Description
Smoked bacon-wrapped shotgun shell-style appetizers made with bacon spiraled into hollowed shells and filled with a creamy cheese mixture, then smoked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 12 cleaned and hollowed shotgun shells (food-safe)
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood)
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225ยฐF (107ยฐC).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Wrap each shell with a slice of bacon, spiraling from base to top and securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Fill each bacon-wrapped shell three-quarters full with the cheese mixture.
- Place shells on the smoker rack and add wood chips.
- Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until bacon is crisp and filling is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then carefully remove from shells and serve warm.
Notes
- Only use food-safe shells, never real ammo casings.
- Customize the cheese mix with alternatives like pepper jack or gouda.
- Soak wood chips for a gentler smoke flavor.
- Finish under a broiler for crispier bacon if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg