Hot Honey Texas Twinkies

Hot Honey Texas Twinkies

Hot Honey Texas Twinkies are the ultimate BBQ appetizer — smoky, creamy, spicy, sweet, and wrapped in irresistible bacon crispness. Inspired by classic Texas BBQ pitmaster snacks, these jalapeños are hollowed into sturdy little “boats,” stuffed to the brim with melty cream cheese, cheddar, and tender chopped brisket. Once wrapped in thick-cut bacon and smoked low and slow, they transform into the perfect bite of bold, rich flavor.

The magic happens in layers. First, the jalapeños soften and mellow as they smoke, giving just the right amount of heat without overpowering the filling. The brisket adds a savory depth, while the cream cheese and cheddar melt into a luscious, indulgent center. Meanwhile, the bacon turns beautifully crisp and smoky, forming a shell that holds everything together.

A final brush of hot honey takes these Texas Twinkies to the next level. As it caramelizes, it forms a glossy, sticky finish that contrasts perfectly with the smoky meat and the creamy interior. The result is a mouthwatering bite that hits every flavor note: sweet, spicy, smoky, and savory.

These are a showstopper at cookouts, game days, or holiday gatherings — easy to prepare, unforgettable to serve, and impossible to eat just one.

Servings: 12 Texas Twinkies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours (smoked) or 45 minutes (oven)
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 12 large jalapeños
• 1 cup smoked brisket, chopped (or pulled beef)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp BBQ rub
• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/3 cup hot honey (or honey mixed with hot sauce)
• Optional: toothpicks

Instructions

1. Slice the top third lengthwise off each jalapeño, creating a “boat,” and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar, brisket, and 1 tablespoon of BBQ rub.
3. Stuff each jalapeño tightly with the filling.
4. Wrap each pepper with a slice of thick-cut bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
5. Sprinkle the remaining BBQ rub over the bacon exterior.
6. To smoke: Cook at 275°F for 1.5–2 hours, until the bacon is rendered and the peppers are tender.
   Oven option: Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
7. Brush each Texas Twinkie generously with hot honey and cook for 5 more minutes to caramelize.
8. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, spicy, smoky perfection.

Variations

• Add chopped jalapeños or green chiles to the filling for extra heat.
• Substitute pulled pork or smoked sausage for the brisket.
• Use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicier, melty interior.
• Add a spoonful of BBQ sauce to the filling for a saucier bite.

Tips

• For extra-rich flavor, use heavily smoked brisket or burnt ends.
• Removing all seeds makes these milder; keep some in if you prefer more heat.
• Chill stuffed jalapeños before wrapping — it helps the filling stay firm while you work.
• Let the bacon cook fully before adding hot honey to prevent burning.