Texas Twinkies Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of spicy food and BBQ, you’re in for a treat with the Texas Twinkies recipe. This dish combines the heat of jalapeños with the smoky flavor of brisket for a mouthwatering appetizer or main course. The recipe is simple, but the result is a flavor explosion that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

When it comes to making Texas Twinkies, the right ingredients are essential to ensure a delicious outcome. Here are some tips on selecting the right jalapeños, choosing quality smoked brisket, and cheese varieties and preferences:

• 12-16 extra-large jalapeños
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1 lb smoked brisket
• 1 lb chorizo (optional)
• 2 cups smoked gouda, shredded
• ½ cup Jeff’s original rub
• 12-14 slices thick-cut bacon
• Jeff’s original sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare the Jalapeños:

• Cut a “T” into each jalapeño pepper.
• Deseed and devein the peppers.

1. Make the Stuffing Mixture:

• Mix pulled brisket, cream cheese, shredded smoked gouda, and Jeff’s original rub.

1. Stuff the Peppers:

• Fill each jalapeño with the stuffing mixture.

1. Wrap with Bacon:

• Wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

1. Smoke the Peppers:

• Smoke at 225°F for about 3 hours.

1. Glaze and Finish:

• Glaze with barbecue sauce and increase heat to 350°F for 15 minutes.

1. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Selecting the Right Jalapeños

The first step in making Texas Twinkies is to select the right jalapeños. You want to choose jalapeños that are fresh and firm, with a deep green color. Avoid jalapeños that are wrinkled, soft, or have brown spots. The size of the jalapeños is also important. You want to choose jalapeños that are large enough to stuff with the brisket filling, but not so large that they become difficult to handle.

Choosing Quality Smoked Brisket

The quality of the smoked brisket is also important. You want to choose brisket that is well-smoked and has a rich, smoky flavor. Look for brisket that is tender and juicy, with a good balance of fat and meat. You can use leftover brisket or smoke a fresh brisket specifically for this recipe.

Cheese Varieties and Preferences

When it comes to cheese, there are many varieties and preferences to choose from. Cream cheese is a common ingredient in Texas Twinkies, but you can also use other soft cheeses such as goat cheese or brie. Colby jack cheese is another popular choice, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties such as cheddar or pepper jack. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Preparation Basics

Preparing Texas Twinkies is a fun and easy way to spice up your next barbecue. Here are the basic steps to get you started:

1. Cleaning and Prepping Jalapeños:

• Wash them thoroughly and then cut off the tops.
• Use a spoon handle to remove the seeds and membrane.

1. Preparing the Brisket Filling:

• Dice up the brisket into small chunks.
• Mix softened cream cheese, colby jack cheese, BBQ rub, and brisket together.

Stuffing Techniques

Now it’s time to stuff your jalapeños with the brisket filling. There are several techniques you can use to do this.

Smoking Process

When smoking Texas Twinkies, the smoking process is a crucial step that can make or break the dish. Here are some key factors to consider for a successful smoking process.

Wood Selection for Smoking

Choosing the right wood for smoking is important to achieve the desired flavor. For Texas Twinkies, hickory or mesquite wood is ideal.

Temperature and Timing

Maintaining a consistent temperature and timing is crucial to ensure that the Texas Twinkies are cooked evenly and thoroughly. The recommended smoking temperature for Texas Twinkies is 225°F.

Maintaining Moisture

Maintaining moisture is important to prevent the Texas Twinkies from becoming dry and tough.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Twinkies are a delicious appetizer that can be served on their own or with a variety of accompaniments and sides.

Accompaniments and Sides

Texas Twinkies can be served with BBQ sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or cornbread.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to serving Texas Twinkies.

Storage and Reheating

After making a batch of Texas Twinkies, you may have some leftovers that you want to store for later.

Refrigeration Guidelines

To ensure the safety and quality of your food, it is important to follow proper refrigeration guidelines.

Best Practices for Reheating

When reheating Texas Twinkies, it is important to do so properly to ensure that they are safe to eat and maintain their delicious flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Texas Twinkies:

1. What ingredients are needed to make Texas Twinkies?

• To make Texas Twinkies, you will need jalapeños, leftover brisket, cream cheese, colby jack cheese, BBQ rub, and bacon. The exact amounts will depend on how many Texas Twinkies you plan to make.

1. How do you prepare the jalapeños for stuffing?

• Cut off the tops of each jalapeño and use a spoon handle to remove the seeds and membrane. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the jalapeños to avoid getting the spicy oils on your skin.

1. What is the recommended smoking time and temperature for brisket in Texas Twinkies?

• The recommended smoking time for Texas Twinkies is 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F. The internal temperature of the brisket should reach 165°F.

1. Can Texas Twinkies be made in advance and if so, how should they be stored?

• Yes, Texas Twinkies can be made in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

1. What are some common dipping sauces or toppings to serve with Texas Twinkies?

• Some popular dipping sauces for Texas Twinkies include ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard. You can also sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for added flavor.

1. Are there any variations to the traditional Texas Twinkies recipe for dietary restrictions?

• For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon or omit it altogether for a healthier option.