Get ready to elevate your barbecue game with an appetizer that's guaranteed to be the star of any gathering: Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies! Imagine perfectly smoked jalapeños, bursting with a creamy, savory smoked brisket and cream cheese filling, all wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a irresistible sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. These aren't just jalapeño poppers; they're a flavor explosion that pays homage to Texas BBQ at its finest.
Why You'll Love These Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies
There's a reason why Texas Twinkies have become a legendary dish in the BBQ world. This recipe takes everything you love about classic jalapeño poppers and amplifies it with the rich, smoky flavor of brisket and the dynamic kick of hot honey. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes – the tender heat of the jalapeño, the velvety cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the salty crunch of bacon, and that vibrant sweet-heat glaze. They're perfect for game days, backyard cookouts, or simply when you want to impress your taste buds.
What Exactly Are Texas Twinkies?
While their name might conjure images of a snack cake, Texas Twinkies are far from it! They are essentially oversized, gourmet jalapeño poppers that originated in the barbecue pits of Texas. The "twinkie" moniker comes from their stuffed, elongated shape. Traditional versions often feature a creamy, cheesy filling, but the addition of smoked meat, especially tender brisket, takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The hot honey glaze adds a modern twist that perfectly balances the savory, smoky, and spicy elements.
Ingredients You'll Need for Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its relatively simple ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary. You'll need large jalapeño peppers, pre-smoked brisket (a great way to use up leftovers!), cream cheese, and of course, bacon and hot honey. We'll also add a touch of BBQ rub to the filling for extra depth of flavor. For a full list of ingredients and precise measurements, be sure to check out the recipe card below.
Choosing Your Brisket
The star of the stuffing is, without a doubt, the smoked brisket. If you've just smoked a full packer brisket, this is the perfect opportunity to use some of those delicious leftovers. Don't have any on hand? You can often find pre-smoked brisket at specialty grocery stores or local BBQ joints. For the best flavor and texture, look for tender, juicy brisket that shreds or chops easily.
How to Make Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies
Crafting these Texas Twinkies is a fun and rewarding process. While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward, leading to an incredibly satisfying result. The key is in the preparation and, of course, the smoking process, which infuses every component with that signature smoky goodness. Make sure your My Favorite Smoker Grill is ready to go!
Prepping Your Jalapeños
The first step is to carefully prepare your jalapeños. Slice them in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and the white membrane. This is where most of the heat resides, so removing it ensures a pleasant warmth rather than an overwhelming burn. If you're sensitive to heat, wearing gloves is a good idea!
Stuffing & Wrapping
Next comes the delicious filling! Combine your chopped smoked brisket, softened cream cheese, and a pinch of your favorite BBQ rub. This creates a rich, savory mixture that perfectly complements the jalapeño. Stuff each half generously, then wrap them snugly with a slice of thin-cut bacon. The bacon will render and crisp up beautifully on the smoker, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
Smoking to Perfection
The smoker does most of the work here. Set your smoker to a low and slow temperature, around 250°F (120°C), and let the magic happen. The low temperature allows the bacon to crisp slowly, the jalapeño to soften, and all the flavors to meld together, getting infused with that incredible smoke flavor. The cooking time will vary depending on your smoker and the thickness of your ingredients, but generally, expect 2 to 2.5 hours.
The Hot Honey Glaze
The grand finale! In the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush your Texas Twinkies with a warm, glossy hot honey glaze. This glaze caramelizes beautifully on the smoker, creating a sticky, sweet, and subtly spicy exterior that takes these appetizers from great to absolutely unforgettable. You can even add a touch of apple cider vinegar or extra cayenne to your hot honey for an extra zing.
Tips for the Best Texas Twinkies
- Don't Rush the Smoke: Low and slow is the way to go for tender jalapeños and perfectly crispy bacon without burning.
- Use Quality Brisket: The better your brisket, the better your Twinkies will taste. Leftovers from a perfectly smoked brisket are ideal.
- Even Bacon Wrap: Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly and evenly around the jalapeño to help it cook consistently.
- Adjust Heat: For less heat, remove all pith and seeds. For more, leave a few seeds in one or two for the adventurous eaters.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies are a fantastic standalone appetizer. Serve them fresh off the smoker for the best experience. They also make a great side dish for other BBQ favorites like pulled pork, smoked chicken, or ribs. Pair them with a cold beer or a sweet tea for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience. Be warned, these disappear fast!
Ready to try this incredible recipe? Dive into the details below and get ready to impress everyone with your smoking skills!
FAQs
What are Texas Twinkies?
Texas Twinkies are a popular barbecue appetizer consisting of large jalapeu00f1o peppers that are hollowed out, stuffed with a savory filling (often brisket and cream cheese), wrapped in bacon, and then smoked until tender and crispy.
How do I control the heat level of the jalapeu00f1o peppers?
To reduce the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and the white membrane (pith) inside the jalapeu00f1o. For extra mildness, you can briefly soak the hollowed jalapeu00f1os in ice water before stuffing. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
Can I prepare Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Texas Twinkies (stuff and wrap with bacon) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Apply the hot honey glaze right before or during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
What kind of wood chips or chunks are best for smoking Texas Twinkies?
For Texas Twinkies, mild to medium fruitwoods like apple or cherry wood are excellent choices as they impart a subtle sweetness that complements the hot honey and brisket. Hickory or pecan can also be used for a stronger, more classic BBQ flavor.
Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 Texas Twinkies 1x
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
A fiery, sweet, and savory appetizer featuring smoked brisket and cream cheese stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon and glazed with hot honey.
Ingredients
12 large jalapeño peppers
1 cup cooked smoked brisket, chopped or shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 tbsp BBQ rub
12 slices thin-cut bacon
1/2 cup hot honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for glaze, optional)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the jalapeños by carefully slicing them in half lengthwise and using a spoon or melon baller to remove the seeds and white membrane. Be careful when handling chilies, wearing gloves is recommended.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped smoked brisket, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and BBQ rub. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Generously stuff each jalapeño half with the brisket and cream cheese mixture, ensuring it's mounded slightly.
Step 4: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of thin-cut bacon, securing it tightly. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place (remove before serving).
Step 5: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños directly on the grates or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 6: Smoke the Texas Twinkies for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
Step 7: While the twinkies are smoking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, gently warm the hot honey. For a thinner glaze or extra tang, you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
Step 8: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze over each Texas Twinkie. Continue smoking to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Step 9: Remove the Smoked Brisket Hot Honey Texas Twinkies from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
For best results, use good quality, already smoked brisket. Adjust the hot honey glaze to your preferred sweetness and spice level. Serving immediately after smoking ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Twinkie
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Leave a Reply