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Texas Twinkies Egg Rolls with Spicy Honey are the definition of Southern comfort food with a fun twist. Smoky brisket and creamy cheese meet the crunch of a golden fried shell, all finished with zippy honey that brings the flavors together in every bite. I make these whenever I have leftover brisket and the tray empties in minutes at parties.
Every time I serve these they disappear first. Rolling them up with friends has become a weekend tradition in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers: for perfectly crisp and easy-to-hold shells always check the freshness for best crunch
- Smoked brisket: chopped for rich smoky flavor use well-marbled brisket for juiciness
- Cream cheese: softened for creamy texture and tang organic cream cheese gives a cleaner taste
- Jalapeños: diced for fresh heat pick firm glossy peppers without blemishes
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese: for meltiness and sharpness grate your own for smoother melting
- Garlic: minced adds punch and savoriness fresh garlic is best
- Onion powder: for depth and a subtle oniony note find a good quality powder for the best aroma
- Smoked paprika: brings a deeper smoky taste Spanish smoked paprika has incredible fragrance
- Egg: beaten for sealing wraps makes the edges stick for a tidy roll
- Oil: for frying neutral oils like peanut or canola work well for crisping
- Salt and pepper: to bring all the flavors together use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for better results
- Honey: for the spicy drizzle local honey has a more complex flavor
- Jalapeño: thinly sliced to infuse the honey with gentle heat use ripe heavier jalapeños for extra juiciness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Filling:
- Mix brisket cream cheese shredded cheese diced jalapeños minced garlic onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper thoroughly. Make sure every piece of brisket is coated so the flavors meld as they fry.
- Fill the Egg Rolls:
- Lay each egg roll wrapper flat. Spoon two tablespoons of filling in the lower third. Fold the sides in over the filling pull the bottom corner up and roll tightly. Brush the open corner with beaten egg to seal.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour about two inches of oil into a sturdy pot. Heat gently to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Test with a thermometer to ensure a steady temperature for even crispiness.
- Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Carefully place a few egg rolls at a time in the hot oil. Fry on each side for two to three minutes until golden brown and crackly. Do not crowd the pot so each roll cooks evenly. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Spicy Honey:
- In a small pan warm the honey with sliced jalapeño for five minutes on low. This infuses the honey without burning it. Strain if you want less heat or leave the slices in for extra kick.
- Serve and Drizzle:
- Arrange hot egg rolls on a platter. Drizzle with spicy honey. Serve with ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping while they are still crisp.
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I absolutely love the moment the spicy honey hits the hot egg rolls and you get that sweet smoky aroma. My kids always beg to drizzle the honey and it has become our favorite part of assembling.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers cool them completely on a wire rack before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore their signature crunch. I do not recommend microwaving as they can turn soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken can stand in for brisket if you are out. For a milder bite try poblano peppers instead of jalapeños. You can swap in vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese for a dairy free version though the flavor will be a little lighter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these alongside a platter of fresh veggies and ranch to balance the richness. They pair beautifully with iced tea or cold beer on a hot day. I also love making a double batch for family BBQ nights and setting out a dipping bar with ranch barbecue sauce or even a queso dip.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Texas Twinkies originated as a BBQ joint treat taking jalapeño poppers to a heartier surprisingly elegant place. Wrapping those same bold flavors in an egg roll comes from a blend of Texan and Asian American culinary traditions. It is comfort food reimagined with a nod to multicultural cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of brisket works best for these egg rolls?
Smoked beef brisket with visible bark and seasoning offers the most flavor and texture, but any leftover cooked brisket will work well.
- → How spicy are the egg rolls?
The level of heat depends on the amount of jalapeños used. Remove seeds for milder flavor, or keep them in for extra kick.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F until golden, about 18-20 minutes, for a lighter option. They may be less crispy than fried.
- → What sauces pair well with these egg rolls?
Ranch, BBQ sauce, or a creamy chipotle dip all complement the smoky and spicy flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare these egg rolls in advance?
You can roll and refrigerate them a few hours ahead, then fry just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
- → What cheese can substitute for cheddar?
Pepper jack or Monterey Jack offer creamy texture and extra mild kick, making excellent substitutes for cheddar.