Texas Twinkies are a bold, smoky, and creamy BBQ appetizer made with jalapeños, chopped brisket, cream cheese, cheddar, scallions, and bacon. The name Texas Twinkies was originally created by a barbecue establishment in Texas as a clever way to use leftover brisket. They could have simply been called brisket jalapeño poppers, but the playful name helped them stand out, and they quickly became a favorite. Today, you can find many versions of this recipe, but keeping it simple is often the best way to let the brisket, jalapeño, and bacon shine.
This Texas Twinkies recipe is ideal when you have smoked brisket on hand and want to turn it into something rich, satisfying, and easy to share. The jalapeños bring a little heat, the cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture, the sharp cheddar adds flavor, and the bacon wraps everything together with a smoky, crisp finish. Whether you serve them at a cookout, game day gathering, backyard BBQ, or family dinner, these smoked brisket jalapeño poppers are always a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation:
- Chop the brisket into small pieces until it has a shredded, tender texture. Add it to a bowl with softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and any other simple seasonings or additions you enjoy. Mix everything by hand until the filling is evenly combined and creamy.
- Slice the jalapeños open and remove the seeds and veins if you want a milder bite. Fill each jalapeño with the brisket and cream cheese mixture, then wrap it tightly with bacon. If desired, season the bacon strips before wrapping to add another layer of BBQ flavor.
Cooking Instructions:
Brisket Jalapeno Poppers-Texas Twinkies
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chopped brisket
- 10-12 Good sized jalapeños
- 1-2 lbs Bacon
- 2 blocks Softened cream cheese
- 8 oz Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup Chopped scallions
- Start by smoking your brisket, then chop one pound of it for the jalapeño poppers. The brisket should be tender enough to mix easily with the cream cheese filling.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add two blocks of softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and the chopped brisket. Mix everything by hand until the filling is creamy, evenly combined, and ready to spoon into the peppers. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the jalapeños.
- Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and veins. This step helps control the heat, but you can leave some of the veins in if you prefer a spicier Texas Twinkie. Spoon about a tablespoon of the brisket cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling the cavity without overpacking it. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño tightly with bacon so the filling stays in place while it cooks.
- Fire up the smoker to 325 degrees and place the bacon-wrapped Texas Twinkies on the smoker grates. Arrange them with a little space between each one so the smoke and heat can move around the peppers evenly.
- Smoke for 1 hour, or until the bacon tightens around the jalapeños and becomes crisp. If you like a saucy finish, glaze them with your favorite BBQ sauce near the end of the cook. They are also excellent served without sauce, especially if you want the brisket, cheese, jalapeño, and bacon flavors to stand out.
- Remove the Texas Twinkies from the smoker and let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes. The filling will be very hot right off the grill, and resting them helps the cheese settle slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy with friends and family. These brisket jalapeño poppers are rich, smoky, spicy, creamy, and perfect for sharing.
The finished Texas Twinkies are loaded with flavor. The brisket stays moist and tender, the cream cheese filling is rich and smooth, and the jalapeño adds just the right kick. Bacon brings everything together with a savory, smoky bite that makes this recipe feel like a true BBQ favorite. The ingredients are simple, but the final result is big, satisfying, and memorable.
If you are looking for an easy way to use leftover brisket, this Texas Twinkies recipe is one of the best options. It turns classic brisket jalapeño poppers into a hearty smoked appetizer that works for almost any occasion. Make a batch for your next cookout and serve them straight from the smoker after a short rest.
Did you love this Texas Twinkie Recipe? Then you’ll enjoy making more beef recipes and smoked BBQ favorites.
Items Used In This Recipe
Kettle grill or smoker
Heat resistant gloves
Charcoal chimney
Mixing bowls
Nitrile gloves
Cast iron skillet
Meat thermometer