Smoked pig shots are fun little bites made with sausage, cheese, and spices all wrapped in bacon. These tasty treats are cooked until crispy and packed with flavor!
Whenever I make these for a party, they’re the first to disappear! It’s hard to resist grabbing one (or five) while watching the game. Perfect for sharing with friends! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds great flavor to the filling. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. For a healthier option, lean turkey sausage works too!
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a better texture, but regular works fine too. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, turkey bacon can be used, though it won’t get as crispy.
Cream Cheese: The softened cream cheese makes the filling creamy and smooth. If you’re dairy-free, try using a cream cheese alternative made from nuts or soy.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a wonderful flavor. Feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or any cheese you love. For more richness, consider a sharp cheddar.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring heat, while pickled ones add tang. If you want to dial down the heat, use bell peppers instead or omit them altogether.
How Do I Make Sure the Bacon is Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon around those pig shots is key! Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Wrap the bacon tightly around the cup, securing with a toothpick, to keep it in shape while it cooks.
- Smoking at a steady temperature of 250°F allows the bacon to render its fat slowly, leading to a crispier texture.
- Check halfway through cooking; if needed, you can slightly raise the smoker temperature for the last few minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
How to Make Smoked Pig Shots?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bacon Cups:
- 1 pound bacon
Optional Topping:
- Barbecue sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time followed by 1.5 to 2 hours of smoking time. You’ll spend a little while mixing the filling and wrapping the bacon, then just relax while they smoke to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 250°F (120°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that smoky flavor into your pig shots while keeping things juicy!
2. Making the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined and creamy. Set this aside for a moment.
3. Preparing the Bacon Cups:
Cut the bacon strips in half. Now, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around the edge of a shot glass or a small round mold to form a cup shape. Secure the ends together with a toothpick to hold it in place. Repeat this for all your bacon slices to create a bunch of little bacon cups!
4. Filling the Bacon Cups:
Take the cheese mixture you whipped up in step 2 and fill each bacon cup about halfway. If you want, you can add a slice of jalapeño on top for a little extra kick. These little bites will pack a flavorful punch!
5. Smoking the Pig Shots:
Now it’s time to get these onto the smoker! Place the filled pig shots onto a smoker tray lined with aluminum foil or use a grill pan to make the cleanup easier. Smoke them for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown a little.
6. Optional Barbecue Drizzle:
If you love barbecue sauce, drizzle some over the pig shots during the last 10 minutes of smoking for added flavor. It really makes them shine!
7. Let Them Cool:
Once done, carefully remove the pig shots from the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in! Enjoy your tasty Smoked Pig Shots with friends or family!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can experiment with other types such as Italian sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the sausage is cooked to a safe temperature if using raw sausage in the recipe.
How Can I Make These Spicy or Mild?
If you want to adjust the spice level, simply modify the amount of diced jalapeños. You can also add additional spicy components like crushed red pepper flakes for more heat or use milder pepper varieties like bell peppers for a less spicy version!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pig shots ahead of time! After assembling them, cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just place them directly into the smoker; no need to thaw!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use your oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave on medium power until heated through. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!
