Texas Twinkies are a fun twist on classic favorites! These are jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in smoky bacon. Yummy and a bit spicy!
They make a great party snack or game day treat. I love how the creamy filling and crispy bacon create a tasty crunch. Just be ready to share—everyone will want some! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are essential for that spicy kick! If you want less heat, you can use poblano peppers instead. They’re still flavorful, but much milder.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, try using reduced-fat cream cheese. You could also mix in some shredded cheese for extra flavor, like cheddar or pepper jack.
Bacon: I prefer regular bacon for its flavor, but turkey bacon is a great alternative if you want something leaner. Just note that turkey bacon may not crisp up as nicely.
Corn Dogs: Frozen corn dogs save a lot of time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own corn dog batter and use hot dogs instead!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, or make your own if you want a custom flavor! A honey BBQ sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness.
How Do I Make Sure the Bacon is Crispy?
Crispy bacon is key for great texture in Texas Twinkies. To get it just right, here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven or fryer properly so that the bacon starts cooking evenly right away.
- Use thinly sliced bacon for quicker crisping and better wrapping around the jalapeños.
- For baking, make sure your jalapeños are on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows airflow and helps the bacon get crispy all around.
- If frying, keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the bacon may become greasy instead of crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy bacon wrapped around those delicious jalapeños every time! Enjoy making your Texas Twinkies!
How to Make Delicious Texas Twinkies!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10 slices bacon (thinly sliced or cut in half)
- 10 frozen corn dogs (uncooked, store-bought)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Assorted colorful sprinkles for topping
- Oil for frying (if not baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 25-30 minutes if baking, or just 4-5 minutes if frying. Sounds quick and delicious, right? You’ll love serving these for parties or as a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Method:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer baking. If frying, prepare your oil to heat up to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it’s nice and ready for cooking!
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes—this helps tone down the heat a bit. Don’t worry; you’ll still get that jalapeño flavor!
3. Fill with Cream Cheese:
Take a spoon and fill each jalapeño half with the softened cream cheese. Make sure to smooth it out so it looks nice and neat!
4. Wrap the Corn Dogs:
Now, cut the frozen corn dogs in half lengthwise. Wrap each filled jalapeño half with half of a corn dog, ensuring it’s completely covered.
5. Add the Bacon:
Next, wrap each corn dog-covered jalapeño with a slice of bacon. If needed, you can use a toothpick to keep everything together. Make sure the bacon overlaps a bit to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake or Fry:
Place your wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. If baking, allow them to cook for 25-30 minutes—check for a crispy bacon finish! If frying, carefully place them in the heated oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
7. Coat with Barbecue Sauce:
Once cooked, remove any toothpicks and brush each Texas Twinkie generously with barbecue sauce while they’re still hot. This is where the flavor gets a nice boost!
8. Add Some Color:
While the barbecue sauce is still sticky, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top. This gives a fun and festive look to your tasty bites!
9. Serve Warm:
Your Texas Twinkies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm for a fantastic sweet and savory snack that’s sure to impress.
These tasty treats are perfect for parties, game days, or just when you crave a fun snack. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Jalapeños Instead of Frozen Corn Dogs?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh hot dogs instead of frozen corn dogs! Just wrap the cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños with a slice of hot dog, coat with cornmeal batter, and fry or bake until golden brown.
Can I Make Texas Twinkies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrap them with bacon ahead of time. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake or fry them as directed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for vegetarian preferences! Use vegetarian sausages or omit the meat altogether. Just focus on the cream cheese filling and enjoy them without the bacon and corn dogs!