Start by cutting off the tops of your jalapeños and carefully removing the seeds and membranes. This step will help reduce the heat, but if you’re a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave them in for an extra kick. Using a small spoon or melon baller can help you scoop out the seeds with ease.

In a bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you’re adding any extras like garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked brisket or sausage, mix those in now. This is where you can really get creative! Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more spice, a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce will do the trick.

Now comes the fun part! Take your prepared jalapeños and stuff them with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to fill each pepper generously, pressing down slightly to ensure the filling stays put. Make sure not to overstuff, as the bacon will need to wrap snugly around each pepper. If you’re using sausage or brisket, you can mix it directly into the filling or add a layer on top of the cheese inside the pepper for an extra smoky flavor.

Next, take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon covers the entire pepper to keep the cheese inside as it cooks. If you’re using thicker bacon slices, you may need to slightly overlap them to make sure it stays in place.

Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or baking, you’ll want to cook your Texas Twinkies until the bacon is perfectly crispy, and the cheese is bubbling. Here are your options:

Grilling/Smoking: Preheat your grill or smoker to medium heat (about 350°F). Place the jalapeños directly on the grill grates and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. If you’re using a smoker, keep it at a steady temperature for that deep, smoky flavor.

Baking: If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 375°F. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden.

For that extra BBQ flair, drizzle a little BBQ sauce over the top of each jalapeño in the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a tangy, smoky finish that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and spicy peppers. If you like it sweeter or spicier, you can adjust the type of BBQ sauce you use.

Once the Texas Twinkies are done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to eat without too much melty mess. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!