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If you’re craving bold barbecue flavors packed into a bite-sized treat, Texas Twinkies shotgun shells are a must-try. This fantastic appetizer, smoked brisket-stuffed manicotti shells wrapped in bacon, delivers everything you love about BBQ in a single bite.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just indulging in some smoked goodness, this Texas Twinkies recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.

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A hand in a black glove holding a juicy slice of smoked brisket with a charred outer layer, showcasing its pink smoke ring and tender texture. The background features a wooden cutting board with meat juices.

Ingredients

To make these delicious treats, gather the following:

8 oz cream cheese (smoked for extra flavor)
1 cup chopped brisket (leftover brisket works perfectly)
1 large jalapeño (or 2 medium jalapeños, finely chopped)
1 lb bacon (regular cut or thick-cut bacon)
6 manicotti shells
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Your favorite BBQ seasoning ( I recommend Queen Bee for a sweet touch)
BBQ sauce for finishing (choose your favorite barbecue sauce)

A person wearing black gloves holds a handful of shredded, cooked meat. The meat appears juicy and charred, with a dark crust. A larger piece of similar meat is in the background on a wooden surface.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 200°F.
Smoke the cream cheese: Score a crosshatch pattern into a block of Philadelphia cream cheese and season liberally. Place it in the smoker for 30 minutes. It’s ready when it’s soft and slightly jiggly without melting.
While the cream cheese smokes, parboil the manicotti shells for 5 minutes. This softens them just enough to handle. After boiling, lay the shells on a paper towel-lined plate to cool and dry.
Prepare your filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smoked cream cheese, chopped brisket, jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, and a touch of your BBQ seasoning. Mix well until it forms a cohesive mixture.

A block of cream cheese coated with orange seasoning sits on a paper towel, reminiscent of the flavors in Texas twinkies. A spice jar labeled Queen Bee is tipped over in the background, spilling more seasoning onto the plate.

Fill the shells: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the brisket mixture into the manicotti shells until they are completely stuffed.

Wrap with bacon: Take 1-2 slices of bacon and wrap each stuffed shell tightly, ensuring the start and end points of the bacon sit on the underside of the shell to keep it secure.
Season again: Liberally dust the wrapped shells with your favorite BBQ seasoning for extra flavor.

A white bowl containing shredded meat, grated cheese, green peppers, and a dollop of sauce on a textured wooden surface. The dish features a variety of colors and textures, highlighting the fresh ingredients.

Smoking and Cooking Times

Increase the smoker’s temperature to 375°F.
Place the bacon-wrapped shells on the smoker grates. Use indirect heat to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning the bacon.
Smoke for approximately 1 hour, or until the bacon reaches a deep amber color and is crisp to your liking.
Glaze with BBQ sauce: During the final 5 minutes, brush each shell with BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy finish.
Remove from the smoker and let the Texas Twinkies rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

A clear plastic bag filled with a mixture of ground meat, herbs, and spices sits on a wooden countertop. The bags top is open, and the contents are visibly mixed with green and yellow flecks.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

How to Avoid Soggy Bacon

Use regular or thick-cut bacon, but avoid overly fatty slices that may render too much grease.
Ensure the bacon starts and ends at the bottom of the shell to keep it intact.

Close-up of uncooked texas twinkies manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy mixture of minced vegetables and possibly meat or cheese, placed on a textured wooden surface.

Preventing Overcooked Pasta

Parboil the manicotti shells for only 5 minutes. Overcooking makes them too soft to handle.
Let them cool and dry on paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Keeping the Filling Intact

Don’t overfill the manicotti shells. Leave a small gap at the ends to prevent spillage during smoking.

Pro Tips for Success

Choose the right brisket: Leftover brisket is ideal, especially the point cut for its fat content and flavor. If using brisket flat, add a touch more BBQ sauce for moisture.
Smoked cream cheese: This optional step adds a smoky depth to the filling that’s worth the extra effort.
Use a sharp knife: To finely chop jalapeños and brisket, ensuring a smooth mixture that’s easy to pipe.
Experiment with different fillings: Try substituting ground beef, Italian sausage, or even pulled pork for unique variations.

Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts rest on a wire rack placed on a wooden countertop. The bacon is neatly wrapped around each piece, and they are evenly spaced, ready for cooking.

Variations to Try

Spicy Texas Twinkies

Add diced habaneros or use a hot BBQ sauce for an extra heat level.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a creamy twist.

Classic Jalapeño Poppers

Skip the manicotti shells and stuff the cream cheese mixture directly into jumbo jalapeños.

Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts on a wire rack inside an oven, seasoned with a reddish-orange spice.

Why You’ll Love These Texas Twinkies

They’re fantastic appetizers for parties, BBQs, or game days.
Easy to customize with different fillings to suit any palate.
A great way to use leftover brisket creatively.

Three bacon-wrapped sausages are stacked on a blue and white patterned plate. The sausages are glazed and have a caramelized appearance, sitting on a wooden surface with a textured background.

Final Thoughts

Texas Twinkies shotgun shells are the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors. With a crispy bacon exterior and a cheesy brisket filling, these delicious treats are guaranteed to impress your guests. Try this recipe for your next gathering and let the smoky aroma steal the show.

Have you made these or experimented with your own variations?

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