Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey

Take everything you love about Texas Twinkies — smoky brisket, spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese — and wrap it all in a crispy egg roll shell with a touch of sweet honey drizzle. These Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey are the kind of snack that stops conversations mid-bite. They’re bold, crunchy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy and sweet. It’s fusion comfort food that delivers in every single way.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe is inspired by a road trip stop at a small Texas BBQ joint that served jalapeño-stuffed brisket bites called Texas Twinkies. They were wrapped in bacon and smoked to perfection, but I wanted something easier to crisp up fast at home. That’s when the egg roll wrapper came into play. It gives the same satisfying crunch, holds in all the smoky, melty filling, and pairs incredibly well with a little honey for contrast. The result? An appetizer that feels like BBQ meets street food — in the best way.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Texas Twinkies are a true BBQ staple, originally made by stuffing jalapeños with brisket and cream cheese, then wrapping them in bacon and smoking them low and slow. They gained popularity in BBQ competitions and smokehouses across Texas. This egg roll version skips the smoker and the bacon, trading them for a crunchy wrapper and a quick fry, all while keeping the iconic brisket and cheese core. The honey drizzle? That’s the final touch that brings it all together.

Why You’ll Love Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey

These egg rolls aren’t just delicious — they’re craveable and unforgettable.

Versatile: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or as a fun dinner side.

Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover brisket and pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep.

Customizable: Swap the brisket, add different cheeses, or adjust the heat level.

Crowd-Pleasing: Smoky, cheesy, spicy, crunchy — what’s not to love?

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and fry when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside — here’s how to nail it:

1. Use cold brisket so it holds its shape inside the egg roll.
2. Slice jalapeños thin for even heat throughout.
3. Don’t overfill the wrappers or they’ll burst during frying.
4. Seal with water and press tightly to prevent leaks.
5. Drizzle honey after frying so the rolls stay crispy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy tools — just the basics:

• Frying pan or deep fryer: For crisping up the egg rolls.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: For safe flipping and removal.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the jalapeños and brisket.
• Small bowl of water: To seal the egg roll wrappers.
• Paper towels and plate: For draining excess oil.

Ingredients in Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey

Each ingredient plays its part in creating layers of smoky, spicy, creamy, and sweet.

1. Egg Roll Wrappers: 10 sheets – The crispy exterior that holds it all together.
2. Cooked Brisket: 1 1/2 cups, chopped – Smoky, tender, and rich in flavor.
3. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
4. Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded – Melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor.
5. Jalapeños: 2 large, thinly sliced – Brings the heat and iconic Texas Twinkie flavor.
6. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – For a savory boost.
7. Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds depth to the filling.
8. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances overall taste.
9. Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a bit of kick.
10. Vegetable Oil: For frying – Neutral flavor and high smoke point.
11. Honey: 2 tablespoons – For drizzling on top after frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to switch something up? Here are some easy swaps:

Brisket: Use pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even chopped mushrooms.
Cream Cheese: Sub with mascarpone or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack work great too.
Jalapeños: Try poblano slices for a milder kick.
Egg Roll Wrappers: Use spring roll wrappers or tortillas (pan fry if using tortillas).

Ingredient Spotlight

Brisket: This smoky, tender meat brings depth to every bite. Using leftovers keeps it quick and adds that signature BBQ flavor.

Jalapeños: The spice star. Thin slices balance heat and texture, and when they cook inside the roll, they mellow just enough to complement the creamy cheese.

Instructions for Making Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey

Once everything’s prepped, these come together fast — perfect for a flavorful appetizer or game-day snack.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels for draining.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix brisket, cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lay out egg roll wrappers on a clean surface and place a spoonful of filling in the center of each.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Dab the edge with water to seal completely.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Carefully fry the egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Remove and place on the paper towel-lined plate.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cool for a minute, then drizzle with honey or serve with a small dipping bowl of honey on the side.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice in half for presentation and serve hot while the cheese is gooey.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These egg rolls hit every note. The wrapper gets golden and crispy, while inside you have creamy melted cheese, smoky meat, and just the right amount of spice from the jalapeños. The honey drizzle ties it all together with a subtle sweetness that balances every bite. It’s crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet — a full flavor experience.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few easy tricks for guaranteed success:

• Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel while you roll to avoid drying out.
• Don’t crowd the pan — fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Let oil reheat between batches if needed to keep them crispy.

What to Avoid

Simple mistakes can trip you up, but they’re easy to avoid:

• Don’t overfill the wrappers: They’ll burst open.
• Don’t fry at too low a temp: You’ll get greasy egg rolls instead of crispy ones.
• Don’t drizzle honey too early: Wait until just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10 egg rolls
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the wrapper. You can also freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 1 month.

How to Serve Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey

Serve them hot on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a bowl of extra honey or ranch for dipping. Slice them diagonally for presentation and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. Pair with sweet tea, cold beer, or smoky cocktails.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Chop leftover egg rolls and toss into a salad for a smoky crunch. Or reheat, chop, and tuck them into tacos with slaw for a Tex-Mex remix. You can also add them to breakfast wraps with eggs and cheese.

Additional Tips

• Want more heat? Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the filling.
• For less spice, remove jalapeño seeds or use milder peppers.
• Add bacon bits or chopped scallions to the filling for extra layers.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve the egg rolls stacked pyramid-style on a platter with a drizzle of golden honey and fresh herbs scattered over the top. Add mini dipping bowls around the edge with honey, spicy mustard, or chipotle aioli.

Variations to Try

• Bacon-Wrapped Egg Rolls: Wrap the egg rolls in bacon before frying.
• Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese to the filling.
• Sweet & Spicy: Mix honey with a dash of hot sauce for the drizzle.
• Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and jalapeño for a morning twist.
• Veggie Version: Use mushrooms, cream cheese, and peppers instead of brisket.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

Q2: Can I air fry them?

Absolutely — 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q3: What type of brisket works best?

Smoked, chopped brisket works best, but even deli-style will do in a pinch.

Q4: Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze uncooked egg rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry or air fry straight from frozen.

Q5: What dipping sauces work well?

Honey, ranch, chipotle aioli, or spicy BBQ sauce.

Q6: Can I make these less spicy?

Yes, use mild peppers and add extra cheese to mellow the heat.

Q7: Do I need to cook the filling first?

No, all ingredients are pre-cooked. You’re just heating and crisping.

Q8: How do I keep egg rolls warm for serving?

Place in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Easily. Just be sure not to overcrowd your fryer or skillet.

Q10: What sides go well with these?

Coleslaw, potato salad, grilled corn, or even chips and guac.

Conclusion

Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey are the ultimate fusion appetizer — smoky, cheesy, crunchy, spicy, and kissed with sweetness. They’re the kind of dish that disappears fast and gets talked about long after the last bite. Whether you’re hosting game night or just want something fun and flavor-packed, this recipe will never let you down.

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