Oh my goodness, let me tell you about smoked pig shots! These little bites of heaven are the perfect crowd-pleaser, combining the smoky, savory goodness of sausage and bacon with a melty cheese surprise. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just any appetizer; they’re a unique twist on traditional snacks that everyone raves about at parties. I love making these for game days or family gatherings because they’re so easy to prepare and disappear in a flash. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to impress your friends, you’ve got to try my smoked pig shots recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound of thick-cut bacon, for wrapping
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, for that gooey goodness
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened for easy mixing
- 1 tablespoon of BBQ seasoning, to add a kick of flavor
How to Prepare Smoked Pig Shots
- First things first, preheat your smoker to 225°F. This low and slow temperature is key for that perfect smokiness!
- While your smoker is heating up, grab your smoked sausage and cut it into 2-inch pieces. Make sure your pieces are even to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Now, it’s time to wrap! Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each sausage piece, securing it with a toothpick. Don’t be shy with the bacon; it adds so much flavor!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and BBQ seasoning. Mix until everything is nicely blended. This cheesy filling is what takes these shots to the next level!
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each bacon-wrapped sausage with that delicious cheese mixture. Just be careful not to overfill—leave a bit of space for the cheese to melt and ooze out.
- Now, place your filled pig shots on the smoker rack. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is wonderfully gooey. Keep an eye on them, as you’ll want that perfect caramelization!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor: The combination of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible!
- Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these snacks come together quickly.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a party, barbecue, or game day, smoked pig shots are always a hit with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can switch up the cheese or seasoning to match your taste—endless possibilities!
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and you’ll have tasty snacks ready to go whenever you need them.
- Finger food fun: These bite-sized treats are easy to eat, making them ideal for mingling and socializing.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up nicely and holds its shape around the sausage.
- Mix Cheese Wisely: Experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a gooey texture.
- BBQ Seasoning Variety: Don’t hesitate to adjust the BBQ seasoning. A bit of smoked paprika or garlic powder can enhance the flavor even more!
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your pig shots in the smoker. Cooking times can vary based on the smoker, so check for that crispy bacon and melted cheese.
- Let Them Rest: After smoking, let the pig shots rest for a few minutes. It helps the cheese set a bit, making them easier to eat!
Variations on Smoked Pig Shots
- Cheese Swap: Mix it up by using different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or go for a sharp gouda for a more robust flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of heat!
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley into the cheese filling for a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the pig shots right before serving for a delightful sweet contrast to the savory bacon and sausage.
- Different Meats: Try using different types of sausage like Italian or chorizo for a flavor twist that can change the whole vibe of the dish!
- Smoky BBQ Twist: Add a bit of smoked paprika or a favorite BBQ rub to the cheese filling for an added depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage.
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following information is provided as a general guide and is not precisely calculated:
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love using smoked sausage, you can swap it out for Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change based on what you choose!
How long do I need to cook them?
Typically, you’ll want to smoke your pig shots for about 2 hours at 225°F. However, cooking times can vary depending on your smoker, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for that crispy bacon and melty cheese to know they’re just right!
What can I serve with smoked pig shots?
These little bites are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping. They’re fantastic alongside a fresh veggie platter or some crunchy chips for a complete snack spread!
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the pig shots in advance, wrap them up, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to smoke. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before cooking so they cook evenly.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
No problem at all! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to achieve that crispy bacon finish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any smoked pig shots left (which is rare, but it can happen!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. First, let them cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
To store, place the pig shots in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to keep the bacon crispy.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key! I recommend using the oven to keep that lovely crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pig shots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon gets that nice crisp back. You could also use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at the same temperature for a quick and tasty option!
Just remember, microwaving isn’t the best choice for reheating these tasty bites, as it can make the bacon chewy and less enjoyable. So stick to the oven or air fryer for the best results!
Final Thoughts
You’ve got to give smoked pig shots a try! They truly are the ultimate snack that can elevate any gathering or casual night in. I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and ooey-gooey cheese? It’s such a fun and delicious way to impress your friends and family. I’d love to hear about your adventures in making them! Don’t hesitate to share how yours turn out or any creative twists you come up with. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so dive in and enjoy every bite of these delightful little snacks!
For more delicious recipes, check out this pig shots recipe and this bacon ranch cheese ball recipe!
Print
Smoked Pig Shots: 5 Irresistible Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smoked pig shots are delicious bite-sized snacks made from sausage and cheese wrapped in bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of smoked sausage
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon of BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Cut the smoked sausage into 2-inch pieces.
- Wrap each piece with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and BBQ seasoning in a bowl.
- Fill each bacon-wrapped sausage with the cheese mixture.
- Place on the smoker and cook for 2 hours or until bacon is crispy.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for better results.
- Experiment with different cheese types.
- Adjust the BBQ seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: smoked pig shots, bacon, sausage, cheese, appetizer
