Texas Twinkies bring together the best of barbecue and comfort food in one irresistible bite. These cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon deliver the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors that’ll have your guests coming back for more. Easy enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for entertaining, this crowd-pleasing appetizer takes just 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 12 pieces
Difficulty: Easy
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 6 large fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Toothpicks for securing

Instructions
- Prepare the jalapeños. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise, then carefully remove seeds and white membrane using a small spoon or knife. For milder Texas Twinkies, remove all seeds; for extra heat, leave some seeds intact.
- Make the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be easily spreadable but hold its shape.
- Stuff the jalapeños. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture. Pack the filling slightly above the rim of each pepper, as it will settle during cooking.
- Prepare the bacon seasoning. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and chili powder. Set aside for later use.
- Wrap with bacon. Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. The bacon should cover most of the pepper and filling. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
- Season the bacon. Place wrapped Texas Twinkies on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle the brown sugar and chili powder mixture over the bacon-wrapped peppers.
- Bake to perfection. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and slightly golden on top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve. Let Texas Twinkies cool for 3-4 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if desired, or leave them in for easier handling.
Tips for Success
Choose the right jalapeños. Select large, straight jalapeños that are firm and bright green. Avoid peppers with soft spots or wrinkled skin, as they won’t hold their shape during cooking.
Prevent soggy bottoms. Place Texas Twinkies on a wire rack set over the baking sheet for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This allows air circulation and ensures crispy bacon all around.
Make-ahead friendly. Assemble Texas Twinkies up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Control the heat level. For milder peppers, soak cut jalapeños in cold water for 10 minutes before stuffing. For extra heat, leave more seeds or add a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
Recipe Variations
Smoky Brisket Texas Twinkies: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked brisket to the cream cheese mixture for an extra Texas twist.
Seafood Style: Replace half the cheddar with cooked crab meat and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the filling.
Breakfast Version: Mix crumbled cooked sausage into the filling and top with a small piece of crispy hash brown before wrapping in bacon.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and brush jalapeños with olive oil, then roll in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Texas Twinkies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and bacon re-crisps. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the bacon soggy.
For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked Texas Twinkies for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Highlights
Each Texas Twinkie provides approximately 180 calories with 8 grams of protein. Jalapeños are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. The cream cheese adds calcium, while bacon provides satisfying fats that help you feel full longer.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Texas Twinkies shine as a game day appetizer alongside cold beer or iced tea. They pair beautifully with other barbecue favorites like pulled pork sliders, coleslaw, and cornbread. For a complete Texas-style spread, serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
These bacon-wrapped beauties also make an excellent side dish for grilled meats or as part of a brunch buffet. Try them with scrambled eggs and hash browns for a hearty morning meal that’ll fuel your day.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight treat, Texas Twinkies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy filling, spicy pepper, and crispy bacon creates the perfect bite every time.