bacon – Provides a crispy and smoky finish, holding all the goodness inside. Substitution: Turkey bacon or thin sausage wraps are great alternatives for lighter options.
Optional Glaze
- Barbecue Sauce – This sweet glaze adds an irresistible finish to your Texas Twinkies. Optional: Skip it for a more straightforward flavor profile.
How to Make Texas Twinkies
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to ensure crispiness all around.
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Prepare Jalapeños: Rinse and dry the jalapeños. Carefully cut them in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for a milder bite.
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Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in the cheddar cheese, brisket, garlic powder, black pepper, and your chosen seasonings.
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Stuff Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the creamy mixture. Pack it in well, but make sure you can close them easily.
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Wrap in Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing the end if needed. Place them seam-side down on the wire rack.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
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Add Barbecue Sauce: Brush the baked jalapeños with barbecue sauce, and put them back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes for a sticky glaze.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the Texas Twinkies to cool slightly before serving. This will help the filling set for easy handling!
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Texas Twinkies?
Transform your appetizer into a complete meal with these delightful pairings that bring flavor and balance to your table.
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Sweet Corn Salad: This fresh dish adds a burst of sweetness that complements the spiciness of the jalapeños, enhancing the overall experience.
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Guacamole: Creamy and vibrant, guacamole provides a cool contrast to the Texas Twinkies, making each bite a flavorful journey.
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice offers a hearty side that rounds out your meal, bringing a satisfying texture balance to the crispiness of the Twinkies.
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Chipotle Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw brings a refreshing bright note that cuts through the savory richness of the stuffed jalapeños.
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Beer or Craft Soda: A cold drink, whether it’s a zesty craft soda or a hoppy beer, can cleanse the palate and enhance your gathering’s fun atmosphere.
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Creamy Dip: Try pairing with a smoky chipotle ranch or a classic ranch dressing for a luscious dip that enhances those rich flavors.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful mix of juicy fruits like pineapple and watermelon provides a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory flavors, perfect for balancing your meal.
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Chocolate Brownies: End your feast on a sweet note with fudgy brownies, bringing a delightful finish and satisfying dessert element after those savory bites.
Make Ahead Options
These Texas Twinkies are incredibly convenient for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the stuffed jalapeños up to 24 hours in advance, making them a perfect time-saver for busy weeknights. Simply prepare the filling and stuff each jalapeño, then wrap them in bacon and place them on a wire rack. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy, preheat your oven and bake them directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy. This way, you’ll have delicious, bacon-wrapped Texas Twinkies ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Texas Twinkies
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Choose Fresh Jalapeños: Select firm, bright jalapeños for the best texture and flavor. Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes to ensure a great stuffing experience.
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Avoid Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overstuffing can cause the jalapeños to burst during baking. A generous yet manageable amount keeps them intact.
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Watch the Bacon: If your bacon is overcooked, check your oven’s rack position, as uneven heat can lead to crispy bacon and undercooked filling. Rotate the tray halfway for even cooking.
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Prep Ahead: For easy entertaining, assemble your Texas Twinkies a day in advance and store them in the fridge. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment, just bake from frozen.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Swap out the brisket for seasoned ground turkey or black beans for a fun twist on this classic recipe, keeping the taste delightful.
Texas Twinkies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize these delicious bites to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free spread or tofu-based cream cheese for a creamy, plant-based option.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace brisket with seasoned black beans or crumbled tempeh, keeping that hearty texture without the meat.
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Spicy Twist: Add a few diced jalapeño seeds or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat; it’s perfect if you crave a fiery kick!
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Cheesy Delights: Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon.
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Healthier Wrap: Use turkey bacon or prosciutto to give a lighter, yet still crispy, alternative that reduces the overall fat content.
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Baked vs. Air Fryer: For quicker prep, try cooking these in an air fryer at 350°F for 20-25 minutes; the results are equally crispy and delicious.
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Alternative Meats: Shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground turkey can step in for brisket, offering new flavors while maintaining the heartiness.
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Flavor Enhancer: Brush the bacon-wrapped jalapeños with a dash of spicy mustard before baking for an added tangy flavor that elevates your Texas Twinkies!
How to Store and Freeze Texas Twinkies
Room Temperature: Keep cooked Texas Twinkies at room temperature for up to 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze assembled, unbaked Texas Twinkies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen without defrosting.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bacon is still crispy.
Texas Twinkies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose ripe jalapeños for my Texas Twinkies?
Absolutely! When selecting jalapeños, look for firm, shiny peppers that are bright green with no dark spots or wrinkles. A ripe jalapeño should feel hefty for its size and have a crisp texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for jalapeños that are lighter in color.
How should I store my leftover Texas Twinkies?
After enjoying your delightful Texas Twinkies, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes at 375°F. This helps to restore their crispy texture while bringing them back to delicious warm goodness!
Can I freeze Texas Twinkies, and if so, how?
Yes! You can freeze Texas Twinkies either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, prepare and stuff the jalapeños, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes. There’s no need to thaw them first!
What can I do if my bacon gets overcooked or unevenly cooked?
Very! If you notice that your bacon is overcooked while your filling remains undercooked, it could be due to uneven heat distribution in your oven. I recommend rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking. Additionally, ensure your oven rack is in the middle position for optimum heat circulation. If needed, you can also lower the oven temperature slightly to allow more even cooking.
Are there any dietary considerations for Texas Twinkies?
Certainly! These Texas Twinkies can be made gluten-free by ensuring that your seasonings and sauces are gluten-free. If you’re considering making them for someone with a dairy allergy, feel free to substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or a plant-based cheese. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the brisket with black beans or seasoned vegetables to maintain flavor while accommodating different dietary needs.
How long can I keep cooked Texas Twinkies at room temperature?
It’s essential to keep food safety in mind! Cooked Texas Twinkies should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If they exceed that time, it’s best to discard them to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Enjoy them fresh and hot out of the oven!
Savory Texas Twinkies: Bacon-Wrapped Flavor Bombs to Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to ensure crispiness all around.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Rinse and dry the jalapeños. Carefully cut them in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for a milder bite.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in the cheddar cheese, brisket, garlic powder, black pepper, and your chosen seasonings.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the creamy mixture. Pack it in well, but make sure you can close them easily.
- Wrap in Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing the end if needed. Place them seam-side down on the wire rack.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Brush the baked jalapeños with barbecue sauce, and put them back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes for a sticky glaze.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Texas Twinkies to cool slightly before serving. This will help the filling set for easy handling!