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Pita pizza is like having your own personalized mini-pizza! Grab some ready-made pitas, pile on your favorite toppings, and indulge in a quick and tasty snack for a delightful way to satisfy your pizza craving whenever it strikes!

I love finding recipes my kids can make themselves that are filling and so yummy. This pita pizza is definitely one I keep ingredients on hand so they can quickly make it as a snack or even a meal when our schedule gets hectic. I also recommend having ingredients on hand for air-fryer quesadillas, 5 minute million dollar dip, and my air-fryer grilled cheese.

Customizable Pita Pizza

This is one of my favorite new recipes because of its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you prefer veggie pizza, simply omit the pepperoni and add tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and any other toppings you enjoy! You can also choose your base—whether it’s naan bread, whole wheat pita bread, or gluten-free pita bread!

Pita pizza is a fantastic way to make use of ingredients in your fridge. If you’re out of mozzarella, you can easily substitute it with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or feta.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Pita Pizza

The great thing about this recipe is how you can use these simple ingredients to make something so delicious and affordable. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

Store-bought pita bread: This substitutes for pizza dough. You won’t have to wait for it to rise or toss it. It’s the perfect crust for your pizza!

Marinara Sauce: You can buy store-bought marinara or make your own homemade pizza sauce. If you don’t like marinara, you can drizzle olive oil instead.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts to a beautifully creamy texture and has a mild flavor, lending to the perfect base for other toppings.

Pepperoni Slices: These add a punch of flavor and a meaty texture. If you want to kick up the heat, then get a spicier pepperoni!

Basil & Red Pepper Flakes: Use these as a garnish. Red pepper flakes add heat, and basil adds a fresh herbal flavor that complements the cheese and sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Pita Pizza

You won’t need to come back to the blog to know how to put this pizza together. Spread the sauce, add your toppings and let the air-fryer do its magic!

Pizza Sauce: Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of the pita bread.

Cheese: Sprinkle on the shredded cheese.

Toppings: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top and then add any additional toppings if you use them.

Cook: Carefully place the assembled pita pizza in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. Alternatively, place the pizza on a baking sheet pan, then bake for 5-7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until the cheese is melted.

Serve: Slice with pizza and garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if you would like!

Spread marinara sauce on the pita bread.

Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sauce.

Add the pepperoni slices.

Air fry or bake the pita pizza.

Basil Vinaigrette is a versatile dressing made from a few fresh ingredients. It is bursting with flavor and can be used on salads, as a marinade, or as a sauce for various dishes!

If you’re like me and love having a fresh basil plant in your kitchen window, this dressing is perfect for using up those extra leaves! Other recipes I have that use fresh basil leaves include these caprese skewers, my tomato basil soup, and my avocado basil pasta.

Basil Vinaigrette Uses

This dressing is truly versatile, and there are countless ways to use it. Use it to brighten up a green salad or as a dip for vegetables and cheese. For a delicious twist on Caprese, drizzle it over ripe garden tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.

It also works wonders as a marinade for beef, shrimp, salmon, or chicken. I personally enjoy tossing it into pasta salad or spreading it over pizza dough as a flavorful sauce alternative. The options are endless!

Ingredients Needed

When you have an abundance of basil leaves, grab these other few ingredients to make this simple vinaigrette dressing. It’s not only simple but also flavorful and versatile! Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements

Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh herbal flavor that is the base for the vinaigrette.

Minced Shallot: Adds a depth of robust flavor.

Minced Garlic: Compliments the fresh herbs in this basil salad dressing.

Olive Oil: I prefer extra-virgin olive oil because of its flavor.

Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that enhances and complements the basil, shallot, and garlic.

Salt & Pepper: This balances and enhances the flavors of everything in this recipe.

How to Make Basil Vinaigrette

You will love how simple this basil dressing is to put together. Once you have all of the ingredients, you simply have to blend them together. How awesome is that?

Blend: Place all the ingredients into a blender, then blend until smooth.

Salt & Pepper: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

Blend the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta dazzles with robust Italian flavors. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, and the creamy sauce, brimming with fresh herbs and spices, could very well lead to a marriage proposal after your first bite!

This dish will knock anyone’s socks off. To complete the meal, you should start out with my easy bruschetta recipe as a delightful appetizer. Then serve the pasta with this copycat olive garden salad and the best homemade garlic bread. Dinner is served!

What is Marry Me Shrimp With Pasta?

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta puts a delicious spin on the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe. Picture juicy shrimp and tender linguine coming together to transport you to a cozy evening on a Venetian restaurant patio.

If you’re interested in more Marry Me recipes, I’ve got you covered. Check out my Marry Me salmon, Marry Me chicken pasta, and my Marry Me Chicken. Delicious Marry Me recipes, with their mouthwatering flavors and romantic charm, are perfect for creating memorable and impressive meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Marry Me Shrimp with Pasta

There really aren’t that many ingredients in this pasta. Most items you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. I like to use fresh seafood when making this. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

Linguine pasta: Provides a hearty base and a chewy texture that compliments the shrimp.

Peeled and deveined shrimp: Provides a sweet seafood flavor and is a great source of lean protein.

Italian seasoning: Adds depth to the Italian flavor and enhances the overall flavor.

Salt: Enhances each individual flavor in the dish.

Black Pepper: Gives a peppery bite and enhances flavor.

Olive oil: Helps create smoothness in the sauce.

Sauce

Butter: Provides a rich cream base for the sauce.

Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a robust flavor that compliments the shrimp.

Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to get the right consistency.

Chicken broth: Adds a depth of flavor and helps to smooth out the sauce.

Heavy Cream: Provides a luxuriously creamy texture and flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds a savory, nutty warmth.

Drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Add a tangy sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.

Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh herbal note and bright green color.

Paprika: Adds a slight smokey flavor and makes the sauce a more edible color.

Italian Seasoning: Provides a variety of herbs and spices that complement the other ingredients. You can use store-bought or make your own homemade Italian seasoning.

Salt & Pepper: To taste

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Marry Me Shrimp with pasta recipe comes together quickly. First, cook the pasta, then simmer the ingredients in a pan, and before you know it, dinner is ready! Just remember not to overcook your shrimp. Follow the steps below to create this amazing dish.

Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package directions, then drain, and set aside.

Coat shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until it turns pink, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t overcook the shrimp, or it will be chewy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Sauce

Saute: Melt the butter in the same pan. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds, then whisk in the flour to make a paste.

Whisk: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk together and heat until the sauce starts to thicken.

Seasonings: Add the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Whisk and heat through until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

Heat everything: Add the shrimp and pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Saute everything together for another 3-4 minutes.

Garnish: Top Marry Me shrimp pasta with additional basil, and enjoy fresh!

Season the shrimp.

Cook the shrimp.

Melt the butter and saute the garlic.

Whisk in the flour, heavy cream, and chicken broth.

Add the cheese, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings.

Stir in the cooked shrimp and pasta.

This refreshing tropical smoothie is bursting with tropical fruit flavors, making it the perfect treat for a hot day. Sip it, and you’ll feel like you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying a drink freshly served by the cabana boy!

When I drink this smoothie, it reminds me of being at a resort, sipping on pina coladas, and eating chips, salsa, and guacamole! It really doesn’t get better than that!

Tropical Smoothie Recipe Ingredients

Fresh, simple ingredients make this tropical smoothie something you can have any time. I love being able to divide out the ingredients as a meal prep for individual smoothie servings. Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Frozen pineapple: Adds a sweet tangy flavor and gives the smoothie a thick frothy texture.

Frozen mango: Gives a sweet tropical flavor and helps provide a creamy texture.

Banana: Provides a lot of sweetness and a creamy smooth texture.

Coconut meat, fresh or frozen: This gives the smoothie its tropical flavor and adds a chewy texture.

Coconut milk: Adds to the tropical flavor and provides a rich, creamy smoothness to the texture of the smoothie.

Pineapple juice: Balances out the creaminess and sweetness by adding a tangy, tart flavor.

Simple Tropical Smoothie Instructions

This smoothie comes together so quickly and easily, your kids will love to help make this fun recipe.

Blend: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Serve: Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.

Add all the ingredients to a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Grilled Tri-Tip is a flavorful, juicy steak that will be the star of your barbecue! It’s marinated in a simple, yet tasty marinade, then grilled to perfection. Serve with my sweet and savory chimichurri sauce and your favorite sides for an impressive meal that everyone will love!

If you’re looking for what sides to serve alongside this tri-tip, we’ve got you covered! Try our cool and creamy classic potato salad, chilled cucumber tomato salad and the best baked beans. As the temperatures warm up, you’ll want these delicious side dishes at every cookout!

Grilled Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is a delicious cut of beef! It’s less expensive than other steaks such as the rib-eye, but it’s just as flavorful. It has plenty of great marbling (fat running through the meat), which makes it really juicy and tender as long as you don’t overcook it.

Ingredients Needed

This grilled tri-tip is marinated in a mix of simple yet really flavorful ingredients. In fact, you may already have everything you need in your kitchen right now! To get started, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Tri-Tip Steak: Because a tri-tip steak has more fat, it will be much more flavorful than top sirloin. Two to three pounds of tri-tip will feed approximately 4 people.

Marinade

Olive Oil: Adds moisture for maximum juiciness.

Fresh Lime Juice: The acidity that will help to tenderize the meat.

Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.

Brown Sugar: Gives the marinade a hint of sweetness that then balances the more savory ingredients.

Worcestershire Sauce: Has a sweet, tangy, and spiced flavor that really adds something special to the marinade.

Fresh Garlic: A must in any good marinade!

Onion Powder: For savory onion flavor.

Italian Seasoning: I love to make my own Italian seasoning, but you can certainly use store-bought.

Cracked Black Pepper & Kosher Salt: To bring out and enhance all of the flavors.

How to Make Grilled Tri-Tip Steak

After trying this incredible tri-tip steak, the whole family will be requesting it on repeat. Lucky for you, it takes very little effort to prep! In addition, it only needs 10 minutes on the grill!

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.

Marinate the Steak: First, place 2-3 pounds of tri-tip steak in a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag. Next, pour your marinade into the bag. Then, marinate for one hour or up to 24 hours.

Prep: Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the meat from the bag, place it on the hot grill, then discard the bag and any leftover marinade.

Grill the Steak: Sear the meat on both sides over direct heat, about 5 minutes per side. Next, move the meat to the section of your grill with indirect heat. Cover the grill lid and turn the meat as needed to cook through. Cook until the instant-read meat thermometer reads 130 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted in the thickest part for medium rare. Feel free to cook the tri-tip to reach your preferred doneness.

Rest the Meat: Remove the tri-tip from the grill and allow the meat to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. Slice the meat against the grain and enjoy!

Add the marinade ingredients to a bowl.

Whisk the marinade to combine.

Pour the marinade into the bag and marinate before grilling.

Grill the tri-tip.

Sugar cream pie, or Hoosier pie, is a creamy, delicious treat with deep roots in the Midwest, especially in Indiana. You can top it however you like, serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled!

If you’re looking for another simple yet sweet treat, you’ve got to try these similar pies. You’ll love this chess pie, this yummy buttermilk pie, and this amazing strawberry pie!

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie

This sugar cream pie is the ultimate comfort food! You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to create the most delicious, sweet, and creamy dessert.

This pie comes from Indiana (did you know that it’s their official state pie?? That’s a thing!) and man, do they love it there! I wanted to do it justice and I think this turned out so delicious!

Sugar Cream Pie Recipe Ingredients

You’ll love how simple these sugar cream pie ingredients are, yet it’s still packed with so much flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Crust

All-purpose flour: Flour is the bulk of the crust that gives it structure and texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients!

Shortening: Acts as the fat, and it gives the crust a tender flaky texture.

Cold Water: Binds the dough together. The coldness keeps the fat solid which is key to making the crust flaky.

Filling

Cornstarch: Helps thicken to achieve the smooth creamy texture of the pie.

Granulated sugar: The star of the show! Sugar adds a rich sweetness to the pie filling.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling.

Heavy whipping cream: Contributes to the creamy consistency and adds the creamy flavor.

Whole milk: Combines with the heavy cream to create a luxurious texture.

Vanilla extract or paste: Adds a sweet depth of flavor.

Cinnamon Topping

Salted butter: Adds a rich buttery flavor to the slightly crunchy top.

Granulated sugar: Creates the caramelized topping and adds a hit of sweetness.

Cinnamon: Gives a depth and warmth of spice and flavor.

How to Make Hoosier Pie

With these simple instructions, you will feel like a pro, whatever your baking level. You can even simplify and use a store-bought pie crust.

Crust

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then set aside a 9-inch pie pan.

Dough Ingredients: Add the flour and salt to a large bowl and then whisk to combine. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening until it is the size of small peas.

Cold water: Add 4 tablespoons of cold water to the flour and stir with a fork until it begins to come together. Add a tablespoon or two of additional water until a dough forms. Press the dough into a ball.

Roll Out: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it forms a circle that’s 2-3 inches wider than your pie pan.

Crimp crust: Roll the dough onto the rolling pin and then unroll it over the pie pan. Press the crust into the pan and then crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork.

Bake: Place a sheet of parchment in the bottom of the crust and add pie weights or unbaked beans until the bottom of the crust is filled. Bake for 10-12 minutes before removing the parchment paper and the pie weights or beans, then bake for an additional 7-8 minutes until the bottom of the crust is beginning to brown.

Reduce heat: Reduce the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit when the pie crust comes out.

Cut the shortening into the flour.

Add the water and form the dough.

Roll the dough out.

Press the dough into the pan and crimp.

Filling

Whisk: While the crust is baking, whisk the cornstarch, sugar, and salt before adding the butter, cream, and milk. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until the mixture starts to thicken, about 6-7 minutes. Once thickened to a thin pudding-like consistency, turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla.

Pour: Pour the sugar cream pie filling into the crust right after you finish par-baking it.

Cinnamon Topping

Brush & sprinkle: Carefully brush the melted butter over the top of the filling and then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar.

Bake & broil: Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes before turning on the broiler. Broil for about 1 minute, or until the cinnamon topping starts bubbling.

Cool & serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Combine the filling ingredients and cook until thickened.

Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.

Brush the melted butter over the top.

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the butter.

Fun info! This is an Amish/shaker recipe that originated in Indiana sometime in the 1800s. It is the unofficial state pie of Indiana.

Boursin Pork Chops are savory, tender, and covered in a delicious cheesy cream sauce. This one-pan recipe is the perfect easy main that can be on your dinner table in just 30 minutes!

My family absolutely loves pork chops for dinner! Why? Because they are so versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. After you try this recipe, you’ll have to try these fun Hawaiian pork chops, these delicious smothered pork chops, and these easy grilled pork chops. You’re sure to love them all!

Boursin Pork Chops

Just like with our Boursin Chicken, these Boursin Pork Chops are out of this world delicious! It’s an easy-to-make recipe with a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s definitely restaurant-quality. Simply season and sear the pork. Then, in the same pan, mix together a creamy, dreamy sauce with minced shallots, broth, heavy cream, parmesan, and Boursin cheese. Add the pork back to the pan, then serve over mashed potatoes to soak up the amazing sauce! 

Ingredients Needed For Simple Boursin Pork Chops

Not only do these simple ingredients and seasonings come together for the most tender, flavorful pork chops you’ll ever have, I’m guessing you already have them in your kitchen! Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact measurements.

Pork Chops

Pork Chops: Choose boneless pork chops that are about 1-inch thick.

Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor to the pork chops.

Italian Seasoning: You can use store-bought or try my homemade dried Italian seasoning blend.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings add your first layer of flavor.

Incredibly Tasty Creamy Herb Sauce

Olive Oil and Butter: To sear the meat and add richness to the sauce.

Shallot: Sautéed for a mild onion taste.

Garlic: For savory garlic flavor.

Chicken Broth: Provides the sauce with extra flavor and makes for the perfect consistency.

Heavy Cream: The smooth and creamy base of the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: If possible, use freshly grated cheese from a block to give the sauce the best flavor and velvety consistency.

Boursin Cheese: You will love how rich, creamy, and tasty Boursin cheese makes this sauce.

Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley and thyme add herby flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make This Recipe

This Boursin pork chop recipe is great to make for busy weeknights, family meals, or even intimate dinners because it will definitely be a hit. Here are the easy instructions for making this hearty dish:

Season and Prep Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry, then season all sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. I would then recommend you cut a few small slits in the sides of the pork chops to keep them from curling up as they cook.

Sear: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the pork chops for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden on the outside.

Sauté the Shallot: Once the pork chops are seared, remove them from the pan and set them on a plate. Add the shallot to the pan, then sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Make the Sauce: Add in the garlic and sauté another minute. Add in the chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Boursin cheese, parsley, and thyme.

Add the Pork Chops to the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continually stir until you have a creamy sauce. Add the pork chops back to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes until they are cooked through, coating each pork chop in the sauce.

Serve: Enjoy fresh with additional salt and pepper, parsley and thyme, and your favorite side!

Season and brown the pork chops.

Saute the shallot and garlic.

Make the Boursin sauce.

Add the pork chops to the sauce.

Red Robin campfire sauce is the best pairing for your burgers, fries, and more. Whip it up in minutes with just 4 ingredients and enjoy the deliciously creamy consistency and smoky flavor.

My family goes crazy for this special sauce, and I know yours will love it too! Homemade sauce recipes are the perfect way to really take your meals to the next level. Try some of our other tried-and-true favorites like this 5-minute burger sauce, this copycat Arby’s sauce, or our amazing tartar sauce.

Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce

If you’ve never had the chance to try Red Robin’s campfire sauce, you’re in for a real treat! When I first tasted their crispy fried pickles with the signature campfire mayo, I was hooked. The smoky-flavored mayo left such an impression that I knew I had to recreate it at home. This copycat Red Robin campfire sauce recipe is the absolute best.

It’s absolutely perfect with my homemade crispy air fryer fried pickles! Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile. Spread it on your burgers or hot dogs, or use it as a dip for onion rings. Trust me, you’ll want to have this delicious sauce on hand for every meal. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!

Red Robin Campfire Sauce Copycat Recipe

This Red Robin campfire sauce requires just four simple ingredients, but when mixed together, they will light up your taste buds! It’s so good that it might even become your new favorite condiment! Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact measurements.

Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce that makes it perfectly creamy.

Barbecue Sauce: Pick up your favorite smokey BBQ sauce from the store or make this barbecue sauce from scratch.

Chipotle Powder: Adds a bold flavor and a bit of smoky heat to the sauce.

Paprika: Use smoked paprika for an even more smoky flavor.

How to Make Red Robin Campfire Sauce

Elevate your meals effortlessly with Red Robin campfire sauce! You’ll love how easy it is to create this savory, smoky dipping sauce or spread. Just stir together four simple ingredients; it takes a total time of 5 minutes! Whether you whip it up fresh or make it in advance, you’ll have a versatile condiment to enjoy throughout the week.

Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl, then whisk together.

Enjoy: Use it right away, or store it in the fridge for later.

This sushi bowl is a deconstructed California sushi roll loaded with irresistible flavor and all of the best sushi ingredients. It’s layered with sushi rice, crab, cucumber, avocado, a tasty sauce, and more. It’s easy to make and ready to serve in just 20 minutes!

The flavors and textures in this bowl are some of my favorites! If you love them too, try our California rolls, and this sushi bake next!

What’s in a Sushi Bowl?

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for this sushi bowl recipe! First, you can easily mix and match filling ingredients and use your favorite sauce. Moreover, being able to customize it is one of the best things about making it at home. For exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the recipe card below.

Bowl

Sushi Rice: My recipe for sushi rice is perfectly sticky and delicious!

Avocado: Adds a creamy richness to the bowl.

Imitation Crab Meat: Brings a meaty taste and texture to the bowl. You can also use fresh crab if you’d prefer!

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch. You can use English cucumber or whatever variety you like. To change things up, you can swap it with (or add in) carrot sticks, sliced radish, or bell pepper.

Roasted Seaweed: Nori sheets or roasted seaweed make this taste just like real sushi. 

Toppings

Green Onions: To garnish and add mild onion flavor, plus extra color and texture.

Spicy Mayo: Try my homemade spicy mayonnaise to add creaminess and a kick of heat. Or simply squeeze on some sriracha

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some over the top of your finished bowl for texture and presentation.

Sauce

Soy Sauce: Loaded with umami flavor, this will add depth and richness to the sushi bowl sauce.

Oyster Sauce: This adds some brininess with a hint of sweetness but doesn’t taste fishy.

Sesame Oil: For nutty, earthy flavor.

Rice Vinegar: Brightens the flavor with a slight sweetness.

Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a bit of a kick that balances out the other ingredients nicely.

Salt and Pepper: To taste and enhance all of the flavors.

How to Make This Recipe

You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this delicious sushi bowl! In fact, there’s no need to turn on the oven. It’s so refreshing and easy, and the result is irresistible!

Prep and Make the Sauce: Prepare all the ingredients for the bowls and set them aside. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper.

Assemble Bowls: Get two bowls and fill them with ½ cup rice each. Then, add half of the avocado you prepared to each bowl. Then, add ½ cup imitation crab and ¼ cup cucumber to each bowl. Finally, top each bowl with half of the seaweed.

Add Garnish and Mayo: Drizzle half of the sauce over each bowl, then top them with green onions, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.

Serve: Enjoy fresh!

Add sushi and crab to a bowl.

Nest, add avocado and cucumber.

Add the seaweed.

Drizzle on the sauce and toppings.

Texas Twinkies are a major upgrade to your classic jalapeño poppers! They’re jalapeños filled with cream cheese, brisket, and shredded cheese, then wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection. These are the hit of any party!

A satisfying, mouthwatering appetizer is sure to get your party started off right! If you need some other ideas for your spread, try this awesome 7-layer dip, these crispy egg rolls, or these amazing stuffed pizza bites.

What are Texas Twinkies?

Texas Twinkies are bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese, smoked brisket, shredded cheese, and seasonings and finished with BBQ sauce. They are unbelievably delicious and a major crowd pleaser!

While I’ve been stuffing peppers and wrapping them in bacon for years, this version made famous by Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, Texas takes your classic poppers to the next level! They use extra large jalapeños and fill them with smoked brisket and cream cheese, then wrap them in a thick slice of bacon and smoke them until the bacon is crispy and the pepper is tender. So good, you won’t be able to stop with just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Texas Twinkies recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients. However, it does require pre-cooked brisket. You can buy smoked brisket from your favorite barbecue joint or make my tried and true slow cooker beef brisket.

Jalapeño peppers: Choose fresh, bright green jalapeños that are big enough to hold all of the stuffing.

Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the heat from the peppers. Be sure to soften your cream cheese, so it’s easy to mix with the other filling ingredients.

Smoked Brisket: Gives the best savory, smoky, and meaty flavor.

Cheese: For extra cheesiness! We really like shredded pepper jack cheese, but other cheeses will work.

Seasonings: Mix in garlic powder and onion powder to bring just a hint of garlic and onion flavor.

Bacon: Bacon makes everything better! Regular bacon will crisp up best.

BBQ Sauce: Use my homemade BBQ sauce recipe or your favorite store-bought variety.

How to Make Texas Twinkies

Follow these few simple steps, then you’ll have a tasty appetizer your family and friends will love!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. 

Slice the Jalapeños: Prepare the jalapeños by cutting a slit down the length of one side and then another cut across the top, stopping before cutting all the way through. The two cuts should form a T on the jalapeño. Keep the stem, but remove the seeds and veins. Repeat with the remaining jalapenos.

Make the Filling: Combine the cream cheese, brisket, pepper jack, and seasonings in a large bowl. Spoon the brisket mixture into the jalapeños until they are filled but are still able to close all the way. 

Wrap With Bacon: Wrap each jalapeño tightly with a slice of bacon. You can use toothpicks to hold the bacon on the peppers, but they are not necessary. 

Bake: Line the jalapeños up on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is getting crispy and the jalapeños are tender. Brush each one generously with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes, 

Cool and enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving.

Slice and deseed jalapenos.

Combine filling ingredients.

Fill jalapenos with the filling.

Wrap each jalapeno in bacon and bake for 25 minutes.

Brush with BBQ sauce before returning to the oven.