Texas Twinkies
A Flavor Explosion and How to Make Them at Home
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Texas twinkies combine the smoky flavor of barbecued brisket with the creamy and spicy kick of a jalapeño popper, creating a delectable fusion that has food lovers raving. With a rich history rooted in traditional Texan cuisine, these tantalizing treats have rapidly evolved to be a beloved staple in restaurants and backyard barbecues alike. Filled with a sumptuous mixture of brisket and cheese, wrapped in bacon (how long does bacon last?), and slowly smoked, Texas twinkies earn their title as the ultimate comfort food.
As both an easy-to-make appetizer and a unique culinary masterpiece, Texas twinkies are a versatile dish that can please a variety of palates. The combination of tender, juicy beef brisket (What wine goes well with beef brisket?) and melty cheese, along with the mild heat of the jalapeño, create an irresistible pull. Restaurants and home cooks have also taken to experimenting with the original recipe, adding their spin - such as chorizo or shrimp, thus making personalized touches.
The remarkable world of Texas Twinkies unveils a delightful snack and also sheds light on Texan culinary culture. From smokehouses to your home kitchen, Texas twinkies epitomize the beauty of flavor-packed simplicity and serve as a testament to the love affair between barbecue and tex-mex cuisine.
History of the Texas Twinkie
The Texas Twinkie is a popular BBQ dish that originated from Hutchins BBQ, a renowned restaurant in McKinney, TX. The Texas Twinkie is not to be confused with the sweet cream (how long does cream last?)-filled snack cake; instead, it features a savory and mouth-watering combination of ingredients.
The recipe involves taking a jalapeno, deseeding it, and stuffing it with softened cream cheese (how long does cream cheese last?) and brisket. This unique mixture is then wrapped in thick cut bacon and smoked. The result is a delicious appetizer or side dish that has gained quite a reputation among BBQ enthusiasts.
Hutchins BBQ, a family-run business that began in 1978, was founded by Roy Hutchins. The restaurant has become a must-visit destination for those seeking an outstanding BBQ experience. Patrons began to request the Texas Twinkie, and because of exceptional demand, other BBQ restaurants started adding this appetizer to their menus.
The dish differentiates itself from other stuffed jalapeno recipes with its distinct ingredients and preparation. The key to the perfect jalapeno Texas Twinkie lies in the following elements:
Jalapeno: Choosing the right-sized pepper ensures ample space for stuffing and a good balance between the flavors.
Softened Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy consistency that complements the spicy jalapeno and smoky brisket.
Brisket mixture: Smoked, shredded brisket adds the unmistakable BBQ flavor that completes the dish.
Bacon: The bacon wrap adds another layer of smokiness to an already flavorful ensemble. For the bacon lover try thick cut bacon to make the Twinkie even more succulent.
Smoke: The smoking process adds flavor and depth to the smoked Texas Twinkies.
Essential Ingredients
Meat Selection
When it comes to Texas Twinkies, smoked brisket remains the top choice for the meat filling. However, you can also opt for leftover brisket, pulled brisket, or even beef cuts. Leftover brisket or chopped smoked brisket mixture always has more flavor and a tender texture. The key is to have tender, flavorful brisket that complements the other ingredients. If you want to try an alternative, smoked or cooked pulled pork or smoked chicken or chicken works well.
Peppers and Filling
The essential peppers for Texas Twinkies are stuffed jalapenos. On a cutting board and using a sharp paring knife, remove the jalapeno seeds to reduce the spiciness. If you want more heat leave the seeds in. Rinse in cold water. In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and shredded cheese, such as pepper jack cheese or shredded cheddar. To elevate the creaminess, try using smoked cream cheese which adds flavor and depth.
Wrapping and Toppings
Texas Twinkies are bacon wrapped to keep them succulent and add extra flavor. You can use store-bought bacon or try making homemade bacon for an authentic touch. Once the jalapenos are bacon wrapped, cover the Twinkies with barbecue sauce. Choose a sweet barbecue sauce to contrast the spiciness of the jalapeños.
Additional Flavorings
For extra taste, sprinkle some seasoning onto the Texas Twinkies. A good choice can be a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and dill (how long does dill last?)or a BBQ rub that complements the barbecue sauce. This enhances the flavor, making your Texas Twinkies even more enjoyable. Season well with salt and pepper but remember bacon can be salty.
When it comes to salt, pepper, garlic, and dill or a BBQ rub, online shopping is the way to go!
Optional Ingredients
You can further customize your Texas Twinkies with some add-ons. Consider including shredded jack cheese in the filling or topping the stuffed jalapeños with extra cheese before wrapping in bacon. Additionally, you can add more complexity to the BBQ sauce by incorporating spices and herbs to your taste.
Preparation Techniques
Preparation of Ingredients
Before starting the cooking process, gather together all the ingredients and tools. Have the following items at hand:
Jalapeños: Large size and fresh
Brisket: Smoked or cooked, as per preference
Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing
Bacon: Strips to wrap around the jalapeños
Barbecue sauce: Your preferred choice
Cheese: Ideally colby jack or cheddar
Additionally, the cook should have essential tools such as gloves, a chopping board, a sharp knife, and skewers. Clean the grill grates and preheat the smoker or grill to 325°F while preparing the other ingredients.
Wrapping Procedure
Clean: Wearing gloves start by cleaning the jalapeños and removing the stems.
Slice & Core: Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
Stuffing: In a bowl, mix beef brisket, cream cheese filling, cheese, and seasonings; stuff each jalapeño half with this mixture.
Wrapping: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a strip of bacon crispy—secure it using a skewer or toothpick if needed.
Smoking Method
For smoked Texas Twinkies: The choice of wood used for smoking affects the flavor and aroma of the final dish. Popular options include:
Oak wood: Adds a mild, smoky flavor
Hickory wood: Provides a strong, hearty taste
Pecan wood: Imparts a sweet, mellow flavor
Smoke Preparation: Fill the smoker with the chosen wood chips.
Place the Twinkies: Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the smoker grates, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
Cook: Smoke the Twinkies for 1.5 to 2 hours or until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender.
Sauce: Baste the Twinkies with barbecue sauce about 20 minutes before they are done for added flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Although smoking is a popular method, there are alternatives for preparing Twinkies:
Grill: Preheat the grill and cook the Twinkies over indirect heat for 30-40 minutes, with the lid closed. Baste with barbecue sauce midway through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the Twinkies on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Brush with barbecue sauce about halfway through cooking.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the Twinkies for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Brush with barbecue sauce after cooking and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Pellet Grill: Preheat the pellet grill to 325°F and cook the Twinkies for 45-60 minutes or until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender. Baste with barbecue sauce about 20 minutes before finishing.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Assembly Instructions
Start by gathering the ingredients needed for the recipe. For the filling, you'll need:
8 ounces cream cheese, allow cream cheese to reach room temperature, so it's easier to work with
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound bacon
To prepare the filling, first slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membrane. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stuff each jalapeño pepper half with the cheese mixture.
Once the filling is complete, move on to wrapping the stuffed peppers. Cut each bacon strip into two pieces. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño pepper with a piece of bacon and secure it using a toothpick.
Cooking Directions
Before cooking, preheat the oven or smoker to a temperature of 250°F (121°C). Place the stuffed, wrapped jalapeños onto a baking pan with a wire rack, making sure to leave space between each pepper.
For the smoker, place the baking pan with the Twinkies into the smoker and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the last slice of bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender. Try smoking with cherry wood for a sweet smoke aroma.
Alternatively, for grilling, place the baking sheet with the Twinkies directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender. Make sure to turn the peppers wrapped in bacon occasionally for even cooking.
Finishing Touches
After cooking or the smoker, it's time to add the final touches. Choose a BBQ sauce with your preferred flavor profile, whether that be spicy or sweet barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan, warm the BBQ sauce over low heat.
Remove the cooked Twinkies from the smoking or grilling apparatus and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warmed BBQ sauce over the peppers before serving.
This easy-to-follow recipe offers a simple yet delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. Serve immediately and enjoy your Texas Twinkies!
Serving and Presentation
Serving Suggestions
Twinkies can be served as a delightful appetizer or a scrumptious tailgate snack. They are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven or smoker. For an attractive presentation, serve these delicious treats on a large platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. As a finishing touch, use a small spoon to drizzle some barbecue sauce or sour cream over the top. The versatile nature of Texas Twinkies allows for endless variation, maybe pair them with Smoked Jalapeno Poppers, some smoked brisket or even chicken.
Side Dishes
Pairing Twinkies with the right side dishes can elevate them from a snack to a full and satisfying meal with extra flavor. Here are a few side dish options that complement the flavors of Twinkies:
Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of Texas Twinkies.
Grilled vegetables: (What wine goes well with grilled vegetables?) Vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers can be grilled or roasted in order to bring out their natural sweetness.
Potato salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with the smoky taste of Twinkies.
Baked beans: The sweet, smoky flavors (What wine goes well with smoky flavors?) of baked beans (how long di baked beans last?) lend themselves well to the overall flavor profile of this dish.
Nutrition Calories
Though Twinkies offer a burst of flavors, it is essential to remember that they are a treat rather than a nutritional powerhouse with little monounsaturated fat. The recipe consists of bacon, cream cheese, smoked brisket and jalapeño peppers, which can make for a high-fat, high-calorie snack.
Here is a general breakdown of the nutrition serving of Twinkies (per serving):
It is important to enjoy Twinkies in moderation as part of a balanced diet and to consider serving them alongside more nutritious side dishes, like grilled vegetables. This way, you can still indulge in the flavors of this popular appetizer while maintaining a health-conscious approach to your meal.
Preservation and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of Twinkies, it is essential to store leftovers safely to maintain their quality and taste. For leftover smoked brisket, follow these steps for optimal preservation:
Allow the brisket to cool down to room temperature.
Place the brisket in an airtight container to prevent the brisket from drying out.
Refrigerate the container promptly, keeping it at a temperature below 40°F.
To store any uncooked or cooked Twinkies, use this method:
Wrap Texas Twinkies individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze the wrapped Texas Twinkies for up to 3 months.
It is important to label and date containers or bags before placing them in the freezer to easily track their storage duration.
Variations and Customizations
Heat Level Adjustment
For those looking to adjust the heat level of their Texas Twinkies recipe, altering the ingredients is key. Mild fans can opt to exclude jalapeños or choose less spicy jalapeños, while spicy enthusiasts can use spicier jalapeños or even add hotter peppers like habaneros. Another option is adjusting the amount of pepper in the cream cheese mixture for a more subtle change in heat level.
Meat Substitutions
The classic Texas Twinkies recipe calls for using smoked pulled pork. However, there are additional meat options for a twist on this classic dish. A popular substitution is chopped brisket. Chopped brisket is juicy and has great texture. If looking for a non-smoked option, consider using regular pulled pork or shredded chicken. Here are a few meat alternatives to consider:
Chopped beef short rib
Chopped brisket
Ground beef or turkey
Cooked bacon bits
No matter the substitution, ensure that the chosen meat is cooked and seasoned before stuffing the jalapeños.
Vegetarian Options
While Texas Twinkies are traditionally meat-filled, vegetarian variations can be just as delicious. To create a vegetarian-friendly recipe, simply exclude the meat and replace it with a suitable ingredient. Here are a few vegetarian-friendly suggestions:
Grilled or sautéed bell peppers
Cooked mushrooms or black beans (how long do black beans last?)
Roasted corn (how long does roasted corn last?) or caramelized onions
When making these substitutions, be sure to properly season and cook the chosen ingredients for optimal flavor that will still complement the jalapeños, cream cheese mixture, and wrapped bacon.
