Texas Twinkies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of spicy and smoky flavors. The stuffed jalapeños are creamy and flavorful on the inside, while the bacon adds a crispy, salty crunch on the outside. The sausage adds a meaty heartiness, and the whole dish takes on a delightful smokiness from the grill or smoker. It’s an unforgettable bite, ideal for parties, BBQs, or just a fun and spicy snack.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 1 package of smoked sausage
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 slices of bacon
• Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid irritation from the jalapeños.
3. Cut the smoked sausage into small pieces, approximately the size of the jalapeño halves.
4. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
5. Stuff each jalapeño half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture.
6. Place a piece of sausage on top of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeño half.
7. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks.
8. Place the wrapped jalapeños on the smoker or grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
9. Once done, remove the toothpicks and serve your Texas Twinkies hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5-6 (approximately one stuffed jalapeño per person)
• Total cook time: 2-3 hours
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 2-3 hours (depending on smoker/grill temperature)

Variations

• Vegetarian Texas Twinkies: Replace the smoked sausage with a vegetarian option such as black beans or a plant-based sausage.
• Cheese variations: You can swap out cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for extra heat.
• Grill instead of smoke: If you don’t have a smoker, you can grill the stuffed jalapeños over medium heat for a similar result.
• Add more heat: For those who like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes into the cream cheese mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Texas Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the bacon crisps up again. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill or in a smoker for that smoky flavor.

FAQs

How do I make Texas Twinkies spicier?

To add more heat, you can leave some seeds in the jalapeños, use hotter peppers like habaneros, or incorporate spicy cheese like pepper jack into the filling.

Can I use a different type of sausage for Texas Twinkies?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage that you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage.

How can I prevent the bacon from being too greasy?

Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the jalapeños and cook them at a low and slow temperature to ensure the bacon crisps up nicely without rendering too much fat.

Can I make Texas Twinkies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake or grill them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I remove the seeds from jalapeños?

Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise, then use a spoon or your fingers to scrape out the seeds and membranes. Be careful to avoid touching your face or eyes, and consider wearing gloves.

What can I serve with Texas Twinkies?

Texas Twinkies pair perfectly with BBQ dishes, grilled meats, or a simple side of coleslaw or chips. They also work great as appetizers for a party.

How do I know when the Texas Twinkies are done?

The bacon should be crispy, and the jalapeños should be tender. The sausage inside should be fully cooked, and the cream cheese filling should be soft and bubbly.

Can I cook Texas Twinkies in the oven instead of on the grill or smoker?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot.

Are Texas Twinkies gluten-free?

Yes, Texas Twinkies are naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients (especially the sausage) do not contain gluten.

How many Texas Twinkies does this recipe make?

This recipe will make about 20 half jalapeños, which equals approximately 10 full Texas Twinkies.

Conclusion

Texas Twinkies are a delicious and unforgettable treat that combines bold flavors and textures in one bite. The smoky, spicy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, sausage, and wrapped in crispy bacon will be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re smoking them low and slow or grilling them up, these stuffed jalapeños are a must-try for anyone who loves a savory, spicy bite.

Texas Twinkies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Texas Twinkies are a bold, flavorful snack made with spicy jalapeños stuffed with seasoned cream cheese, smoked sausage, and wrapped . Perfect for BBQs, tailgates, or as a savory snack, these stuffed jalapeños offer a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2-3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5-6 servings (approximately one stuffed jalapeño per person)
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Grilling/Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 10 fresh jalapeño peppers
2. 1 package of smoked sausage
3. 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
4. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
7. 1 teaspoon paprika
8. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
10. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).

1. Slice  in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid irritation.
2. Cut the smoked sausage into small pieces, approximately the size of the jalapeño halves.
3. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture.
5. Place a piece of sausage on top of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeño half.
6. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño securing it with toothpicks.
7. Place the wrapped jalapeños on the smoker or grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the the jalapeños are tender.
8. Once done, remove the toothpicks and serve hot!

Notes

1. For a vegetarian version, replace  black beans or a plant-based sausage.
2. Add more heat by leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or using hotter peppers like habaneros.
3. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramelized peaches before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed jalapeño
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg