Texas Twinkies bring together everything that’s great about barbecue and comfort food in one irresistible, bacon-wrapped package that’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. These indulgent treats feature large jalapeño peppers stuffed with creamy cream cheese and tender pulled pork or brisket, all wrapped in smoky bacon and either smoked or baked until the bacon is crispy and the filling is molten hot. What makes Texas Twinkies truly special is how they combine multiple barbecue elements into one perfect bite: the heat of jalapeños, the richness of cream cheese, the smokiness of quality barbecue meat, and the crispy saltiness of bacon all working together in harmony. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and crowd-pleasing appeal, making it perfect for tailgating, backyard barbecues, or any time you want to serve something that looks impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just someone who loves bold, satisfying flavors, these Texas Twinkies deliver that perfect combination of heat, smoke, and richness that defines great Texas barbecue.
Serving Quantity: Makes 12 Texas Twinkies (serves 6-8 as an appetizer)
Ingredients
For the jalapeño preparation:
- 12 large fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked pulled pork, brisket, or smoked chicken, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For wrapping and cooking:
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 12 toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for sprinkling (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
For serving:
- Extra barbecue sauce for dipping
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a sharp paring knife for cutting jalapeños, a small spoon for removing seeds, mixing bowls, a baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil, and toothpicks for securing. A smoker or grill can be used instead of an oven for extra flavor. Disposable gloves are recommended when handling jalapeños.
Selecting and Preparing the Jalapeños
Choose large, firm jalapeño peppers that are relatively straight rather than curved, as these will be easier to stuff evenly. Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from capsaicin oils that can cause burning.
Cut each jalapeño lengthwise, creating a deep pocket but leaving the pepper intact on one side so it can hold the filling. Carefully remove all seeds and white membranes using a small spoon, creating as much space as possible for the filling.
Creating the Perfect BBQ Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the finely chopped barbecue meat, grated cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
The filling should be well-seasoned and flavorful since it’s the heart of the Texas Twinkie. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more barbecue sauce for moisture or brown sugar for sweetness to balance the jalapeño heat.
Stuffing Technique for Maximum Filling
Using a small spoon or your fingers, generously stuff each jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture, packing it firmly but not so tight that it oozes out during cooking. The filling should mound slightly above the pepper opening.
Don’t be conservative with the filling, as this is what makes Texas Twinkies so satisfying. The more generous the stuffing, the better the flavor balance between heat, creaminess, and barbecue goodness.
Bacon Wrapping Mastery
Take each slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeño, starting at one end and spiraling around to cover most of the pepper and secure the filling. The bacon should overlap slightly to ensure complete coverage.
Secure each wrapped Twinkie with a soaked toothpick, piercing through the bacon and jalapeño to hold everything together during cooking. The wet toothpicks won’t burn during the cooking process.
Oven Preparation and Setup
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the wrapped Texas Twinkies on the baking sheet with some space between each one.
For extra flavor and caramelization, lightly sprinkle the tops with brown sugar and coarse black pepper. This creates a sweet-spicy crust that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
Cooking for Optimal Results
Bake the Texas Twinkies for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the jalapeños are tender when pierced. The cream cheese filling should be hot and bubbly around the edges.
If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. The goal is perfectly crispy bacon with tender jalapeños and molten filling.
Smoking Alternative Method
For authentic barbecue flavor, these can be smoked at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Use hickory or apple wood for the best flavor complement.
The smoking method adds incredible depth of flavor but takes longer than oven baking. Plan accordingly and maintain consistent smoker temperature throughout the cooking process.
Grilling Option
Texas Twinkies can also be grilled over indirect medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Place them on the cooler side of the grill to prevent bacon flare-ups while ensuring even cooking.
Use a grill basket or place on aluminum foil to prevent smaller pieces from falling through grates while still getting that authentic grilled flavor and char.
Resting and Final Touches
Let the Texas Twinkies rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the filling to set slightly and prevent burns from molten cheese. This brief cooling makes them easier to handle while still being served hot.
Remove toothpicks carefully before serving, or leave them in place if serving as finger food where guests can remove them themselves.
Serving and Presentation
Arrange the hot Texas Twinkies on a serving platter and provide small bowls of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. The contrast between the spicy jalapeño and cooling barbecue sauce adds another layer of flavor complexity.
Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for color and freshness that brightens the rich, smoky flavors. The herbs add visual appeal and aromatic contrast to the hearty dish.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Texas Twinkies can be assembled completely up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes them perfect for entertaining since all prep work can be done ahead.
When cooking from refrigerated, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the filling heats through completely. The cold filling will take longer to reach the proper serving temperature.
Meat Selection and Preparation
Use high-quality barbecue meat for the best results. Leftover brisket, pulled pork, or smoked chicken all work wonderfully. Chop the meat finely so it distributes evenly in the filling and doesn’t make the jalapeños difficult to bite.
If using store-bought barbecue meat, choose varieties with minimal sauce so you can control the moisture content of your filling mixture.
Heat Level Customization
Control the spiciness by how thoroughly you remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For milder versions suitable for all palates, remove everything and even rinse the pepper cavities with cold water.
For heat lovers, leave some seeds and membranes, or add a minced serrano pepper to the filling mixture for extra fire that complements the barbecue flavors.
Variations and Creative Additions
Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for extra heat, or smoked gouda for additional smoky flavor. Diced pickles or jalapeños can be added to the filling for extra tang and texture.
Some cooks like to add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to the filling for extra sweetness that balances the heat and smoke beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Texas Twinkies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes. While they won’t be as crispy as when fresh, they’ll still be delicious.
For longer storage, assembled but uncooked Texas Twinkies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Considerations
While definitely an indulgent treat, jalapeños provide vitamin C and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. The barbecue meat adds protein, making these more substantial than many appetizers.
Using leaner barbecue meats like smoked chicken breast or trimmed brisket can reduce the overall fat content while maintaining the essential flavors that make this dish special.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your bacon isn’t crisping properly, make sure it’s not too thick and that oven temperature is adequate. If filling leaks out, ensure jalapeños are properly cleaned and bacon is wrapped tightly enough.
For Texas Twinkies that are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue cooking until jalapeños are tender and filling is hot throughout.
