Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe

By Juno

Updated on

Here’s a snack that’s guaranteed to wow at any BBQ, game day, or casual get-together: Texas Brisket Bacon Jalapeños. This recipe is all about combining smoky brisket, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños for the ultimate Texas brisket bacon recipe. If that name doesn’t make your mouth water, let me break it down for you.

Close-up of Texas-style brisket and bacon-wrapped jalapeños with a glazed, caramelized finish on a baking sheet.

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

15 minutes

Cooking time

25 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Craving more lunch ideas? Don’t miss the bold BBQ Chicken Nachos or the fresh and tasty Pesto Chicken Sandwich—both are hits!

This Texas brisket bacon recipe combines smoky brisket, creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon—it’s everything you want in a bite-sized treat. Plus, there’s BBQ sauce for that extra tangy-sweet kick. Sound good? Let’s get into it.

Why This Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe is a Must-Try

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that combines bold flavors, easy prep, and a nod to Texas BBQ traditions, this is it. These bacon-wrapped jalapeños with brisket are the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and spicy. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, it’s easy enough to prepare even if you’re new to the kitchen. The combination of brisket’s rich smokiness and the creamy cheese filling makes these bites unforgettable.

When to Serve Texas Brisket Bacon Jalapeños

These jalapeño bites shine in almost any setting. Game day? Check. BBQ party? Double-check. They’re even great as a fun appetizer before dinner. And let’s be honest, they’re so good, you might not even need an occasion. Pair them with cold beverages, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser. Want to wow your guests at Thanksgiving or a summer cookout? This recipe is a winner for every season.

What Sets This Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe Apart

The secret ingredient here is smoked brisket. Its deep, smoky flavor comes from slow cooking, giving it a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños. While many stuffed jalapeño recipes use simple fillers, this one takes it up a notch by incorporating the bold, authentic flavor of real brisket, making each bite unforgettable. Add in the creamy cheese and crispy bacon, and you’ve got a bite-sized masterpiece. The BBQ sauce brushed on top during the final moments of cooking adds a caramelized sweetness that’s irresistible. Trust me, you won’t find this level of flavor in store-bought snacks.

Crispy bacon-wrapped brisket bites stuffed with jalapeños, glazed and served on a baking tray with fresh jalapeño slices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Texas Brisket Bacon recipe is packed with easy-to-find ingredients that bring big, bold flavors. Be sure to use pre-cooked brisket to keep things simple. You can grab smoked brisket from your favorite BBQ joint or use leftovers from a weekend cookout.

  • Jalapeño Peppers: Choose fresh, bright green jalapeños that are firm and large enough to hold all that delicious stuffing.
  • Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy, smooth texture to balance the heat of the peppers. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
  • Smoked Brisket: The heart of this recipe. Smoked brisket adds a rich, smoky, and savory flavor that makes each bite unforgettable.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Shredded for easy melting. Pepper jack adds a touch of extra spice to the creamy filling.
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: A simple seasoning combo to elevate the flavor of the filling.
  • Bacon: Wraps it all up! Thick-cut bacon works best for a crispy, satisfying bite.
  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or whip up a homemade version for the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe Bites

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to it.

1. Prep the Jalapeños

Start by washing your jalapeños and cutting them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membranes with a small spoon. If you don’t have gloves, try using a clean towel or the edge of a spoon to handle the jalapeños safely while scooping. (Pro tip: Wear gloves while handling jalapeños—it’ll save you from accidentally burning your eyes later!) If you prefer less heat, remove all the seeds and membranes.

2. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped smoked brisket, shredded pepper jack cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want every bite of filling to have a little bit of everything. This filling is where all the magic happens, so take your time and mix it thoroughly.

3. Stuff the Jalapeños

Take a spoon and fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese and brisket mixture. Don’t skimp—pile it in there! Smooth the tops with the back of your spoon for even coverage. If you’ve got extra filling, don’t waste it—use it as a dip for crackers or veggies.

4. Wrap in Bacon

Here’s where the magic happens. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick if needed, so everything stays snug. Be sure the bacon fully covers the filling to keep everything intact while cooking.

5. Bake or Grill

You’ve got two options here:

  • In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
  • On the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the jalapeños directly on the grates and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is perfectly crisp. Grilling adds an extra layer of smoky flavor.

6. Brush with BBQ Sauce

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush each jalapeño with BBQ sauce. This step takes these bites to a whole new level. Let the sauce caramelize slightly—it’s a game-changer. For added flair, sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let them cool for a minute (if you can wait that long) and serve them up. Be ready for people to ask you for the recipe because they’re going to love these. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a snack to impress your friends, these jalapeños fit the bill.
  • Customizable Heat: Not a fan of super spicy? Use milder jalapeños or remove all the seeds and membranes. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can stuff and wrap the jalapeños ahead of time, then bake or grill them right before serving. Easy, right? Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping if you’re planning a large gathering.

Tips for Success

  • Choose Fresh Jalapeños: Look for ones with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid any that look wrinkled or soft.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This makes it so much easier to mix and spread.
  • Get Good Brisket: Smoked brisket is the heart of this recipe, so use the best you can find. If you don’t have homemade brisket, many BBQ joints sell it by the pound.
  • Cook Bacon Evenly: If your bacon isn’t cooking evenly, you can broil the jalapeños for the last couple of minutes. This ensures every piece is perfectly crisp.
Close-up of juicy smoked brisket burnt ends with a caramelized glaze, served on a dark tray with jalapeños in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Not sure how to round out the meal? Pair these jalapeño bites with a crisp coleslaw, cornbread, or even mac and cheese for a complete BBQ spread. For example, try a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw to balance the richness, or buttery cornbread with a hint of honey. Looking for mac and cheese inspiration? Opt for a creamy stovetop version or one with a crispy breadcrumb topping to wow your guests. These work well with an ice-cold drink—think sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer. Want to go fancy? Serve them on a platter with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Variations to Try

Feel like experimenting? Try swapping out the pepper jack cheese for cheddar or gouda. Or, for a sweeter twist, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the bacon before baking or grilling. You can also drizzle honey over the finished bites for a sweet and spicy combo. For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use chipotle-flavored BBQ sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the bacon crispy, place the jalapeños on a paper towel-lined plate before refrigerating, and reheat them in the oven or on a grill for best results. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon soggy. You can also reheat them on a grill for a few minutes to regain that smoky flavor.

Print
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Close-up of Texas-style brisket and bacon-wrapped jalapeños with a glazed, caramelized finish on a baking sheet.

Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe


  • Author: Juno
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 Jalapeño halves 1x

Description

A smoky, savory, and spicy bite-sized treat made with brisket, jalapeños, cream cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for BBQs or game day snacks!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh, firm, and large enough to hold the stuffing.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing.
  • 6 oz Smoked Brisket: Chopped into small pieces for rich flavor.
  • 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese: Shredded for extra cheesiness and spice.
  • ¼ tsp Garlic Powder: A touch of savory seasoning.
  • ¼ tsp Onion Powder: Adds depth to the filling.
  • 16 oz Bacon: Thick-cut for crispy results.
  • BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky, your favorite brand or homemade.

Instructions

  1. Prep the Jalapeños: Wash and halve jalapeños lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes with a spoon or towel.
  2. Mix the Filling: Combine cream cheese, smoked brisket, pepper jack cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
  3. Stuff the Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Smooth the tops.
  4. Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  5. Bake or Grill:
    • Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place jalapeños on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
    • Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Cook jalapeños for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Add BBQ Sauce: Brush each jalapeño with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Let cool for a minute and serve!

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or grill to keep bacon crispy.
  • Spice Control: Remove all seeds and membranes for a milder flavor, or leave some in for extra heat.
  • Brisket Alternatives: Pulled pork or rotisserie chicken can be used if brisket isn’t available.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Baked or Grilled
  • Cuisine: American BBQ

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 jalapeño halves
  • Calories: ~250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Texas brisket bacon recipe, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, BBQ appetizers, stuffed jalapeños

FAQs About the Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff and wrap the jalapeños up to a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to bake or grill.

2. What if I don’t have brisket?

No brisket? No problem. You can substitute with smoked pulled pork or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist.

3. Can I freeze these?

Absolutely. Freeze them before baking or grilling. When you’re ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge and follow the usual cooking steps.

4. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Go with your personal favorite! A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce works great, but you can also use spicy or honey-based sauces for a unique spin.

5. Are they really spicy?

It depends on the jalapeños you use and how much of the seeds and membranes you leave in. Removing all the seeds will make them milder.

Final Thoughts

Texas Brisket Bacon Jalapeños are the ultimate appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or just want to try something new, this recipe is a must. So, grab those jalapeños and start cooking—you won’t regret it!

Ready to make these? Let me know how they turn out or if you’ve got any fun twists to share. And hey, don’t forget to stock up because these disappear fast! 😊

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