Zesty Jalapeños Stuffed With Smoked Brisket Recipe for Spicy Joy

The aroma of smoky brisket dancing with spicy jalapenos promises an epic culinary adventure.

Tender meat nestles perfectly inside vibrant green peppers, creating a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers.

Bold flavors merge in this irresistible combination that sparks excitement for home cooking.

Regional texas barbecue traditions inspire this crowd-pleasing dish that packs serious punch.

Unexpected ingredients collaborate to deliver a sensational bite that leaves you craving more.

Hearty and intense, these stuffed peppers transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Pairings That Match Brisket Stuffed Jalapenos

• Pair with Crisp Beer Blast: Select a hoppy IPA or light lager that cuts through the rich, smoky brisket and creamy cheese, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Complement with Zesty Cocktail Companion: Mix a spicy margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila to echo the pepper's heat while balancing the smoky, creamy flavors.
• Match with Cool Dairy Rescue: Serve a chilled yogurt-based ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce to soothe the spicy kick and add a tangy counterpoint to the intense brisket.
• Enhance with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with peppery undertones that stand up to the strong smoky and spicy profile of the Texas Twinkies.

Creative Takes on Stuffed Jalapeno Recipes

• Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers: Replace smoked brisket with seasoned black beans or lentils for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap cream cheese with full-fat goat cheese and use sugar-free barbecue sauce to maintain low-carb requirements.
• Chicken Substitution: Use pulled smoked chicken instead of brisket for a lighter protein option with similar smoky flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese and gouda with cashew-based cheese and nutritional yeast for creamy texture without dairy.

FAQs

• How spicy are these jalapeños?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove all seeds and membranes carefully. The cream cheese and brisket also help balance the spiciness.

• Can I prepare these jalapeños in advance?

Yes, you can stuff and wrap the peppers up to a day before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to smoke.

• What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon is recommended. It provides better coverage and crisps up nicely during smoking. Avoid thin, flimsy bacon that might not wrap well.

• Do I need a smoker to make these?

While a smoker gives the best flavor, you can use an oven at 225°F. Just add wood chips in a foil packet or use liquid smoke for a smoky taste.

What Makes Jalapenos Stuffed with Brisket Special

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with smoky brisket, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon, these stuffed peppers deliver an irresistible taste experience that'll make everyone's taste buds dance.
• Impress-Your-Friends Gourmet Appetizer: These Texas Twinkies look and taste like a restaurant-quality dish, letting home cooks showcase incredible culinary skills without complicated techniques.
• Ultimate Party Showstopper: Perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, and potlucks, these peppers are guaranteed to be the talk of any gathering with their bold flavors and stunning presentation.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easy to adapt with different meats, cheeses, or spice levels, making them versatile for various dietary preferences and personal taste adventures.

Ingredients for Smoked Brisket Stuffed Jalapenos

• Pulled Brisket: Tender, smoky meat from a classic Texas-style barbecue cut.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty pork strips that add rich flavor and wrap the peppers.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy spread that binds the stuffing.
• Smoked Gouda: Rich, smoky cheese that melts beautifully.

• Jalapeños: Spicy green peppers with a sharp kick.
• Jeff's Original Rub: Signature spice blend for extra flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce for glazing the final dish.

• Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks to secure bacon around peppers.
• Pecan Wood: Smoking wood that provides a subtle, nutty flavor.

How to Make Jalapenos with Smoked Brisket

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Jalapeños

Create a delicate “T” cut on each jalapeño by slicing halfway through just below the stem, then making a vertical cut from the top to the tip.

Gently open the peppers and remove seeds and membranes using a sharp knife.

Rinse under cold water to eliminate any remaining seeds, ensuring a clean pepper ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Create Creamy Brisket Filling

• Pulled smoked brisket
• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded smoked gouda
• Signature BBQ seasoning

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful stuffing.

Step 3: Load Jalapeños with Goodness

Carefully fill each jalapeño pepper with the prepared brisket mixture.

Press the filling gently to ensure even distribution and complete coverage inside the pepper.

Step 4: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Stretch bacon slices slightly to ensure full coverage.

Wrap each stuffed jalapeño completely with a single bacon strip.

Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the pepper.

Step 5: Fire Up the Smoker

Prepare your smoker at a low and slow temperature of 225°F.

Use pecan wood for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

If your smoker has a water pan, fill it to maintain moisture during cooking.

Step 6: Smoke to Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños directly on the smoker grates.

Cook for approximately 3 hours, allowing the bacon to become crisp and the peppers to soften beautifully.

Step 7: Glaze and Final Touch

When the peppers reach desired doneness, brush with a thin layer of barbecue sauce.

Increase smoker temperature to 350°F and cook for an additional 15 minutes to create a delightful glossy finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the smoker and serve these Texas Twinkies immediately while hot and crispy.

Watch as your guests dive into these incredible stuffed jalapeños!

Cooking Tips for Brisket-Stuffed Jalapenos

• Choose pecan wood for a mild, sweet flavor that complements the rich brisket and enhances the overall smokiness without overpowering the dish.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation and accidentally transferring spicy oils to sensitive areas like eyes or face.
• Stretch bacon slices slightly before wrapping to ensure a tight, even coverage and help the bacon crisp up perfectly during smoking.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, easily blendable consistency with other ingredients.
• Adjust the amount of Jeff's original rub to control spice levels, or create a custom blend that matches your personal taste preferences.

Reheating and Storage for Brisket Jalapenos

• Store leftover jalapeños in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm peppers at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent bacon from becoming too crispy.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, checking between each burst to maintain optimal texture. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from separating.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Jalapenos Stuffed With Smoked Brisket Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Spicy Jalapeños Stuffed with Smoked Brisket deliver a mouthwatering fusion of Texan barbecue flavors that dance on your palate. Smoky, tender brisket nestled in fiery peppers creates an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12–16 extra large jalapenos
• 1 pound (16 ounces) smoked brisket, pulled
• 1 pound (16 ounces) chorizo (optional)

Cheese and Cream:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (226 grams) smoked gouda, shredded

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1/2 cup Jeffs original rub
• 12–14 slices thick-cut bacon
• Jeffs original sauce

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Instructions

1. Jalapeños require precise preparation to transform them into an indulgent appetizer filled with smoky, rich meat and creamy cheese.
2. Create a precise “T” incision along each jalapeño pepper, slicing halfway through just beneath the stem, then extending a vertical cut from the top to the tip.
3. Meticulously remove seeds and internal membranes using a delicate, razor-sharp knife, then rinse peppers under cold water to eliminate remaining seed particles.
4. In a mixing vessel, thoroughly combine pulled brisket, cream cheese, smoked gouda, and seasoning rub until ingredients are evenly distributed and create a harmonious filling.
5. Gently open each jalapeño and carefully load the prepared mixture into the pepper cavities, ensuring a generous but neat distribution.
6. Select high-quality bacon slices and delicately stretch them before wrapping each stuffed pepper, securing the bacon with a toothpick to maintain structural integrity.
7. Configure smoker to maintain a consistent 225°F temperature using indirect heating, selecting pecan wood for enhanced flavor complexity and filling the water pan if applicable.
8. Position wrapped peppers directly on smoker grates, allowing them to slowly cook and develop complex flavors for approximately three hours until bacon reaches optimal crispness and peppers soften.
9. During final stages, apply a thin layer of barbecue sauce, then elevate smoker temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.
10. Immediately present these Texas Twinkies while piping hot, showcasing their tantalizing combination of spicy, smoky, and creamy elements.

Notes

• Slice jalapeños carefully to maintain their structure, using a sharp knife to create a clean “T” cut without tearing the pepper.
• Remove all seeds and veins thoroughly to reduce intense heat while preserving the pepper’s flavor profile.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier stuffing, ensuring a creamy consistent texture throughout the filling.
• Select thick-cut bacon that can stretch slightly, which helps create a complete wrap around the stuffed peppers without gaps.
• Opt for pecan wood chips for a mild, nutty smoke flavor that complements the rich brisket and cheese without overpowering the dish.
• Monitor bacon closely during smoking to achieve a perfect crisp texture without burning, adjusting smoker temperature if needed.
• Consider using latex gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation from capsaicin oils.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg