I still remеmber the first time I bit into a Texаs Twinkie . It was at my buddy’s backyard bbq and they served these jalapeños stuffed with crеam cheese then wrapped in bacon . They were kinda messy , but man they tasted awesome with that spicy kick and creamy center .
Stuffed jalapeños are super popular in Texan cooking and Texas Twinkies just take that idea up a notch . You can find them at parties , tailgates , and even fancy restaurants around here . Folks love that mix of smoky bacon , gooey cheese , and heat from the peppers . Plus you can change up the filling however you like — add shredded cheese , spices , or herbs to make them your own .
What Are Texas Twinkies ?
Texas Twinkies are basically jalapeños halved and seeded , then filled with a cheesy mix and wrapped in bacon . When you bake or grill them , the bacon gets nice and crispy while the cheese melts inside . It’s a simple snack that looks cool and tastes even better .
History of Texas Twinkies
The idea started when home cooks in Texas wanted a fun twist on classic stuffed jalapeños . Since bbq culture is huge in Texas , people began smoking or grilling these pepper bites and wrapping them in bacon . Over time , chefs and food trucks added new flavors , and Texas Twinkies became a must-have at cookouts .
Description
What makes Texas Twinkies stand out is the combo of textures and tastes . You get the char from the grilled pepper , the creaminess of crеam cheese , sometimes mixed with shredded cheese , and that salty crunch from bacon . The heat from the jalapeño is balanced by the cool, smooth cheese . It’s kinda magical when every flavor hits your tongue .
Ingredients for Texas Twinkies
To whip up some tasty Texas Twinkies , you’ll need a few simple items :
- Jalapeños: Fresh and firm peppers for the best heat .
- Cream Cheese: Softened so it’s easy to spread .
- Bacon: Strips to wrap around each pepper half .
You can also add :
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or pepper jack for extra gooeyness .
- Spices: Garlic powder , onion powder , or jalapeño seasoning .
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro or chives for a pop of color .
This stuff is totally custom , so mix and match to suit your taste buds .
Detailed Recipe for Texas Twinkies
Preparation Time
About 30 minutes to prep and another 20–30 minutes to cook , depending on your method .
Ingredients List
- 10 large jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 10 slices of bacon , cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet or grill
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil if you’re grilling
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparing the Jalapeños
Pick jalapeños that feel firm . Slice each one in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes for less heat , or leave some if you like it hotter . Rinse and pat dry .
Making the Filling
In a bowl , stir together the softened cream cheese , shredded cheese , and any spices you want . Mix until smooth .
Stuffing the Jalapeños
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mix . Don’t overfill or it will spill out .
Wrapping with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed pepper half with a bacon slice . Secure with a toothpick if it won’t stay .
Baking/Grilling Instructions
For oven , preheat to 400°F and line a sheet with parchment . Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy . For grill , heat to medium and cook on foil for about 15 minutes , turning once .
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm on a platter . Garnish with herbs if you like . Dips like ranch or sour cream go great too .
Tips for Perfect Texas Twinkies
Pick bright green jalapeños that aren’t wrinkled . Let your cream cheese sit out so it mixes easy . Try an air fryer or smoker for a different twist .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing jalapeños — they’ll burst open .
- Not cooking bacon long enough — it needs to be crispy .
Where to Find Texas Twinkies
You can find them at many bbq joints , food trucks , and Tex-Mex spots in Texas . Each place might add its own spin on the recipe .
Nutritional Information
One serving is about :
- Calories: 250–300
- Total Fat: 18–22g
- Saturated Fat: 6–8g
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbs: 4–6g
They’re rich , so moderation is key . You can try lighter cheeses or turkey bacon to cut down fat .
FAQ Section
What spices go well in Texas Twinkies ?
Garlic powder , onion powder , smoked paprika , or jalapeño seasoning add nice flavor .
Can I make them ahead of time ?
Yes . Stuff and wrap them , then keep in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking .
Are there vegetarian versions ?
Sure . Skip the bacon and use plant-based cream cheese or add beans and veggies for a meatless option .
How spicy are they ?
It depends on your jalapeños . Standard ones are mildly hot , but you can use serranos for more fire .
Can I freeze Texas Twinkies ?
Yes . Freeze them on a sheet then move to a bag . Reheat at 375°F until hot .
Conclusion
Texas Twinkies turn a simple jalapeño into a party snack with cheese and bacon . They’re easy to tweak and always a crowd-pleaser .
Call to Action
Tell us how your batch turned out or what fun fillings you tried in the comments below !
Texas Twinkies - Jalapeños Stuffed
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper or aluminum foil
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeño peppers Cut in half and seeds removed for less heat.
- 1 lb cream cheese Softened.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb spicy breakfast sausage Cooked and browned.
- 12 slices bacon Cut each slice in half.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat (optional). Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and let it cool slightly. Stir the sausage into the cheese mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the cheese and sausage mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Cut each bacon slice in half and wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
