Texas Twinkies

“Texas Twinkies” were created and made famous by Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, Texas. This appetizer recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 12 whole jalapeños
• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• 2 cups shredded Smoked Brisket
• 12 thick-cut strips bacon
• 2 tablespoons kosher or sea salt
• 2 tablespoons coarse-ground pepper
• 6 ounces sweet barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Slit one side of each jalapeño from stem to tip. Slice across stem end; remove seeds and membranes.
2. Place jalapeños on baking sheet; bake at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from oven; place jalapeños in bowl of ice water to extract additional seed oil. Cover each jalapeño's inside bottom with approximately 1 tablespoon cream cheese; add 1 tablespoon Monterey Jack cheese (if using) and 2 ounces brisket. Close pepper around stuffing. Wrap with bacon, secured with a wooden pick; add a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Place peppers on baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 to 50 minutes depending on how crisp you want your bacon. If desired, brush approximately 1 tablespoon sauce on each after removing from oven, if desired. Or, you can brush them with barbecue sauce about 10 minutes before done to caramelize the sauce.
5. Serve immediately.

Notes

These "Twinkies" can also be grilled, if desired.

Attribution

Photo credit: newwavegurly on VisualHunt.com