If you love bold flavors, smoky meats, and a little heat, Texas Twinkies are a must-try! These brisket-stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeños are a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy goodness. Smothered in barbecue sauce and baked until crispy, they’re the ultimate appetizer for game day, backyard cookouts, or just when you’re craving something irresistible.

Ready to make the best jalapeño poppers ever? Let’s dive in!

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📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

✔ 10 fresh jalapeño peppers (pick large ones for easy stuffing!)
✔ 16 oz bacon (regular-cut works best; thick-cut takes longer to crisp up!)

For the Creamy Brisket Filling:

✔ 8 oz cream cheese, softened (makes the filling extra rich and creamy!)
✔ 1½ cups chopped beef brisket (leftover smoked brisket works great!)
✔ 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (adds a bold, cheesy kick!)

Seasonings & BBQ Glaze:

✔ 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or your favorite Cajun seasoning!)
✔ ½ tsp black pepper (for a touch of spice!)
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder (adds a savory depth!)
✔ ½ cup barbecue sauce (for a sticky, flavorful glaze!)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
3️⃣ Place a wire rack on top—this helps air circulate and makes the bacon extra crispy.

👉 Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Smoker: Cook at 275°F for 1.5–2 hours for an extra smoky finish!

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Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños

1️⃣ Rinse and dry the jalapeños well.
2️⃣ Slice each one lengthwise down the center, but don’t cut all the way through—you want them to stay connected at the base.
3️⃣ Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes (that’s where most of the heat is!).
4️⃣ If needed, cut out a small strip to make stuffing easier.

👉 For a Milder Version: Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños!

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Step 3: Make the Brisket-Cheese Filling

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2️⃣ Add chopped brisket, shredded cheddar, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Mix until well combined and creamy.

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Step 4: Stuff the Jalapeños

1️⃣ Generously fill each jalapeño with the brisket-cheese mixture.
2️⃣ Press the filling firmly so it stays inside while cooking.

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Step 5: Wrap with Bacon

1️⃣ Wrap each stuffed jalapeño tightly with 1 slice of bacon.
2️⃣ Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the bacon from unraveling.

👉 Pro Tip: Tuck the bacon ends underneath the jalapeño to help hold them in place while cooking!

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Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

1️⃣ Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the wire rack.
2️⃣ Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.

👉 Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Step 7: BBQ Glaze & Final Bake

1️⃣ Remove from the oven and brush each Texas Twinkie with barbecue sauce.
2️⃣ Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.

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Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (the filling will be HOT!).
2️⃣ Arrange on a serving platter and dig in!

🔥 Perfect Pairings: Serve with ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, or a side of coleslaw.

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💡 Pro Tips & Variations

✔ Want Extra Smoky Flavor?

• Use smoked brisket or cook these on a smoker at 275°F for 1.5–2 hours.
• Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the filling.

✔ Prefer Spicier Twinkies?

• Leave some seeds inside the jalapeños for more heat.
• Sprinkle crushed red pepper into the filling.

✔ Crispier Bacon Hack!

• Use thinner bacon for a crispier finish.
• Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to crisp up the edges!

✔ No Brisket? No Problem!

• Swap brisket for pulled pork, shredded chicken, or smoked sausage.

✔ Make Ahead & Storage:

• Make ahead: Stuff the jalapeños, wrap with bacon, and refrigerate overnight.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.

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⏳ Quick Recipe Recap

📌 Prep Time: 20 minutes
📌 Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
📌 Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
📌 Servings: 10 Texas Twinkies
📌 Calories: ~250 per Twinkie

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🔥 Why You’ll LOVE Texas Twinkies

✅ Smoky, creamy, cheesy, & spicy – the perfect bite!
✅ Great way to use leftover brisket!
✅ Bacon-wrapped deliciousness – enough said.
✅ Easy to make ahead for parties & game days!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Share your Texas Twinkies on social media with #TexasTwinkies #BrisketJalapenoPoppers – I’d love to see your creations!

Happy cooking & enjoy! 😋🔥