Texas Twinkies Recipe: Have you ever bitten into something smoky, cheesy, spicy, and a little sweet—all at once? That, my friend, is the magic of Texas Twinkies. If you’ve never heard of them before, buckle up. These smoked jalapeños stuffed with a creamy, meaty filling and wrapped in crispy bacon are a Texas BBQ staple. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ or looking to impress your friends at a potluck, Texas Twinkies are guaranteed to be the star of the table.
Their name might make you think of a dessert, but don’t be fooled. This “Twinkie” has nothing to do with cake and everything to do with flavor-packed bites of heaven. Originating in Texas BBQ joints—especially at places like Hutchins BBQ—these treats have grown into a nationwide obsession. So today, we’re walking through exactly how to make authentic, mouthwatering Texas Twinkies, step-by-step, right from your own kitchen or smoker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a grocery store haul to make Texas Twinkies, but using the right ingredients makes all the difference. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 10 large jalapeño peppers – fresh, firm, and thick
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened for easy mixing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild based on your taste
- 1 cup chopped smoked brisket – leftover BBQ brisket is perfect
- 10 slices of thick-cut bacon – the crispier, the better
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- BBQ sauce – for glazing (sweet and smoky preferred)
- Toothpicks – to hold everything together while cooking
Optional Add-ons:
- Green onions – chopped finely for extra flavor
- Hot sauce – mixed into the filling for extra kick
- Smoked paprika – adds a deeper BBQ flavor
- Brown sugar – a touch for a sweet-savory balance
Substitutions:
- Brisket substitute: Pulled pork or cooked sausage
- Cream cheese alternatives: Goat cheese or pimento cheese
- Vegetarian version: Omit meat and bacon, use plant-based options
Get these ingredients ready before you start, and your cooking process will be smooth and fun.
Equipment Needed
Before diving into prep, let’s get our tools ready. Having the right equipment makes things easier and faster:
Must-Have Tools:
- Sharp knife (for slicing jalapeños)
- Small spoon or jalapeño corer
- Mixing bowl (for the filling)
- Cutting board
- Toothpicks
- Smoker, oven, or air fryer
- Baking sheet (if using oven)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Nice-to-Have Tools:
- BBQ brush (for glazing)
- Cooling rack (for better airflow while baking)
- Disposable gloves (to protect hands from jalapeño oils)
Ready to cook? Let’s prep those peppers.
What Are Texas Twinkies?
Despite the funny name, Texas Twinkies are far from being dessert. These babies are jalapeño poppers taken to the next level. Unlike regular jalapeño poppers that are often deep-fried and stuffed with just cheese, Texas Twinkies are smoked, filled with a delicious combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and chopped brisket, and wrapped in bacon, then glazed with a sweet BBQ sauce.
So, why the name? The theory goes that the shape and filled interior are what reminded Texans of a Twinkie cake. But instead of cream, it’s creamy meat filling. And instead of sponge cake, you get smoky peppers and bacon. Honestly, it’s a million times better than a dessert Twinkie (no offense, Hostess).
These have become hugely popular at BBQ joints across Texas, especially Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, which helped skyrocket their fame. The combo of spice, creaminess, smokiness, and sweet glaze creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Choosing the Right Jalapeños
Not all jalapeños are created equal. For Texas Twinkies, bigger is better—you need room to stuff that creamy, meaty goodness inside.
Look for:
- Large, firm jalapeños (about 3–4 inches long)
- Smooth, unwrinkled skin
- Dark green in color (unless you want them extra hot—then look for red ones)
Pro Tips:
- Want less heat? Remove all the seeds and membranes (white parts inside the pepper).
- Like it hot? Leave a few seeds or opt for red jalapeños, which are riper and hotter.
- Use gloves while cutting to avoid jalapeño burns—it’s no joke.
Wash and dry your peppers thoroughly, then let’s prep them for stuffing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Texas Twinkies
Let’s break it down step by step so you can master Texas Twinkies from start to finish. This is where the fun really begins—so roll up your sleeves and let’s cook!
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Wash the jalapeños and slice them lengthwise, keeping the stems intact for presentation. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon to reduce heat. Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Brisket or Bacon
Fold in finely chopped smoked brisket for an authentic Texas flavor. If brisket isn’t available, cooked and crumbled bacon works well. Mix evenly so each bite has smoky meat flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the cream cheese and meat mixture into each jalapeño half. Fill generously but avoid overstuffing to prevent leakage during cooking.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Use thin-cut bacon for better crisping.
Step 6: Secure with Toothpicks
Insert toothpicks through the bacon and jalapeño to hold everything together. This prevents the bacon from unwrapping while cooking.
Step 7: Smoke or Bake
- Smoker: Set to 250°F (120°C) and smoke for 60–75 minutes until the bacon begins to render.
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes, turning once for even cooking.
Step 8: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
Brush each Texas Twinkie lightly with your favorite BBQ sauce. A sweet and smoky sauce works best and complements the jalapeño heat.
Step 9: Final Cook for Crispy Finish
Return to the smoker or oven for an additional 10–15 minutes. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce and crisps the bacon to perfection.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove toothpicks before serving. Let the Texas Twinkies cool slightly, then serve as an appetizer or game-day snack. Enjoy the perfect mix of smoky, creamy, spicy, and crispy flavors.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Don’t have a smoker? No problem! Texas Twinkies are surprisingly flexible and can be made in multiple ways. Each method brings out a slightly different texture and flavor, so pick the one that works best for your setup.
1. Oven-Baked Texas Twinkies
If you’re working indoors or don’t have access to a smoker, your oven will still deliver delicious results.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup ensures the bacon cooks evenly and the fat drips off.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bacon starts to crisp up.
- Brush on BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- For extra crispy bacon, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
🧡 Result: Slightly less smoky, but still rich, crispy, and flavorful.
2. Air Fryer Texas Twinkies
Looking for speed? The air fryer is a great shortcut that still gives you crispy bacon and juicy peppers.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Place jalapeños in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- After 10 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and continue cooking until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
🧡 Result: Crispy, juicy, and super fast—perfect for small batches.
3. Grilled Texas Twinkies
Got a grill? Then you’re just a few charcoal briquettes away from flavor-town.
- Heat grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F).
- Place the Twinkies on indirect heat, away from the flame.
- Grill with the lid closed for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once.
- Glaze with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.
🧡 Result: Slightly charred, smoky, and rich—great for cookouts and parties.
Pro Tips for the Best Texas Twinkies
Want to take your Texas Twinkies from “good” to “legendary”? Here are some must-know tips and tricks.
1. Choose the Right Bacon
- Thick-cut bacon works best—it holds everything together and stays meaty even after cooking.
- Avoid thin bacon; it cooks too fast and may burn before the pepper is fully cooked.
2. Use Leftover Smoked Brisket
- This is one of the best uses for leftover brisket.
- Cold brisket is easier to chop and mix into the filling.
3. Don’t Overstuff the Peppers
- It might be tempting, but overstuffed peppers can burst open while cooking.
- Fill just enough to close the pepper slightly without forcing it.
4. Chill Before Cooking (Optional but Helpful)
- After stuffing and wrapping, refrigerate the Twinkies for 30 minutes.
- This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
5. Watch Your Cook Times
- Undercooked bacon = rubbery texture.
- Overcooked = dry filling.
- The sweet spot? Cook low and slow, then finish hot to crisp up.
Best BBQ Sauces to Use
The BBQ sauce you choose is what ties all the flavors together. It’s like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece.
Top Store-Bought BBQ Sauces:
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ – Sweet and smoky, a classic.
- Stubbs Original – Tangy and bold with a touch of spice.
- Head Country Original – Balanced and smooth, perfect for glazing.
- Killer Hogs BBQ Sauce – Great mix of sweet, tangy, and heat.
DIY BBQ Sauce Recipe (Quick & Easy):
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Mix and simmer for 10–15 minutes for a homemade glaze that complements Texas Twinkies perfectly.
Pairing Ideas
These smoky, spicy bites pair well with all sorts of sides and drinks. Whether it’s a family BBQ or game day, here’s how to complete the plate.
Best Sides:
- Mac and cheese – Creamy and comforting
- Baked beans – Sweet and savory
- Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce
- Potato salad – Cool and creamy to balance heat
Best Drinks:
- Sweet tea – Classic Southern pairing
- Lemonade – Fresh, tart contrast
- Craft beer – Especially smoky lagers or pale ales
- Cola or root beer – For a sweet, fizzy finish
Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing – Creamy cool-down for spicy bites
- Chipotle mayo – For extra smoky kick
- Blue cheese dip – Bold and tangy contrast
Making It Spicier or Milder
One of the best things about Texas Twinkies is how customizable they are—especially when it comes to heat level. Whether you’re a heat seeker or someone who breaks a sweat at the thought of spice, you can easily tailor this recipe to your taste.
How to Make Them Milder
If you prefer flavor over fire, here are a few easy ways to tone things down:
- Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. Most of the heat lives in those white inner parts.
- Soak the peppers in cold water for 30 minutes after cleaning them out—this reduces heat significantly.
- Use creamier cheese like mozzarella or a dollop of sour cream in the filling to balance spice.
- Choose younger, smoother jalapeños (they’re usually milder than older ones with wrinkles or lines).
- Add a sweet BBQ glaze—honey-based sauces mellow out the overall flavor profile.
How to Turn Up the Heat
Feeling brave? Turn those Texas Twinkies into flavor firecrackers:
- Leave some seeds and membrane inside when prepping the peppers.
- Add hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot or Tabasco) to the filling.
- Mix in diced habaneros or serrano peppers for extra punch.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the cheese blend.
- Use a spicy BBQ sauce—ghost pepper or chipotle blends pack a punch.
🔥 Warning: Don’t go overboard unless you’re sure your crowd can handle it!
Serving Suggestions
Texas Twinkies are versatile enough to serve on almost any occasion. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, Super Bowl party, or casual get-together, these smoky snacks always steal the show.
Game Day Snack Platter
- Serve alongside other finger foods like sliders, wings, or nachos.
- Add a variety of dipping sauces so guests can choose their favorites.
- Keep napkins handy—they’re sticky, juicy, and messy in the best way!
BBQ Party Centerpiece
- Arrange Texas Twinkies on a wooden board with ribs, sausage links, and brisket slices.
- Serve with grilled corn, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.
- Add a bottle of extra BBQ sauce on the side for dunking.
Family Dinner Treat
- Serve a few Twinkies as appetizers or pair with a simple salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Slice them in half for kid-friendly portions.
💡 Tip: Want to impress your guests? Drizzle a little warm honey or spicy maple syrup over the top before serving for a gourmet twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Texas Twinkies are pretty straightforward, a few mistakes can mess up the results. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Using Thin Bacon
Thin bacon cooks too quickly and doesn’t give you that satisfying chew. Always go with thick-cut bacon, and if possible, high-quality smoked or peppered varieties.
2. Overstuffing the Jalapeños
Too much filling can cause your peppers to split open during cooking, especially as the cheese melts. Keep your stuffing level with the pepper opening—a little goes a long way.
3. Underseasoning the Filling
Remember, brisket is flavorful, but it still needs seasoning. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices you enjoy into your cheese mix.
4. Not Securing the Bacon Properly
Loose bacon leads to uneven cooking or it might fall off entirely. Use toothpicks, and be sure to wrap tightly from end to end.
5. Cooking at Too High a Temperature
High temps can burn your bacon before the filling is hot. The key is low and slow—especially if you’re smoking them. Then finish at high heat for that crispy bacon layer.
Storing and Reheating Texas Twinkies
Got leftovers (rare, but it happens)? Don’t worry—Texas Twinkies store and reheat beautifully.
How to Store:
- Fridge: Place cooled Twinkies in an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each Twinkie in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a ziplock bag. Store for up to 2 months.
💡 Pro Tip: Label with date so you don’t forget when you made them.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and bacon re-crisps.
- Air fryer: 375°F for 6–8 minutes—brings back that fresh crunch.
- Microwave: Not ideal (bacon turns soggy), but doable for a quick snack—heat in 30-second bursts.
Always let them rest for a minute before biting in—they can be molten hot inside!
FAQs about Texas Twinkies Recipe
1. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the brisket for a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Meat crumbles, and use veggie bacon or omit the bacon entirely. Use extra cheese and some smoked paprika to keep the flavor rich.
2. Can I freeze Texas Twinkies before cooking?
Absolutely. Prepare them up to the wrapping step, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with smoking or baking.
3. Are Texas Twinkies keto-friendly?
Mostly, yes. They’re naturally low-carb, but double-check your BBQ sauce—it often contains sugar. Choose a keto-approved or sugar-free sauce to stay on track.
4. What kind of wood should I use to smoke them?
Hickory, oak, or pecan work great for Texas Twinkies. They add a strong, smoky flavor that complements the cheese and bacon perfectly. Avoid mesquite—it’s a bit too overpowering for these.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely. You can stuff and wrap the jalapeños up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven or smoker.
Conclusion
There you have it—a full step-by-step guide to making Texas Twinkies like a true pitmaster! With spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, savory brisket, crispy bacon, and a sweet BBQ glaze, these smoky bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a cookout, party, or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
They’re easier than you think to make, insanely flavorful, and completely addictive. Try them once, and you’ll never go back to regular jalapeño poppers again.
So grab some peppers, fire up your smoker (or oven), and let’s get cookin’!
