Texas Twinkies are a true representation of the bold, flavorful cuisine that defines the Lone Star State. This mouthwatering dish combines spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, savory chicken or beef, and crispy bacon, resulting in a perfectly balanced bite that captures the essence of Texan barbecue culture. Though “Twinkies” might conjure up images of sweet treats, these savory bites offer a fiery, smoky twist that’s become a beloved recipe in many Texas homes and BBQ joints.
Perfect for a party appetizer, a BBQ side dish, or a fun twist on traditional stuffed jalapeños, Texas Twinkies are sure to impress anyone who craves a combination of heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. The recipe brings together classic Tex-Mex ingredients in an unexpected and delicious way, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their cooking repertoire.
Texas Twinkies Recipe: A Spicy, Savory Delight
Texas Twinkies are a fun and flavorful fusion of classic Tex-Mex ingredients, wrapped up in a savory bite that will have your taste buds dancing. This dish combines spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, tender chicken or beef, and smoky bacon, creating a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer at a BBQ, a fun snack for game day, or as a delicious side dish, Texas Twinkies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 large jalapeños (fresh)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless) or ground beef
- 12 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- BBQ sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Slice and De-seed: Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat, or leave some seeds if you prefer more spiciness.
- Set Aside: Place the cleaned jalapeño halves on a plate or cutting board. These will be stuffed later.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
- Season the Filling: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
- If using chicken breasts, slice them into thin strips or tenderize them with a meat mallet to make them thin enough to wrap around the jalapeños.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer, such as paprika, onion powder, or chili powder for an extra flavor boost.
4. Stuff the Jalapeños:
- Using a spoon, carefully stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, making sure it fills the entire cavity of the pepper.
5. Wrap with Chicken:
- Take a slice of seasoned chicken and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. Make sure the chicken fully covers the jalapeño and cream cheese filling. Secure the chicken in place by wrapping a slice of bacon around the chicken.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the bacon in place and ensure everything stays wrapped while cooking.
6. Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed and chicken-wrapped jalapeño with a slice of bacon. You can use more than one slice of bacon if needed to cover the entire jalapeño. The bacon will add a crispy, smoky texture to balance the heat of the jalapeños.
7. Cooking Texas Twinkies:
You have two main options for cooking these Texas Twinkies: smoking them for that authentic BBQ flavor or baking them in the oven.
Option 1: Grilling/Smoking (Preferred for BBQ Flavor):
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on the grill or in the smoker. Make sure the jalapeños are not directly over the heat to avoid burning the bacon too quickly.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You may want to brush them with some BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking to add a caramelized glaze.
- Once done, remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Option 2: Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. You can also drizzle BBQ sauce on top during the last 5 minutes for extra flavor.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the toothpicks from the Texas Twinkies before serving.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, or you can drizzle them with sauce for added flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Customize the Heat: If you like it spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeños, or even add some finely chopped fresh chili peppers into the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute Meats: While chicken is a popular choice, you can also use ground beef or turkey as a filling. For an extra twist, you can add some shredded cheese inside the chicken wrap or mix it into the jalapeño stuffing.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the Texas Twinkies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just make sure to cook them within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
To discover more amazing recipes like Texas Twinkies, check out our previous article for more delicious food ideas!
