Description
Pig Shots are a delicious and savory appetizer featuring smoked sausage slices wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and cheddar. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or casual barbecue gatherings, offering a rich combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Extras
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pig shots evenly and thoroughly.
- Wrap Sausage with Bacon: Take each 1-inch sausage slice and wrap it tightly with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to maintain the cup shape, allowing space inside for the filling.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Fill Bacon Cups: Spoon the cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup, filling them generously but not overflowing to prevent spillage while baking.
- Bake the Pig Shots: Arrange the filled pig shots on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese filling is hot and bubbly.
- Add Barbecue Sauce (Optional): Once baked, remove from oven and optionally drizzle with barbecue sauce before serving to add a tangy, smoky flavor contrast.
Notes
- Serve pig shots warm to enjoy the bacon’s crispiness and the creamy filling at its best.
- For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture before filling.
- Make sure to secure the bacon tightly with toothpicks to avoid unraveling during baking.
- If you prefer less smoky flavor, substitute smoked sausage with another type of cooked sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
