Pig Shots are a delightful appetizer made with smoked sausage, bacon, cream cheese, and seasonings. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a smoky, savory treat. These bite-sized morsels are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: A combination of smoky, salty, and creamy flavors that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can switch up the fillings or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, it’s a recipe anyone can tackle.
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized snacks are easy to serve and even easier to devour!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa or andouille)
- Thick-cut bacon
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- Brown sugar
- Your favorite BBQ seasoning or rub
Directions
- Preheat Your Smoker: Heat your smoker to 250°F. If you don’t have a smoker, a grill or oven will work.
- Slice the Sausage: Cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds, about 1 inch thick.
- Prepare the Bacon: Slice each strip of bacon in half. Wrap each sausage round with a piece of bacon to form a small cup, securing it with a toothpick.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, and your preferred BBQ seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Pig Shots: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the bacon-wrapped cups, filling them generously.
- Add a Sweet Touch: Sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar on top of each filled cup for a hint of sweetness.
- Smoke Them: Place the assembled pig shots on the smoker rack. Cook for 1.5–2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these flavorful bites with your favorite dipping sauce or as they are!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 pig shots, depending on the size of your sausage rounds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Meat Swap: Use turkey bacon or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with blue cheese, pepper jack, or gouda in the filling.
- Topping Options: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bacon soggy.
FAQs
What type of sausage is best for pig shots?
Smoked sausages like kielbasa, andouille, or even bratwurst work well in this recipe.
Can I make pig shots without a smoker?
Yes! You can use a grill or bake them in the oven at 375°F until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbling.
Can I prepare pig shots ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the sausage. They also make serving easier!
Can I freeze pig shots?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them uncooked. Assemble, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with pig shots?
BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli are excellent choices for dipping.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Sure! Flavored cream cheeses like garlic and herb or jalapeño add an extra layer of flavor.
How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?
Fill the cups just below the top edge of the bacon to prevent overflow during cooking.
Are pig shots keto-friendly?
They can be! Skip the brown sugar and use sugar-free BBQ seasoning to make them keto-friendly.
Can I use regular-cut bacon?
Thick-cut bacon is recommended, but regular-cut can work. Just monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Pig Shots are an irresistible appetizer that combines smoky, savory, and creamy flavors into one perfect bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to impress. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s a must-try for any occasion. Get ready to watch them disappear as fast as you can make them!
Print
Pig Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 pig shots (approx.) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pig Shots are a delightful appetizer featuring smoked sausage wrapped in bacon and filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture. They’re perfect for gatherings and can be prepared in various ways, including smoking, baking, or air frying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 12 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons barbecue rub or your favorite seasoning
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon and Sausage:
- Cut the bacon slices in half to create shorter strips.
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Assemble the ‘Shot Glasses’:
- Wrap a half-strip of bacon around each sausage slice, forming a cup or “shot glass.” Ensure the bottom of the sausage is flush with the edge of the bacon. Secure with a toothpick to hold the shape.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño (if using), sour cream, and barbecue rub. Mix until well incorporated.
- Fill the Cups:
- Using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off, pipe the cream cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup, filling just below the top to prevent overflow during cooking.
- Add a Sweet Touch:
- Sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar on top of each filled cup to add a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
- Cooking Options:
- Smoking:
- Preheat your smoker to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the assembled pig shots on the smoker grate and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbly.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the pig shots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Air Frying:
- Preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C).
- Place the pig shots in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through.
- Smoking:
- Serve:
- Remove the pig shots from your cooking device and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, consider drizzling a small amount of maple syrup over the pig shots during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as adding pineapple tidbits or using different types of cheese, to suit your taste preferences.
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