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Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something smoky, spicy, and packed with bold flavors, you’ve got to try this Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe. Seriously, these little bites are fan-freaking-tastic — smoky brisket meets creamy cheese, wrapped in jalapeños and bacon, finished off with a touch of BBQ sauce. Whether you’re entertaining or just looking to jazz up your snack game, this recipe will have you hooked from the first bite!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Flavor Combo: The smoky beef brisket and sharp cheddar blend beautifully with the creamy cream cheese and spicy jalapeños for a balanced bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Snack: These Twinkies are perfectly bite-sized and ideal for parties or game days, satisfying heat-lovers and meat-eaters alike.
  • Easy Prep, Big Impact: Even with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, the end result tastes gourmet and impressive.
  • Flexible Recipe: Made with leftover brisket, this recipe’s great for repurposing, plus you can swap in chorizo or pork for variety.
Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies, spicy beef wrapped snacks, smoky bacon jalapeño bites, cheesy meat-filled appetizers, game day party snacks - The image shows several pieces of food wrapped in shiny, reddish-brown strips that look crispy and glazed on the outside, with a slightly charred texture in some parts. Inside the wrapping, you can see a dark green layer that appears leafy and soft, giving a contrast to the glossy look outside. The pieces are placed closely together on a light brown crumpled paper, which rests on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm, with a mix of deep reds, browns, and greens, giving a rich and savory visual. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe pulls its weight to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. I love how smoky, creamy, spicy, and savory elements come together — and prepping the ingredients correctly makes a huge difference.

Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies, spicy beef wrapped snacks, smoky bacon jalapeño bites, cheesy meat-filled appetizers, game day party snacks - Flat lay of twelve large fresh green jalapeños with tops sliced off, a block of sharp cheddar cheese partially shredded, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped leftover beef brisket, a small white bowl holding bright red chili powder, twelve raw strips of streaky bacon arranged neatly, and a small white bowl containing rich dark barbecue sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Jalapeños: Choose large, firm ones so they hold enough filling. Gloves are a must when handling these spicy gems!
  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy base that cools down the heat from jalapeños.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that punch of cheesy flavor and a slight bite that complements the brisket.
  • Beef Brisket: Leftover brisket works beautifully here, adding a deeply smoky, tender element — use your favorite smoked brisket or pick some up from your local BBQ spot.
  • Chili Powder: Just a touch to add warmth and extra flavor without overshadowing the other ingredients.
  • Bacon: Bacon wrap seals in juices and crisps up for the perfect salty crunch.
  • BBQ Sauce: A quick brush before broiling adds a beautiful glaze with tang and sweetness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe is super adaptable. Depending on your heat tolerance or ingredient availability, it’s easy to switch things up and still get fantastic flavor.

  • Spice Level: If you’re not into spicy, try deseeding the jalapeños more thoroughly or using mini sweet peppers as a milder option.
  • Cheese Variations: I sometimes swap out cheddar for pepper jack to boost that spicy kick or use smoked gouda for extra smoky depth.
  • Meat Options: When I’m out of brisket, I’ve tried ground chorizo or slow-cooked pork — both deliver a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with jalapeños.
  • BBQ Sauce Flavors: Play around with your favorite BBQ sauce styles—honey mustard BBQ or spicy chipotle BBQ work great too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños Carefully

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, slice off the tops of the jalapeños and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. I always recommend wearing gloves here to avoid any irritation later on — trust me, it’s worth it! Using a small spoon or knife, get all the seeds out so the peppers are ready to fill.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely chopped leftover beef brisket, and chili powder. Stir everything really well until it’s evenly mixed. For quick filling, I transfer this combo to a ziplock bag and cut off a corner to turn it into an easy piping bag — it makes stuffing the jalapeños so much neater and faster!

Step 3: Stuff and Wrap

Pipe the filling into each jalapeño, packing it nicely but not overflowing. Then wrap each one with a slice of bacon to lock in moisture and add that irresistible crispiness when cooked. Place them on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, which helps the bacon cook evenly and keeps everything crispy.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Bake the jalapeños on the center rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip each one over and bake for another 10. Remove from the oven, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil on low for about 2 minutes — keep a close eye here because they can burn quickly. This step gives that beautiful caramelized finish and extra flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe

  • Selecting Jalapeños: I always pick large, firm jalapeños so there’s enough room for filling but not so large that they’re tough to handle or overpowering.
  • Keep Bacon Crispy: Using a wire rack while baking lets the bacon get evenly crispy without sitting in grease.
  • Avoid Overfilling: Leave a little space when piping so filling doesn’t spill over during cooking, which helps keep things tidy.
  • Watch the Broil: Broil on low and stay close — those last couple minutes can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.

How to Serve Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe

Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies, spicy beef wrapped snacks, smoky bacon jalapeño bites, cheesy meat-filled appetizers, game day party snacks - The image shows a pile of small, tightly wrapped rolls made with crispy bacon that has a shiny, reddish-brown glaze. Inside each bacon roll, a green jalapeño pepper is partially visible through the bacon layers. The rolls are placed on a piece of light brown parchment paper over a wooden board with a white marbled surface partially seen underneath. A single fresh green jalapeño pepper lies near the bottom right corner of the image. The texture of the bacon looks crisp with some dark, slightly charred edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top to brighten things up and add a fresh contrast to the smoky richness. A dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole isn’t just tasty — it helps tame some of that jalapeño heat and makes each bite smooth.

Side Dishes

These Twinkies play really well with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or some tangy pickle spears. On game day, I usually pair them with crispy fries or tortilla chips and salsa for a full-on snack fest.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these Twinkies on a wooden board with extra BBQ sauce for dipping and surrounded by fresh veggie sticks and pickles—it’s such a crowd-pleaser visually and taste-wise. Another favorite is skewering them for easy grab-and-go finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I store leftover Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as good reheated gently in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these by wrapping each Twinkie individually in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for best texture. Perfect for prepping ahead of time!

Reheating

To reheat, I find oven or air fryer methods work best to keep bacon crispy. Just warm at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delicious texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe without leftover brisket?

    Absolutely! While leftover brisket brings great smoky flavor, you can substitute with ground chorizo, pulled pork, or even cooked ground beef. Just make sure it’s chopped finely so it mixes well with the cheese filling.

  2. How spicy are these Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies?

    They definitely have a kick thanks to jalapeños, but the cream cheese and bacon help mellow the heat. If you prefer milder, remove all seeds and membranes or swap jalapeños with mini sweet peppers.

  3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

    Yes! You can stuff and wrap the jalapeños a few hours before baking, then refrigerate until ready to cook. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

  4. What if I don’t have a broiler?

    If you don’t have a broiler, just bake the Twinkies a bit longer to help caramelize the BBQ sauce—watch closely so they don’t burn. Alternatively, a quick pass under a kitchen torch can also do the trick.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, delicious, and totally crowd-wowing. I love that you can make it with leftover brisket or switch up the meat, and it still tastes incredible. Next time you want something smoky, cheesy, and with just the right touch of heat, give these a try. I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your snack or party repertoire — just like it did in mine!

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Beef Brisket Jalapeño Twinkies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 twinkies
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Texan
Print Recipe

Description

Texas Twinkies are a mouthwatering appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a savory mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and beef brisket, wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day or any party, these spicy, cheesy bites deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Jalapeños

  • 12 large jalapeños

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese block, shredded
  • 2 cups finely chopped leftover beef brisket
  • ½ tablespoon chili powder

Wrap and Glaze

  • 12 slices bacon
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set this aside for later use.
  2. Prepare Jalapeños: Slice the tops off the jalapeños and carefully remove all the seeds and membranes using gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
  3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped leftover beef brisket, and chili powder until evenly mixed.
  4. Stuff Jalapeños: Transfer the cheese and brisket filling into a gallon-sized ziplock bag and cut off one corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Pipe the filling mixture into each hollowed jalapeño until fully stuffed.
  5. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each filled jalapeño with one slice of bacon, ensuring it is secured around the pepper.
  6. Bake: Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared wire rack and bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip each jalapeño and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot.
  7. Broil with BBQ Sauce: Remove the jalapeños from the oven and brush them evenly with BBQ sauce. Turn the oven broiler to low and place the jalapeños approximately 6 inches beneath the broiler for 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning while the sauce caramelizes.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the jalapeños from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors.

Notes

  • Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
  • Choose good-sized jalapeños to hold a generous amount of filling.
  • If you don’t have leftover brisket, ground chorizo or pork butt are excellent substitutes.
  • You can purchase cooked brisket from a local BBQ restaurant if preferred.
  • Ensure the bacon strips are wrapped tightly to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
  • Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning the BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 twinkie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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