You know those days when you just need something comforting, something that feels like a warm hug in your arms? What’s a plate piled high with my Texas Twinkies? I know what you’re thinking – twinkies? What are some of the best snack cakes out there? What are some of the best sweet and spicy recipes that will have everyone begging for more. What is the recipe? What are some of the best variations on the classic yellow cake with cream filling? What’s a jalapeo stuffed pepper that’ll be wrapped in bacon and slathered in cream cheese? I know it sounds wild, but trust me, the first bite is pure magic. My kids, who can be the pickiest eaters on the planet, absolutely devour these. I bring them to every potluck and they always disappear. I don’t know why. I get why. If you’ve ever loved a jalapeo popper, get ready to have your mind blown.
What are Texas Twinkies?
What are these magical things called Texas Twinkies? Think of them as a party in your mouth, savoury, sweet, and savory. A perfect balance of sweetness, sweetness and salt. All wrapped up in a beautifully glazed package. What is a hollowed-out jalapeo pepper? Is cream cheese wrapped in bacon? The whole package gets brushed with a sweet, tangy glaze and baked until the bacon is crispy. What is the best way to cook a pepper? The “Twinkie” name comes from the visual resemblance to the iconic snack cake once they’re all gone. glazed and ready to go – they get that golden, shiny sheen. Is it a clever play on words for an original dish that’s miles away from the original but just as addictive, if not better? What is the kind of appetizer that makes people stop, take notice, and ask, “What is this amazing?”
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is this recipe a winner? First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get the initial sweetness from the glaze, which then gives way to the creamy, tangy filling. As you bite into the pepper, there’s a tender warmth from the jalapeo, and then, the pièce de résistance. What is that perfectly cooked, crispy bacon? It hits all the right notes – sweet, salty, creamy, and with just enough of a kick to keep things going. What I love most about these Texas Twinkies is how surprisingly simple they are to make, especially in the kitchen. How impressive they are and how good they taste. Do you need fancy equipment or complicated techniques? Even on a busy weeknight, if I’m craving something sweet and indulgent, I can whip these up without compromising on taste. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly. What are some pantry staples? Jalapeos, cream cheese, bacon, and bacon – you probably already have half the recipe. What are some of the best ingredients on What are some of the most versatile things to do with What are some great Side Dishes to serve on a game day? I like to snack on a snack when I’m lounging around the house. If you like jalapeo poppers, these are your new favorite. What makes them a crowd pleaser?
How do I make Texas Twinkies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Texas Twinkies? What’s all about prepping the peppers, mixing up a delicious filling, wrapping them in bacon, and then serving them up. I know it sounds simple, but I’m going to try it. What is the best way to bake a cake? The beauty of this recipe is that it’s mostly hands-on time for assembly, and then the oven does all of the cooking. How many steps stand between you and pure deliciousness? Is there a recipe that makes you feel like he/she is cooking for you without breaking your sweat?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why is it called “
What’s the magic of jalapeos? You’ll want to pick out nice, plump jalapeos – not too small, but too big. They should feel firm and have a nice, bright green color. I always try to get ones that are relatively straight so they hold their filling well. How many large jalapeos do you need for a good batch? I find the ones with thicker walls hold up better and don’t get too mushy in the oven, but any with thinner walls will do. Is it safe to use jalapeo Just make sure they’re fresh!
For the Filling:
What is the creamy, dreamy heart of the Texas Twinkie? What’s a good amount of cream cheese? I always go for full fat because it gives the best texture and flavor – none of that low-fat stuff. What are some good recipes for this recipe I also add about 4 ounces of cheddar cheese for that extra bit of savory goodness. What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese? I stir in about 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked bacon – yes, more bacon! – and a couple of tablespoons of finely chopped chives or green onions for freshness. A pinch of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste, really rounds out the recipe. How do you add smoked paprika to a recipe?
For the Glaze:
What gives them that signature sweet, sticky, irresistible shine? What’s a simple mix of about 1/2 cup of brown sugar (light or dark works fine, I tend to use light for the flavor)? For a cleaner sweetness), 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for extra gloss, and 1 tablespoon of salt for added sweetness. Worcestershire sauce for a savory umami kick. I like to add cayenne pepper to my food but I don’t like spicy sauce. I just like it. Is jalapeo good for you? Make sure your brown sugar isn’t clumpy. If it is, just give it a good mash with the fork before mixing.
And of course:
How many strips of bacon do you need? I prefer using regular-cut bacon, not thick cut, because it wraps around the jalapeos more easily. Is it good to have a crisp up and crisp without overpowering the other flavors? You’ll also need toothpicks to secure the bacon wraps.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? While the oven is heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. What makes cleanup so much easier? If you want to make jalapeos, slice them in half lengthwise. Once they’re cut, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you like them milder, be sure to get all the white. This is where most of the heat comes from. If you’re feeling brave and want extra spicy, leave some pith in. What are some good ways to wash your hands after bathing?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
This step is pretty simple, really. In a medium bowl, we’re going to combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream. Then add the remaining ingredients. What are the chopped bacon bits, and the green onions? Add your garlic powder, onion powder and salt to taste. If you’re using other seasonings like smoked paprika, now’s the time to add them in. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
For the glaze, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed together. This glaze will get nice and caramelized as it bakes, creating that irresistible sweet coating.
Step 4: Combine
What do you want to make sure everything is really well combined? I usually use a sturdy spoon or even my hands (with gloves on, of course)! ) to really mash everything together until it’s a cohesive, creamy mixture. What are some good ways to spread cream cheese?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Now it’s time to stuff those peppers! Take a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and generously stuff each jalapeo half. Don’t be shy. You want a nice, mounded pile of filling in each pepper half. I like to make sure the filling is just slightly above the rim of the pepper, so it gets nice and crispy. When it bakes, it turns golden.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
What is the part where we wrap them in bacon? Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeo, securing it with toothpick. I usually wrap it so the ends overlap a bit on the bottom. If the bacon strips are too long, you might need to trim them. Make sure the bacon is snug against the pepper and filling. Place the wrapped jalapeos seam-side down (if possible) on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Once all your jalapeos are wrapped and on the baking sheet, it’s time to bake! Is it safe to pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes? You want the bacon to start rendering and getting nice and crispy, and the cream cheese filling to get crispy. Should a wine be bubbly and slightly golden? Keep an eye on them so the bacon doesn’t burn. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 18-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
After they’ve baked for about 20-25 minutes and the bacon looks good and crispy, carefully remove them from the oven. How do you remove a baking sheet from the oven? What is the glaze? How do you glaze a bacon-wrapped jalapeo? Make sure to get it all over the bacon and filling. If the glaze is bubbly, pop them back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Watch them closely here, as the sugar can burn quickly!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once they’re out of the oven and that glaze is beautifully caramelized, let them cool for just a few minutes before serving. What do you do when you remove the toothpicks from the oven? Texas Twinkies are best served warm, when the flavors are at their peak and the bacon is at its best. Is it a Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear!
What should I serve it with?
Texas Twinkies are so versatile, they fit into almost any meal or occasion. I love serving these with scrambled eggs for a truly decadent breakfast. What is the best bacon you have ever They add a little adventure to your morning meal. What are the best pairings for a mimosa or coffee? For a more elegant brunch spread, I’ll plate them beautifully on charcuterie board with some fresh strawberries. Fruit and artisanal cheeses. They always impress me! As a dessert, they might sound unorthodox, but hear me out – the sweet and spicy. Is it addictive to have a cocktail after eating? What are some good pairings with a crisp, dry white wine or even brew beer? And for those cozy snack times, they are pure comfort food. I love them with a cold beer while watching the game, or even just as an afternoon pick-me-up. My family loves having them as an appetizer for any backyard barbecue, alongside some grilled chicken. What’s the best way to serve corn and a big salad Is it a slam dunk every time?
What are some tips for perfecting your Texas Twinkies?
After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. First, regarding the jalapeño prep: I always suggest wearing gloves when you’re seeding them. Those oils can really irritate your skin, and you don’t want that! Also, don’t be afraid to scrape out all the white pith; it really tones down the heat and lets the other flavors shine. When it comes to mixing the filling, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. It makes all the difference in achieving a smooth, creamy texture. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps, and nobody wants that. For wrapping them in bacon, I’ve found that using regular-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut bacon can sometimes prevent the jalapeño from cooking through properly or it can be too much bacon for the pepper. I always try to wrap it snugly, but not so tight that it squeezes out the filling. For the glaze, don’t be tempted to over-bake after you apply it. The sugars in the brown sugar and honey can burn very quickly, so keep a close eye on them during that final 5-10 minutes in the oven. If your bacon seems to be cooking faster than the jalapeño is softening, you can tent them loosely with foil for part of the baking time. One little trick I learned after making these dozens of times is to partially cook the bacon before wrapping. You can lay the bacon strips flat on another baking sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes until they’re just starting to crisp. Then, wrap the par-cooked bacon around the jalapeños. This helps ensure the bacon gets perfectly crispy all the way around without overcooking the peppers. For ingredient swaps, if you can’t find fresh chives, green onions are a perfectly fine substitute, or you can even omit them if you prefer. Some people like to add a tiny bit of finely diced bell pepper to the filling for extra texture and color, which is a nice touch too! If you don’t have honey or maple syrup for the glaze, a little bit of corn syrup will also work, though it might change the flavor profile slightly.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These Texas Twinkies are definitely best served fresh, right out of the oven when the bacon is crisp and the filling is warm and gooey. However, if you do have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated quite well. For storing, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a couple of hours, but beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate them. In the refrigerator, they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. I usually put them in a container with a lid, making sure they’re not too squished. When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best friend for bringing back that crispy bacon texture. You can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon is crisp again. If you’re in a real pinch, you can use a microwave, but be aware that the bacon will likely lose some of its crispiness and become a bit chewy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. If you plan to store them and add the glaze later, I would suggest keeping the glaze separate and brushing it on just before reheating for the best results. Otherwise, the glaze can get a little sticky and messy during storage.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is your favorite Texas Twinkie recipe? I truly believe this is one of those dishes that makes people happy. What is the perfect combination of textures and flavors, from the tender jalapeo to the creamy filling,? What are some of the best bacon recipes? What are some of the best appetizers to make? How do I get rave reviews? What are some of the best appetizers?Bacon-Wrapped Dates or my famous Spicy Sausage Balls – they’re also family favorites and perfect for entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try these Texas Twinkies and see for yourself just how delicious they are. Let me know in the comments below how yours turn out, and if you have any of your own twists or tips to share! Happy baking, and happy eating!
Texas Twinkies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños seeded and membranes removed
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 strips bacon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Carefully stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Don't overfill them.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with two strips of bacon, crisscrossing them to secure.
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down if possible.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender. You can broil for the last few minutes for extra crispiness, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
