Just 4 ingredients and you have the most DELICIOUS appetizer. Use leftover brisket, and make these meaty jalapeño poppers in the oven or in your smoker—I have instructions for both cooking methods below!
8-12jalapeños(try to pick out 8 larger jalapeños, or get 12 if using smaller ones)
8-12slicesthick cut bacon
8-12tablespoonscream cheese(1-1.5 blocks), softened to room temperature. The amount will depend on your preference and jalapeño size
1.5-2cupsbrisketchopped or shredded - the amount will also depend on the jalapeño size
Instructions
Prep the jalapeño peppers
Wearing disposable kitchen gloves, trim the stem end off the jalapeños. Using a sharp pairing knife, slice a straight line down the length of the jalapeño. Using your fingers spread the jalapeño open so it has a V-shaped opening. If needed, you can cut out a little V-shaped opening to give yourself room to stuff the jalapeño.
Use the paring knife to de-seed the jalapeño. If you want the Texas Twinkies spicy, leave some of the pith (the white parts) inside. Otherwise, scrape it out carefully with a paring knife. Rinse the jalapeños under water to remove any stuck-on seeds. Use a paper towel to dab the jalapeños dry on the inside so that the cream cheese sticks to the inside.
Stuff the jalapeños
Recipe tip: Preheat your oven or smoker at this time. The oven should be at 400F. If using the oven, grab a baking sheet and place a wire rack over it. The smoker should be at 275F. If using a smoker, you can cook the twinkies directly on the wire rack, or use a more closely-spaced wire rack in the smoker.
Using a knife, stuff half of the inside of the jalapeño with cream cheese. Ensure there is enough as this will help the brisket stick.
Stuff each jalapeño with shredded brisket.
On a flat surface, lay out a slice of bacon. Place the stuffed jalapeño on one end of the bacon, perpendicular to the bacon. Wrap the jalapeño with the bacon and secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks.
Oven baking instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the Texas Twinkies on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and done to your liking (check to make sure it doesn't burn).
Smoker instructions
Preheat your smoker to 275°F. Place the Texas Twinkies directly on the wire rack. Allow to cook for 60-90 minutes, or until the bacon has cooked through.