Juicy Smoked Pig Shots Recipe: Tiny BBQ Delights Done Right

Crispy bacon wraps filled with savory cream cheese and smoky sausage create an irresistible smoked pig shots experience that’ll have everyone talking.

These delectable bites pack a punch of flavor in every single mouthful.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this appetizer delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare, these little bundles of joy are perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings.

The blend of crisp bacon, creamy filling, and juicy sausage makes these shots a true crowd-pleaser.

Each bite promises a explosion of smoky, tangy goodness that’ll keep your guests coming back for more.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and become the ultimate party hero.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 386 kcal

Servings: 7

All The Goodness In Smoked Pig Shots Ingredients

• Kielbasa Sausage: Provides hearty, smoky flavor foundation with robust texture; choose high-quality, thick-cut sausage for best results.
• Bacon: Creates crispy, salty wrapper that adds rich depth; select thick-cut bacon for sturdier cups and better structural integrity.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, creamy base that binds ingredients together; ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy notes and melty goodness; opt for freshly shredded cheese for superior melting quality.
• Jalapeños: Brings zesty heat and vibrant green color; remove seeds for milder kick or keep them for extra spiciness.

• BBQ Seasoning: Adds complex, smoky-sweet undertones; select a blend with balanced spice profile.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and gorgeous golden glaze; use light or dark depending on preferred intensity.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing bacon and maintaining cup shape during smoking process.

Tools That Help Make Smoked Pig Shots Perfect

• Smoker: Essential for achieving that deep, smoky flavor and cooking the pig shots.
• Wire rack or smoker grate: Helps air circulate and ensures even cooking of the pig shots.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the creamy cheese filling ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice sausage links and cut bacon strips precisely.
• Toothpicks: Critical for securing the bacon around the sausage and holding the cups together.
• Spoon or piping bag: Great for filling the bacon cups with the cheese mixture evenly.

Steps To Make Juicy Smoked Pig Shots

• Sausage Foundation

Create tiny flavor cups by wrapping bacon around sausage slices. Each piece becomes a delicious vessel ready for incredible filling.

• Creamy Cheese Mixture

Blend cream cheese with sharp cheddar, adding a kick of jalapeños and smoky BBQ seasoning. Mix until silky smooth and full of zesty character.

• Tasty Assembly

Fill bacon cups generously with cheese mixture. Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a surprising sweet-savory twist that elevates the entire experience.

• Smoky Transformation

Fire up the smoker to a gentle 250F. Let these flavor bombs slowly cook, allowing bacon to crisp and cheese to bubble with mouthwatering intensity. The smoking process transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer.

• Serving Magic

Allow slightly cooled pig shots to rest before presenting. These bite-sized delights are perfect for gatherings, game days, or spontaneous snacking moments.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Smoked Pig Shots

• Smoky Flavor Boosters: Add wood chips like apple or hickory for an extra depth of smoke flavor that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Bacon Crispiness Hack: Par-cook bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior without burning during smoking.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace sausage with chunks of low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a keto-friendly version that doesn't skimp on flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño quantities or swap with milder peppers like poblano for those who prefer less heat while maintaining delicious complexity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use dairy-free cheddar for a plant-based version that still delivers incredible smoky goodness.

Best Ways To Serve Smoked Pig Shots Hot

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these smoky bites on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs and pickled jalapeños for a stunning presentation that'll wow guests.
• Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick ranch or spicy aioli sauce to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pig shots, giving guests an extra layer of taste excitement.
• Game Day Champion: Serve these as the ultimate finger food during sports events, pairing perfectly with cold beer and creating an irresistible game-time snack that'll disappear quickly.
• Cocktail Hour Star: Include these as a standout appetizer during happy hour or evening gatherings, offering a bold and indulgent bite that pairs wonderfully with craft cocktails or robust red wines.

How To Store Smoked Pig Shots For Later Fun

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store cooled pig shots in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm pig shots in oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes, restoring crispy bacon texture and melty cheese interior. Avoid microwave to maintain original crunch and quality.
• Freezer Prep Hack: Assemble uncooked pig shots, arrange on baking sheet, then freeze individually. Transfer frozen shots to freezer bag, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before smoking.
• Party Prep Tip: Make filling and assemble pig shots day before event, storing covered in refrigerator. Pull out 30 minutes before smoking to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking and perfect appetizer presentation.

Crispy Pig Shots Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Smoky pig shots bring together crispy bacon cups filled with creamy cheese and sausage mixture. Hearty Wisconsin-style appetizers deliver bold flavors perfect for game day gatherings or casual parties. You’ll savor each rich, indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12–15 sausage links (or kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 lb (454 g) bacon (thick-cut preferred)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for coating)
• 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning
• ¼ cup diced jalapenos (optional, for heat)
• Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes, to prevent burning)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Encase bite-sized sausage segments with half-strips of bacon, fastening securely with toothpicks to form compact culinary capsules.
2. Filling Creation: Harmonize cream cheese with sharp cheddar, incorporating minced jalapenos and BBQ seasoning into a velvety, flavor-packed blend.
3. Assembly: Lavishly populate each bacon-wrapped vessel with the spirited cheese mixture, ensuring complete and enticing coverage.
4. Sweetening: Delicately dust the tops with brown sugar, introducing a caramelized undertone that balances the robust savory profile.
5. Smoking Process: Ignite the smoker to 250F, strategically positioning pig shots on a wire rack to optimize smoke circulation and even heat distribution.
6. Transformation: Smoke for 90-120 minutes, allowing the bacon to develop a mahogany-tinted crispness and the filling to become gloriously molten and bubbling.
7. Finishing: Extract from the smoker, allowing a brief respite for flavor melding and temperature equilibration, then serve these indulgent morsels while warmth and intensity peak.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon to ensure sturdy vessel walls and prevent potential collapsing during smoking process.
• Temperature Control: Monitor smoker temperature closely to prevent burning; maintain consistent 250F for even cooking and optimal bacon crispness.
• Cheese Mixture Consistency: Mix cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and easier filling without lumps or air pockets.
• Toothpick Placement: Secure bacon strips with toothpicks before filling to maintain structural integrity and prevent unwrapping during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 386
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg