If you’re looking for the ultimate BBQ appetizer, these Carolina Twinkies are guaranteed to steal the show. Smoky, cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of spice, they’re loaded with pimento cheese, wrapped in sausage, then finished with crispy bacon and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
Every time I make these for a cookout, tailgate, or family barbecue, they disappear within minutes. The combination of creamy pimento cheese, smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and tender jalapeños creates the perfect bite that’s packed with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking on your smoker for game day, summer gatherings, or backyard BBQs, this Carolina Twinkies recipe is one everyone will ask you to make again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with bold smoky BBQ flavor.
- Creamy pimento cheese in every bite.
- Crispy bacon wrapped around juicy sausage.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Perfect for BBQs, tailgates, parties, and holidays.
- Always a crowd favorite.
Carolina Twinkies Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 large jalapeños, cored and seeded
- 8 ounces pimento cheese
- 2 pounds ground sausage (regular or hot)
- 1 1/2 packages of bacon (16 slices total)
- BBQ rub of choice (I use Meat Church Holy Cow BBQ Rub)
Instructions
- Wash the jalapeños, then slice off the stems and carefully core out the seeds and membranes. Leaving a little membrane behind will add extra heat if you prefer them spicier.
- Fill each jalapeño completely with pimento cheese.
- Take a portion of sausage and flatten it into a thin layer using your hands.
- Cover the open end of the stuffed jalapeño first so the cheese stays sealed inside while cooking.
- Use a second flattened piece of sausage to finish wrapping the entire jalapeño, pressing the seams together until the sausage completely covers it.
- Wrap each sausage-covered jalapeño with two slices of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon as you go.
- Generously season every side with your favorite BBQ rub. Meat Church Holy Cow BBQ Rub adds incredible flavor, but any good BBQ seasoning works well.
- Preheat your smoker to 300°F.
- Place the Carolina Twinkies directly on the smoker grate.
- Cook for approximately 90 minutes, or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
- Once the Carolina Twinkies are finished cooking, let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Slice each twinkie into 2 to 4 bite-sized pieces, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Serve warm while the cheese is still creamy and the bacon is perfectly crispy.
Tips for the Best Carolina Twinkies
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- Don’t overstuff the peppers or the cheese may leak out while cooking.
- Make sure the sausage completely seals the pepper before adding the bacon.
- If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, leave the Carolina Twinkies on the smoker for a few extra minutes or briefly finish them over higher heat.
- Hot sausage adds another layer of spice, while regular sausage keeps them family-friendly.
Variations
Sweet Heat: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Spicier: Use hot sausage and leave some jalapeño membranes intact.
Different Cheese: Swap the pimento cheese for cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Carolina Twinkies?
Carolina Twinkies are smoked jalapeños stuffed with pimento cheese, wrapped in sausage, then wrapped again in bacon before being seasoned and smoked until perfectly cooked.
Can I make Carolina Twinkies ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to smoke them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the bacon crisps back up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate smoker appetizer, this Carolina Twinkies recipe is hard to beat. The smoky bacon, juicy sausage, creamy pimento cheese, and tender jalapeños create the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always one of the first appetizers to disappear at any BBQ. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering, football party, or holiday cookout, these Carolina Twinkies are guaranteed to become a new favorite.