Pin
Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls fill all your cravings for creamy spicy barbecue bite-sized snacks Each roll is stuffed with smoky brisket melted cheese a kick of jalapeño and finished with the bold touch of chili-infused honey No party or big game in my house is complete without these crowd-pleasers on the table and rarely does a single one make it past the first quarter
When I set out to blend my love for Texas Twinkies with the fun of egg rolls my friends could not stop talking about them There have been actual debates at our tailgates about who gets the last one
Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers: Choose fresh packs with no cracks so they hold the filling and crisp up perfectly
- Smoked brisket: Chop into small bits for easy rolling and a hearty smoky flavor in every bite
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat at room temp to make mixing easy and keep the filling plush
- Jalapeños: Opt for firm shiny peppers which offer both color and spice
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Use sharp varieties for bold creaminess and melt
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add a big savory note and balance the richness
- Onion powder: Lends extra depth without overpowering the brisket
- Smoked paprika: Spanish or Hungarian types highlight the barbecue vibe seek out rich red color
- Beaten egg: Helps seal your rolls so filling does not escape in the oil
- Oil for frying: Pick neutral high-heat oils like canola or peanut for a crisp finish and clean flavor
- Salt and pepper: Season generously to bring all the flavors together
- Honey: A wildflower or clover honey pairs beautifully with brisket and spice
- Thinly sliced jalapeño: For homemade jalapeño honey that is both pretty and punchy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Together Blend chopped brisket cream cheese shredded cheese diced jalapeños minced garlic onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl Make sure everything is evenly distributed and the filling sticks together when pressed This ensures every egg roll packs just the right amount of creamy heat and smoky flavor
- Fill and Roll Egg Rolls:
- Shape and Seal Lay a single egg roll wrapper flat in a diamond shape Place two tablespoons of filling dead center Fold side corners tightly over the filling then bring the bottom corner up and roll snuggly Brush beaten egg along the final corner for a strong seal Press firmly to prevent leaks during frying
- Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Get Crispy Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to a steady 175 degrees Celsius Fry egg rolls in small batches so oil temperature stays steady Cook each for two to three minutes per side until all surfaces are deep golden and crisp Set them on paper towels to drain and stay crunchy
- Make the Spicy Honey:
- Infuse and Warm Combine honey with thin jalapeño slices in a small saucepan Heat on low for about five minutes stirring gently until the honey draws out a subtle heat and green color from the peppers Do not let the honey boil so the flavor stays bright and the texture remains smooth
- Serve:
- Plate and Drizzle Stack hot egg rolls on a platter and pour warm jalapeño honey right over the top Serve immediately with ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping and watch them vanish
Pin
My favorite part of this recipe is definitely the sweet spicy honey I still remember the first time my family tried it My dad could not believe how well it paired with brisket and now everyone expects a batch anytime we get the smoker going
Storage Tips
If you have any left cool egg rolls to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep for up to three days To revive the crunch skip the microwave and reheat in an oven or air fryer Lay them out on a baking sheet to avoid sogginess
Ingredient Substitutions
If brisket is not available do not hesitate to use pulled pork or roast chicken for a different but rich filling Egg roll wrappers can be subbed with large wonton skins just use less filling for each For a tangier spin soften and use creamy goat cheese or swap out jalapeños for milder poblano or Anaheim peppers
Serving Suggestions
Pile egg rolls high on a board with pickled vegetables sliced cucumbers and extra sauces for dipping For fun at a picnic wrap them in foil and toss in a thermos with a towel so they stay warm My crew is split on dips so ranch BBQ sauce and a zippy green crema have all seen action on my table
Pin
Cultural Context
Texas Twinkies are an iconic Southern barbecue nibble with roots in pitmaster traditions where jalapeños and brisket always shine Transforming that idea into egg rolls means you get the spirit of the smokehouse plus all the fun of party finger food It is a modern mash-up that pays homage to classic Texas flavors while being a breeze to serve to a crowd
These egg rolls let you use up those precious barbecue leftovers and turn a casual meal into a real event My kids once raced to see who could eat the most and the jalapeño honey is now a family legend
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover brisket for the filling?
Yes, leftover smoked or roasted brisket adds great flavor and texture to the filling, making the rolls both tasty and resourceful.
- → Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use Neufchâtel or a ricotta and shredded cheese mix, though texture and creaminess may slightly differ.
- → How spicy are these rolls?
The heat comes from fresh jalapeños and smoked paprika, but jalapeños can be reduced or omitted for a milder taste.
- → What dipping sauces work best?
Ranch, barbecue sauce, or chipotle aioli complement the smoky, creamy, and spicy notes superbly.
- → Can these rolls be baked instead of fried?
Yes, brushing them with oil and baking at 400°F yields a crispy crust, though frying typically creates extra crunchiness.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep cooled rolls airtight in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.