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Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Texas Twinkies Recipe: Brisket Jalapeños

Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with smoky brisket, cream cheese, and cheddar—Texas BBQ's viral sensation. Fiery, creamy, meaty perfection using leftovers for game-day glory.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 287
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large fresh jalapeños
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup finely chopped smoked brisket
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12-24 slices thin-cut bacon
  • BBQ rub
  • Wooden toothpicks, soaked

Equipment

  • Smoker or grill
  • Paring knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. texas twinkies recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Slice jalapeños lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes with a spoon, rinse and pat dry thoroughly to prevent slipping during cooking. This ensures clean, adjustable heat levels while prepping for perfect stuffing adhesion as per Texas pitmaster standards.
  3. Step 2: Combine softened cream cheese, chopped brisket, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix until a creamy paste forms. Taste for seasoning, then pipe or spoon into jalapeño halves, mounding slightly—visual cue is a generous, even fill without overflow.
  4. Step 3: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 1-2 bacon slices, overlapping for full coverage, secure with soaked toothpick, and sprinkle with BBQ rub. Preheat smoker to 250°F with oak wood; place seam-down and smoke 2 hours until bacon crisps and internal reaches 165°F, rotating halfway for even char.

Nutrition

Calories: 287 | Carbohydrates: 3 | Protein: 18 | Fat: 23 | Fiber: 1 | Sugar: 1

Notes

STORAGE: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days at 40°F. Reheat oven 350°F 10-15 min. Freeze uncooked up to 2 months.
MAKE AHEAD: Stuff and wrap 24 hours ahead, fridge covered.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, chicken for brisket.
PRO TIPS: Use thin bacon to avoid chewiness; soak toothpicks; add water pan for moisture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Platter with ranch, BBQ sauce; sides like coleslaw, beans; stack for parties.
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