If you've never heard of Texas Twinkies before, you're in for a real treat.
These savory, smoky, and slightly spicy bites are a barbecue sensation that's perfect for any occasion, and today, we're giving them a twist by cooking them on the Ninja Woodfire Grill.
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What Are Texas Twinkies?
Despite the name, these are not your typical sweet treats. Texas Twinkies are essentially jumbo jalapeño poppers taken to the next level. They combine the creamy goodness of cheese with the rich, smoky flavor of brisket, all wrapped up in crispy bacon. They're the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and smoky—a true Texas delight.
The Key Ingredients
To make these Texas Twinkies, you'll need a few key ingredients:
- Jalapeños and Sweet Peppers: For this recipe, we’re using both jalapeños for that classic heat and sweet peppers for a milder option.
- Smoked Brisket: This is where the magic happens. The smoky, tender brisket adds a depth of flavor that makes these Twinkies irresistible.
- Gruyere Cheese and Cream Cheese: The creamy filling combines the sharpness of Gruyere with the smoothness of cream cheese, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right? The bacon crisps up beautifully on the grill, adding a savory crunch to every bite.
- BBQ Rub and Sauce: A good BBQ rub adds layers of flavor, while a final glaze of BBQ sauce gives these Twinkies a shiny, irresistible finish.
Preparing the Peppers
The first step in making Texas Twinkies is prepping your peppers. You'll want to slice a "T" shape into each pepper—this helps minimize cheese leakage during cooking. Carefully remove the seeds and veins, giving you a nice cavity to stuff with your delicious filling. If you prefer a milder heat, soak the jalapeños in Sprite for a couple of hours. This little trick will tone down the spice while adding a subtle sweetness.
The Cheesy, Smoky Filling
The filling for these Texas Twinkies is where all the magic happens. Start by grating some Gruyere cheese and chopping up your smoked brisket. Mix these with softened cream cheese and a bit of BBQ rub until everything is well combined. The result is a rich, creamy filling with a kick of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the peppers.
Stuff, Wrap, and Smoke
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff those peppers. Use a spoon (or your hands) to pack the filling into each pepper, making sure they’re generously filled. Then, wrap each pepper in a slice of thick-cut bacon and secure it with a toothpick. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep everything together as it cooks.
Load up your Ninja Woodfire with pellets and set it to the smoker setting at 225°F (107°C). Place the peppers on the elevated rack and let them smoke until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness, which could take up to three hours. The slow smoking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s worth the wait.
Finishing Touches
When the bacon is just about perfect, it’s time to take these Texas Twinkies to the next level. Crank the temperature up to 350°F (177°C) and brush the peppers with a thinned-out BBQ sauce. This gives them a beautiful glaze and an extra layer of flavor. After about 15 minutes, they’re ready to be devoured.
Why You’ll Love These Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies are the perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors, all wrapped up in crispy bacon. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, watching the game, or just craving something hearty and delicious, these Twinkies are sure to impress. Plus, cooking them on the Ninja Woodfire adds an extra smoky depth that you just can’t get with a regular oven.
So, should you make Texas Twinkies? Absolutely. Grab your favorite RSVLTS shirt, fire up the Ninja Woodfire, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate BBQ treat. Check out the full recipe on DadGotThis.com, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let me know how your Twinkies turn out. Yeehaw!
Recipe
Ninja Woodfire Texas Twinkies
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire Grill
- Ninja Woodfire Roast Rack
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Brush
Ingredients
- 7 extra-large jalapeños
- 7 sweet peppers
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 lb smoked brisket chopped
- 2 cups Smoked Gruyere cheese grated
- ¼ cup BBQ rub
- 14 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 Cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice a “T” shape into each pepper and remove the seeds and veins.
- Make the Filling: Grate the Gruyere cheese and chop the smoked brisket. Mix with cream cheese and 2-4 tablespoon of BBQ rub until well combined.
- Stuff and Wrap: Stuff the peppers with the cheese and brisket mixture. Wrap each pepper in bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Smoke and Finish: Load the Woodfire with pellets and set to 225°F (107°C). Smoke the peppers for up to 3 hours, until bacon reaches desired texture. Increase heat to 350°F (177°C), glaze with thinned out BBQ sauce (mix sauce and apple cider vinegar), and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?Mention @DadGotThis or tag #DadGotThis!Ingredient and Equipment Links for Woodfire Texas Twinkies:
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Grill:
Get it at NinjaKitchen
Raised Grates for Ninja Woodfire:
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