Crispy Oven-Baked Pig Shots: A Savory Party Recipe

These mouthwatering pig shots combine crispy bacon with creamy cheese in a delightful appetizer that’ll steal the show at any gathering.

A snack so irresistible, you can’t help but grab another.

Smoky, savory, and packed with flavor, this simple dish comes together faster than you might expect.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of rich textures and bold tastes.

Crisp edges and smooth centers create a symphony of deliciousness that’ll make everyone ask for the recipe.

Seriously, one taste and you’ll understand why these little bites are guaranteed to vanish from the plate in seconds.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make some magic happen!

Tips for Oven-Baked Pig Shot Perfection

• Bacon Positioning Trick: Overlap bacon ends slightly when wrapping sausage to ensure a secure, leak-proof cup that holds its shape perfectly during baking.
• Cheese Filling Smoothness: Use room temperature cream cheese and mix thoroughly to create a creamy, lump-free filling that spreads easily into bacon cups.
• Toothpick Pro Tip: Remove toothpicks carefully after baking to prevent guests from accidentally biting into them during serving.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap regular sausage for turkey sausage and use a low-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version of this appetizer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pig shots up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

Save and Reheat Pig Shots Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Oven: Warm pig shots at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: While not ideal, you can quickly reheat pig shots in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. The bacon might lose some crispness, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled pig shots in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Tasty Matches for Pig Shots

• Brew Bold Beer Companions: Pair these savory pig shots with a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the richness of the bacon and creamy cheese, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Zesty Wine Matchmakers: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the smoky bacon and tangy cheese, enhancing the appetizer's complex flavor profile.
• Cool Dipping Sidekicks: Serve with a homemade ranch or spicy sriracha mayo to add an extra layer of creamy or heat-packed excitement that elevates the pig shots' already delicious taste.
• Fresh Crunch Balancers: Add a simple side of pickled jalapeños or a light cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty appetizer and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Pig Shot Ideas to Try

• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Replace green onions with finely chopped jalapeños and add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Mix crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the cream cheese filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• BBQ Bacon Blast: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the pig shots before baking and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, tangy enhancement.
• Ranch-Style Sensation: Swap garlic powder for ranch seasoning mix and add chopped chives to create a creamy ranch-inspired version of the classic pig shots.

Pig Shots FAQs You Might Need

• What are Pig Shots exactly?

Pig Shots are delicious appetizers made with bacon wrapped around sausage slices, filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s baked until crispy and golden.

• Are Pig Shots spicy?

They can be mildly spicy depending on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make Pig Shots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bacon cups and cheese filling in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. They’re perfect for game day or party prep.

• What kind of bacon works best for Pig Shots?

Regular-cut bacon works great. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it might not crisp up properly, and thin bacon might not hold the shape. Medium-thickness bacon is ideal for creating the perfect bacon cup.

Why Pig Shots Are a Crowd-Pleaser

• Crave Irresistible Flavor Combinations: The blend of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and zesty spices creates an explosive taste sensation that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Enjoy Effortless Preparation: These pig shots come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Experience Party-Perfect Appetizer: Compact, handheld, and bursting with flavor, these bite-sized treats are ideal for game days, gatherings, and casual get-togethers where people want delicious finger food.
• Savor Customizable Creativity: Easily swap or add ingredients like different cheeses, herbs, or spice levels to match your personal taste preferences and keep the recipe exciting every time.

Ingredients to Make Pig Shots in the Oven

• Bacon Slices: Crispy base that forms the cup and adds smoky flavor. Choose thick-cut bacon for better structure.
• Sausage Slices: Solid foundation for the bacon cup. Opt for mild or spicy sausage depending on preference.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base for the filling that provides rich texture. Use softened Philadelphia-style cream cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and melting quality. Shredded cheese works best.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the filling. Thinly sliced green parts recommended.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the filling. Use high-quality, fresh powder.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky undertone that complements bacon. Choose sweet or hot variety.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat to the filling. Adjust amount for desired spice level.

• Toothpicks: Needed to secure bacon around sausage. Standard wooden toothpicks work well.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

How to Put Together Pig Shots Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for hassle-free cleanup.

Step 2: Craft Bacon Vessels

Take bacon slices and wrap them around sausage pieces, forming adorable little cups. Grab toothpicks and secure each bacon wrap, making sure the edges overlap slightly to keep their cute shape.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Blend everything until smooth and totally irresistible.

Step 4: Fill Those Delicious Cups

Spoon or pipe the cheesy mixture into each bacon cup. Pack it in until they’re brimming with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Let these little treasures bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon turns crispy and the cheese gets golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull the pig shots out of the oven. Give them a few moments to cool down, then get ready to munch on these flavor-packed bites!

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible pig shots bring southern comfort to party snacks with crispy bacon cups filled with creamy cheese and savory sausage. Hearty appetizers promise delicious bites that guests will devour in seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch thick slices
• 1 lb (454 g) thick-cut bacon, cut in half

Cheese and Creamy Base:

• 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ¼ cup (14 g) green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bacon-sausage vessels by carefully wrapping thin bacon slices around sausage rounds, creating circular cups that are structurally sturdy. Secure each cup with a toothpick to maintain its architectural integrity.
2. Create a robust cheese mixture by thoroughly blending cream cheese with sharp cheddar, incorporating finely chopped green onions and aromatic spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for complex flavor depth.
3. Gently fill each bacon vessel with the whipped cheese blend, ensuring complete coverage without overflowing the delicate bacon boundaries.
4. Position the assembled pig shots on a lined baking sheet, allowing adequate spacing between each morsel to promote even heat circulation and crisp exterior development.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 400F (200C), monitoring the transformation as bacon edges turn golden and crisp while the internal cheese mixture bubbles and caramelizes, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of culinary alchemy.
6. Extract the pig shots from the oven, permitting a brief cooling interval to stabilize the molten cheese interior and enhance structural integrity before serving these savory appetizer bites.

Notes

• Select thick-cut bacon for sturdier cups that hold their shape better during baking, preventing collapse and ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smoother, more easily spreadable filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda to create unique flavor profiles and personalize the recipe to your taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and low-fat cream cheese, making the appetizer more diet-friendly without sacrificing delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg