Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies are a big and hearty variation on the classic stuffed jalapeño popper full of bold and savory flavors. Gone are the days of boring old pizzas, and nachos, replaced by a mouthwatering mix of flavors that captures the smoky heat of jalapeños, the rich creaminess of cheese, the savory appreciation of bacon and tender peas of flavorful chicken. It is named after the Lone Star State for its Texas-sized portions and its iconic bold flavors. Whether eaten as an appetizer, snack or main dish, Texas Twinkies are guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s desire for something spicy and savory.
What Are Texas Twinkies?
Texas Twinkie is a jalapeño pepper stuffed with a mixture of chicken, cheese, and spices, wrapped in bacon and smoked or grilled to perfection. Spiced, smokey and cheesy, these’re the star on any menu, great for serving at barbeques, tailgating or any party. The jalapeños introduce a zesty kick, and the chicken provides a tender bite to counterbalance the heat.
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It’s the bacon, though, that really brings this dish together, encasing it all with crispy, salty crunch. Usually, you will also serve the dish with a dipping sauce or ranch dressing to make it creamier and tastier.
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Ingredients
Why We Love Texas Twinkies?
Texas Twinkies are the best of both worlds when it comes to flavor and texture, and that’s why they’re loved. The spicy jalapeños are cooled by the creamy chicken and cheese filling, and the bacon lends savory crunch that gives the dish an extra kick. Whether you’re a lover of spicy foods or just a sucker for a good appetizer, Texas Twinkies have it all.
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And the dish is highly customizable. You can include seasonings you love, alternate the types of cheese used or switch out the meats for other ingredients, like pulled pork or beef. Texas Twinkies are a recipe that works for feeding a crowd or satisfies your craving for something hearty and flavorful.
Texas Twinkies
Prep Time: 30 minutes —- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Step 1 Prepare the Jalapeños:
Includes some of the seeds and use milder peppers, like banana peppers, if a less spicy flavor is preferred.
Step 2 Cook the Chicken:
Shred or dice, your chicken can be pre-cooked. You can use leftovers or baked fresh chicken breasts, any spices or barbecue rubs you like.
Step 3 Make the Filling:
Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and spices in a mixing bowl. Combine it all and mix well until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
Step 4 Stuff the Jalapeños:
Fill each half of the jalapeño with the chicken mixture, pressing it in tightly.
Step 5 Wrap with Bacon:
Use a strip of bacon and wrap around every stuffed jalapeño. You might need to pin it with toothpicks to keep everything in place.
Step 6 Cook the Texas Twinkies:
The Classic Way is to Grill or smoke the Texas Twinkies on a grill or smoke at a low temperature (about 225-250°F) for 45 minutes to an hour or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted Alternatively you can place them in the oven at 375°F for around 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
Step 7 Serve and Enjoy:
Your Texas Twinkies can be served hot, with some ranch or a spicy dipping sauce on the side. The smoky, cheesy, bacon-wrapped goodness will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
Conclusion
Texas Twinkies, the best punching comfort food. Spicy jalapeños, savory chicken, melty cheese and crispy bacon give these a perfect combination of flavor and texture that will leave everyone wanting more. Served at a barbecue, party, or just for fun, Texas Twinkies are sure to impress your guests and have their taste buds dancing. So fire up your grill and dive into this popular regional dish for an authentic taste of Texas in your own backyard.
