Description
Succulent Smoked Pig Shots deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers, combining crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and savory sausage. Barbecue enthusiasts and party hosts will love this irresistible finger food that promises to elevate any gathering with its bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound bacon (thick-cut preferred)
- 12–15 sausage links (or kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
Cheese and Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup diced jalapenos (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for coating)
Cooking Accessory:
- Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes, to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Craft the base structure by wrapping half-strips of bacon around bite-sized sausage segments, securing each with a toothpick to create miniature edible vessels.
- Blend cream cheese with sharp cheddar, minced jalapenos, and robust BBQ seasoning until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency that promises bold flavor profiles.
- Generously fill each bacon-wrapped cup with the zesty cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage and creating an enticing appetizer appearance.
- Dust the tops with a delicate sprinkle of brown sugar, introducing a subtle caramelized sweetness that will complement the savory elements.
- Fire up the smoker to a steady 250F, positioning the pig shots on a wire rack to allow uniform heat circulation and smoke penetration.
- Allow the pig shots to slowly transform, smoking for approximately 90-120 minutes until the bacon develops a crisp, mahogany-colored exterior and the filling becomes luxuriously bubbly.
- Remove from the smoker and permit a brief resting period, allowing the intense flavors to settle and the temperature to moderate slightly.
- Plate and serve these smoky, decadent bites while still warm, offering guests a tantalizing blend of crispy, creamy, and subtly sweet sensations.
Notes
- Sizzle the bacon to a perfect crisp by selecting thick-cut bacon that holds its shape during smoking, ensuring a sturdy base for the delicious cheese filling.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeno quantities or swapping with milder peppers like poblano for those with sensitive taste buds.
- Prevent bacon from burning by monitoring smoker temperature and rotating pig shots midway through cooking for even browning and consistent texture.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by using sugar-free BBQ seasoning and replacing brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg