These Texas Twinkies, aka jalapeño poppers, are so delicious stuffed with spicy Italian sausage and wrapped in bacon, they are a meat lovers dream come true! Be sure to buy items that do not have an added sugars to keep it Paleo and Whole30 friendly. These simple gluten free and dairy free appetizers are easy to make with simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook!

Smoky sausage poppers are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next BBQ event and they are perfect for tailgating and game day! My husband especially loves these as a Super Bowl snack while watching his favorite sporting event of the year! I know you will enjoy these spicy and savory bites as much as we do!

Why Jalapeño Peppers are So Good for You!

Jalapeños are a spicy pepper found in the nightshade family and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. The vitamins found in these little beauties are C, B6, B9 (folate) K and A!

The type of K vitamin found primarily in plants, like jalapeños, is vitamin K1. This differs from vitamin K2 in the roles that it plays in our bodies, but is essential none the less. When eaten, vitamin K1 is converted into K2 by the bacteria found in our gut (healthy gut=healthy you.)

Vitamin K2 is primarily found in animal and fermented foods and is a necessary nutrient in bone and heart health [1]. Both vitamins K1 and K2 are fat soluble vitamins, which means they are not absorbed into our bodies the same way water soluble vitamins are. The absorption of these fat soluble vitamins is increased when you consume them with healthy dietary fats like avocados and animal fats.

Jalapeños also contain the trace mineral manganese (Mn). Manganese is an essential mineral that plays many roles in our bodies from supporting healthy nerve and brain function, to blood sugar regulation, and the metabolism of the fats and carbohydrates we consume.

So grab some fresh jalapeños and let’s get cooking!

Smoked Sausage Texas Twinkies Ingredients

Makes 14-20 Poppers

7-10 Jalapeños, halved and de-seeded

1/2 lb No Sugar Italian Sausage

1 lb No Sugar Bacon

No Sugar BBQ sauce (opt)

Black Pepper or BBQ Seasoning (opt)

Paleo Barbecue Sauce

How to Make Smoked Sausage Texas Twinkies

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees

2. Rinse and dry the jalapeños and cut in half lengthwise (I like to leave the stem on, I think it looks nice and it gives you a little handle for easier eating!)

3. De-seed with a paring knife or small teaspoon getting the white pith out as much as possible if you are sensitive to spicy foods. The seeds and pith are the spiciest part of the pepper.

4. Fill each jalapeño half with about a tablespoon of sausage and tightly wrap with a slice of bacon. Sprinkle with black pepper or a BBQ seasoning if you want.

5. Place on smoker and smoke for about an hour, if you like the bacon more crisp raise the temperature to 350 degrees for the last 5-10 minutes.

6. Remove from the smoker and baste with your favorite no-sugar added BBQ sauce if you like or serve it along side for dipping!

What to Serve with Smoked Sausage Texas Twinkies

Bacon Potato Salad: I mean let’s just go all in with the bacon while we are at it! This potato salad is the best potato salad and is perfect for any and every occasion!

Paleo Grilled Buffalo Wings with Wicked Wing Sauce: Looking for more game day appetizers and snacks? These grilled wings are on point with my wicked wing sauce!!

Smoked Chicken Texas Twinkies: A variation of this Texas Twinkie recipe but this one is stuffed with tender chicken breast and red onion! Sure to be a hit with your tastebuds!!

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. – Amy

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