Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a snack that packs a punch of flavor and a little smokey heat, you’ve got to try my Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe. This recipe takes jalapeños stuffed with a creamy, cheesy, and meaty filling, then wraps them up in bacon for that irresistible crispy finish. Trust me, once you dig into these, you’ll want to make them again and again for game days, parties, or just because.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Heat & Creaminess: The jalapeños bring the spice, while the cream cheese and cheddar cool it off perfectly.
  • Savory Meatiness: Leftover beef brisket adds a smoky depth that makes this snack feel like a real meal.
  • Bacon Crispy Finish: Wrapping them in bacon seals everything in and gives a mouthwatering crunch.
  • Simple Prep, Big Impact: Easy to assemble but impressive enough to wow guests every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe is chosen to complement each other, creating layers of flavor and texture that just work. Picking the right jalapeños and using quality leftovers can elevate the whole dish. Here’s what you need and why.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies, spicy stuffed jalapeños, bacon-wrapped appetizer, cheesy beef jalapeños, smoky snack recipe - Flat lay of twelve large fresh jalapeños with tops sliced off, a small white bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl holding shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped cooked beef brisket, a small white bowl containing reddish chili powder, twelve raw slices of streaky bacon arranged neatly, a small white bowl with glossy dark reddish BBQ sauce, all arranged symmetrically 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
  • Large Jalapeños: Bigger peppers hold more filling and are easier to stuff without tearing. Don’t skimp on size!
  • Cream Cheese: Provides that rich and creamy base that smooths out heat.
  • Cheddar Cheese Block: Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully and delivers sharpness.
  • Leftover Beef Brisket: Adds a smoky, tender, hearty flavor. Leftover BBQ brisket is perfect here.
  • Chili Powder: Just enough to deepen the smoky heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Bacon Slices: The all-star here—bacon crisps up and wraps everything into a perfect bite.
  • BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes under the broiler for that finishing touch.
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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

One thing I love about this Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap meats, or add extra punch, there’s room to make it your own.

  • Spice Level: If you prefer milder bites, try using jalapeños with fewer seeds or substitute with mini sweet peppers for a twist.
  • Meat Alternatives: I’ve experimented swapping brisket for ground chorizo or pork butt with delicious results—both bring unique flavors.
  • Cheese Varieties: Feel free to blend in pepper jack, smoked gouda, or even a little creamier goat cheese for different textures.
  • BBQ Sauce Options: Sweet, spicy, or smoky sauces each change the flavor; I like a honey-chipotle glaze for extra depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Jalapeños

Before getting into the stuffing, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack sprayed with nonstick spray—this helps the bacon crisp all around. Then, slice the tops off your jalapeños and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. I always wear gloves here—I’ve learned the hard way from that pepper burn! Taking those seeds out tames the heat and makes room for the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, freshly shredded cheddar, chopped leftover beef brisket, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly—this is the heart of your filling, so make sure everything is evenly incorporated. The brisket adds that unbeatable smoky richness that is just so comforting.

Step 3: Stuff and Wrap

Spoon your filling into a gallon-sized ziplock bag, cut off a small corner, and use it like a piping bag to fill each jalapeño evenly—this makes the process cleaner and less messy. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a single slice of bacon, tucking the ends under or securing gently with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Place your bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the wire rack and bake on the center rack for 10 minutes. Flip them carefully and bake for another 10 minutes until the bacon is mostly crisp and the filling is bubbly. Next, brush BBQ sauce generously on each one, turn your broiler to low, and place jalapeños about 6 inches from the heat for 2 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn! This step caramelizes the sauce, adding a stunning finish.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the twinkies cool slightly before serving so no one burns their mouth on that molten, cheesy goodness. These are fantastic warm but still hold their charm when cooled a bit.

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Pro Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe

  • Wear Gloves When Handling Jalapeños: Seriously, it saves you from accidental spice burns—learned that the hard way!
  • Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the jalapeños lets bacon crisp evenly and prevents sogginess.
  • Watch the Broiler Closely: BBQ sauce can go from caramelized to burnt in seconds—stand by the oven.
  • Pick Big Jalapeños: Bigger peppers mean more filling and easier handling. Tiny ones can be tricky!

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies, spicy stuffed jalapeños, bacon-wrapped appetizer, cheesy beef jalapeños, smoky snack recipe - A group of small rolls made by wrapping green jalapeño peppers with brown, shiny cooked bacon, placed closely together on light brown parchment paper inside a shallow white dish; the bacon is sticky and glossy with a reddish glaze, and some edges are slightly darkened from cooking, showing a crispy texture; the jalapeños peek out through the gaps in the bacon wrap, showing a smooth, deep green skin; the dish is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background, and a single whole jalapeño pepper is visible near the bottom edge of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—a light sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spicy bites. For gatherings, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing on the side works wonders to cool down the heat.

Side Dishes

These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies are pretty hearty, but pairing them with a crisp coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness nicely. If you want to go all out, creamy mac and cheese or roasted corn on the cob make fabulous companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange these twinkies on a wooden board with little bowls of various BBQ sauces and creamy dips. You can spear each with a colorful toothpick to make them an easy grab-and-go finger food. A fun twist I’ve tried is stacking them vertically on a skewer with grilled veggies in between for a pretty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Wrap each piece individually if you can to prevent bacon from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these twinkies successfully—after cooking and cooling, I wrap them tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the bacon a bit soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh ground beef instead of leftover brisket in this recipe?

    Absolutely! While leftover brisket adds that smoky depth, fresh ground beef or even chorizo can work well. Just make sure to cook and season the meat before mixing it with the cheese for the filling.

  2. How spicy are these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies?

    The spice level depends on how much of the seeds and membranes you remove from the jalapeños. Removing most seeds will tame the heat to a medium spice level. You can always use milder peppers if you prefer less kick.

  3. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Make sure your BBQ sauce and chili powder are gluten-free (some brands add fillers). The other ingredients like bacon, cheese, and jalapeños are naturally gluten-free.

  4. Can I prepare these ahead and bake just before serving?

    Definitely! Assemble the twinkies and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe holds a special place in my snack arsenal because it’s the perfect combo of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and smoky—all in one bite. It’s easy enough to whip up when you’ve got leftover brisket, but fancy enough to impress friends without fuss. I’m confident you’ll love sharing these at your next gathering, and once you make them, you’ll quickly understand why they’re a fan-freaking-tastic crowd-pleaser. Grab those jalapeños and get stuffing!

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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Beef Twinkies Recipe

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

Description

Texas Twinkies are a spicy and savory appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and leftover beef brisket, all wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a smoky barbecue glaze. Perfect for parties or game day, this recipe combines smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors in a delicious bite-sized treat.


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

Wrapping and Glaze

  • 12 slices bacon
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Spray the rack with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Prepare jalapeños: Slice the tops off the jalapeños and carefully remove the seeds and membranes using gloves to avoid irritation.
  3. Make filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped brisket, and chili powder until well mixed.
  4. Fill jalapeños: Transfer the cheese and brisket mixture into a gallon-sized ziplock bag, cut off a corner to create a piping bag, and fill each jalapeño with the mixture evenly.
  5. Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with one slice of bacon, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
  6. Bake: Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake on the center rack for 10 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 10 minutes.
  7. Broil with BBQ sauce: Remove jalapeños from the oven and brush with barbecue sauce. Set the oven broiler to low and place the jalapeños 6 inches under the broiler for 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the Texas Twinkies to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
  • Choose large jalapeños to hold more filling for better bite-sized portions.
  • Leftover brisket works best, but you can substitute with ground chorizo or pork butt.
  • If you can’t find pre-cooked brisket, purchase from a BBQ restaurant or prepare smoked beef brisket ahead of time.
  • Watch jalapeños carefully during broiling to avoid burning the bacon or sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 twinkie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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