Texas Twinkies Recipe
Fresh jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon and stuffed with our in-house smoked brisket and cream cheese.
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Ingredients
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Jalapeño Bacon Bundles
Method
Prepare and assemble
Wash and halve jalapeños
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) if baking, or preheat grill to medium-high if grilling. Wearing gloves if desired, rinse jalapeños, slice each in half lengthwise, and carefully remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon to reduce heat and create space for filling. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make filling
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese (softened to room temperature), finely chopped smoked brisket, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped chives or cilantro (if using). Mix with a spatula until thoroughly combined and spreadable. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Fill jalapeños
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the brisket–cream cheese mixture, slightly mounding so filling stays in place when wrapped.
Wrap with bacon
Cut bacon slices in half crosswise if necessary to get two pieces per jalapeño half; alternatively use whole slices for larger jalapeños. Wrap one bacon slice (or half) around each filled jalapeño, overlapping slightly to secure. Insert a toothpick through the bacon and jalapeño to hold it closed. Repeat until all jalapeños are wrapped.
Cook until crispy
Oven method (recommended for even cooking)
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange wrapped jalapeños seam-side down on the rack. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, then switch oven to broil and broil 2–4 minutes more (watching closely) until bacon is crisp and browned. Total time will depend on bacon thickness. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
Grill method
Place wrapped jalapeños over indirect heat on the grill (not directly over flame) and close lid. Grill 12–18 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is cooked through and crisp. Move briefly to direct heat or use the lid open to crisp the bacon for 1–2 minutes if needed. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
Air fryer option (for batches)
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bundles in a single layer (work in batches). Cook 10–14 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp and filling is hot. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.