Oven-Baked Pig Shots Recipe
Introduction
Oven-Baked Pig Shots are a deliciously fun appetizer, combining smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese filling. Perfect for parties or game day, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, sliced in half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Step 2: Wrap each sausage slice with half a slice of bacon to form a small cup. Secure each wrap with a toothpick to hold it in place.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
- Step 4: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each bacon-wrapped sausage cup with the cheese mixture, making sure to fill them generously.
- Step 5: Arrange the filled cups on the wire rack on your baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Step 6: Carefully remove from the oven and let the pig shots cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Try substituting smoked sausage with spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- To make assembly easier, soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing.
Storage
Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the bacon soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare pig shots ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated. Just bake them fresh before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze pig shots?
Pig shots freeze well after baking. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen until warmed through and crispy.
PrintOven-Baked Pig Shots Recipe
Oven-Baked Pig Shots are a savory bite-sized appetizer featuring smoked sausage rounds wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with a rich, flavorful cream cheese and cheddar mixture. Perfect for parties or game day, these pig shots are easy to prepare and deliver a delicious combination of smoky, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice from garlic, onion, and smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sausage and Bacon
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, sliced in half
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil, then place a wire rack on top. This setup ensures even cooking and lets the bacon crisp up nicely.
- Wrap Sausage with Bacon: Take each 1/2 inch slice of smoked sausage and wrap it tightly with a half slice of thick-cut bacon to form a small cup. Secure the bacon using a toothpick to hold its shape while baking.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Bacon Cups: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each bacon-wrapped sausage cup with the prepared cheese mixture. Fill generously to maximize the creamy, cheesy filling in each bite.
- Bake Pig Shots: Place the filled pig shots on the prepared wire rack on your baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and set.
- Serve: Remove the pig shots from the oven and let them cool slightly on the wire rack. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily with the other ingredients.
- Using a wire rack promotes crispy bacon as excess fat drips away while baking.
- To save time, prepare the cheese filling in advance and refrigerate before filling the bacon cups.
- These pig shots are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese filling.
Keywords: bacon-wrapped sausage, pig shots, appetizer recipes, party snacks, cream cheese filling, oven baked, easy appetizers
