Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey bring together everything people love about Texan cooking—bold flavors, smoky spice, creamy filling, and a little sweetness to finish it off. Inspired by the classic Texas Twinkie (a jalapeño stuffed with brisket and cream cheese), this version wraps the filling in a crispy egg roll wrapper for a crunchy, handheld appetizer. It is a fun twist that delivers the same satisfying heat and smokiness but with a more impressive presentation. I’ve tried this both with leftover smoked brisket and with simple pan-seared shredded beef; both versions turned out exceptional. What makes these egg rolls irresistible is the balance of textures: crispy exterior, creamy-spicy center, and a final drizzle of honey that ties everything together with a warm sweetness. Whether served at backyard gatherings, game day parties, or as a unique starter for dinner, these egg rolls never fail to impress.
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Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey: A Bold, Sweet-and-Smoky Southern Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls combine jalapeño popper flavors—brisket, cream cheese, and cheddar—wrapped in egg roll wrappers, fried until crispy, and served with sweet honey drizzle.
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 6 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 1 cup smoked brisket, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for sealing)
- Oil for frying
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, brisket, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the mixture.
- Place a filled jalapeño at the center of an egg roll wrapper and roll tightly, sealing the edges with beaten egg.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
Notes
- Use mild jalapeños if you prefer less heat.
- Air frying works too—cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- You can substitute brisket with pulled pork or chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Egg Roll Wrappers
These form the crunchy, golden shell. They fry beautifully and hold the filling securely without splitting.
Jalapeños
Fresh jalapeños bring heat and flavor. When diced and cooked into the filling, they offer warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Smoked Brisket
Smoky, tender shredded brisket adds depth and savory richness. I once tried this using leftover roast beef, and it worked great when seasoned generously.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese provides a luscious, creamy base that balances the spice from the jalapeños and blends smoothly with the brisket.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar melts perfectly and contributes sharpness that makes the filling heartier and more flavorful.
Garlic Powder
A subtle but essential seasoning that reinforces the savory elements.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasoning that brings harmony to the filling without competing with the other ingredients.
Olive Oil or Neutral Frying Oil
Used for frying the egg rolls, helping them crisp up evenly to a deep golden color.
Honey
The finishing touch. A warm drizzle of honey highlights the smoky filling while adding a sweet contrast to the heat.
Directions
Begin by softening the cream cheese, then mix it in a bowl with shredded brisket, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined. Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the center, then fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll upward, sealing the top edge with a little water. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
Heat oil in a deep skillet to medium-high. Fry the egg rolls in small batches, turning occasionally until they reach a golden, crispy exterior. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil. Warm a small amount of honey until slightly runny, then drizzle it lightly over the freshly fried egg rolls. Allow them to cool slightly before serving so the filling can settle and the flavors can develop. Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wrapper. These egg rolls freeze well—freeze them before frying, then fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Pepper Blend
Add diced serrano or Fresno peppers for extra heat and complexity.
Bacon-Infused Filling
Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for additional smokiness and richness.
Chicken Twinkie Rolls
Use shredded smoked chicken instead of brisket for a lighter but equally flavorful twist.
Creamy Ranch Drizzle
Replace honey with a ranch topping for a cool, tangy finish.
Barbecue Sauce Glaze
Brush the egg rolls with warm BBQ sauce instead of honey for a smoky-sweet coating.
Jalapeño Popper Style
Skip the brisket and double the cheese for a creamier, milder version.
Pepper Jack Upgrade
Swap cheddar for pepper jack to add extra spice and melty texture.
Air Fryer Option
Cook the egg rolls at 375°F for about 10 minutes, turning halfway, for a lighter preparation.
Tex-Mex Blend
Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling for a fuller, robust flavor profile.
Sweet Heat Finish
Drizzle hot honey instead of regular honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
FAQs
Are Texas Twinkies normally stuffed jalapeños?
Yes, the traditional version uses whole jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cream cheese.
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, brushing lightly with oil beforehand.
What type of brisket works best?
Leftover smoked brisket provides the best flavor, but any cooked shredded beef works.
Is the honey necessary?
No, but it adds a wonderful contrast to the smoky filling.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 24 hours early and refrigerate.
Do the jalapeños need to be cooked before mixing?
Not required, but sautéing them slightly will soften their heat.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes, replace the brisket with black beans, corn, and extra cheese.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil work well.
How do I keep egg rolls from bursting?
Avoid overfilling and seal the edges tightly with water.
Can I freeze cooked egg rolls?
Yes, though they reheat best when frozen before frying.
Conclusion
Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Honey combine the smokiness of classic Texas barbecue with the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried appetizer. The creamy, spicy filling harmonizes beautifully with the subtle sweetness of honey, resulting in a dish that feels both inventive and deeply comforting. Whether prepared for a casual gathering, a festive celebration, or simply a memorable weeknight treat, these egg rolls deliver bold flavor in every bite.
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