If you love bold flavors and irresistible finger foods, then you have to try the Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon and Sausage Bites with Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine smoky sausage and crisp bacon cups filled with a creamy, slightly spicy cheese blend that bakes up golden and bubbly. Perfectly savory and easy to make, Pig Shots bring a mouthwatering punch to any party or snack time that will keep everyone reaching for just one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of Pig Shots. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors, as well as the ideal texture and inviting colors.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound): Provides the hearty, smoky base that forms the savory heart of each bite.
- Bacon (1 pound, sliced in half): Wraps around the sausage rounds to create a crisp, salty cup that holds all the delicious filling.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Adds luscious creaminess to mellow and bind the flavors in the filling.
- Shredded cheddar (1/4 cup): Gives a sharp, melty kick of cheese that complements the smoky meats perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy notes beautifully.
- Jalapeno, minced (1, optional): Delivers just the right level of heat to brighten up the creamy filling with a spicy zing.
How to Make Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon and Sausage Bites with Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Recipe
Step 1: Wrap the Bacon Cups
Start by cutting your smoked sausage into rounds that are thick enough to hold their shape. Take each sausage round and wrap it with a half slice of bacon, making sure to form a little cup shape that will hold the filling. This step is where the magic begins, as the bacon crisps up around the sausage to create that perfect smoky, crunchy shell.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced jalapeno (if you want to add some spice), and brown sugar. The brown sugar might sound unusual, but it brings a subtle caramel note that plays so well against the smoky and spicy elements. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well blended, ready to fill those bacon cups.
Step 3: Fill the Bacon Cups
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each bacon-wrapped sausage cup with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy here; these fillings are what make Pig Shots truly addictive.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled bacon cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese filling is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing at this point!
How to Serve Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon and Sausage Bites with Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add extra layers of flavor, try topping the finished Pig Shots with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A tiny drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika also brings a lovely visual pop while enhancing the smoky-spicy profile.
Side Dishes
These bacon and sausage bites are wonderfully indulgent on their own but pair beautifully with crisp veggies like celery sticks or crunchy pickles that offer a refreshing contrast. A fresh green salad or coleslaw also balances the richness and rounds out your appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Pig Shots on a tiered serving platter for a fun and eye-catching display. You can also serve them on individual spoons or skewered with toothpicks alongside dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for extra crowd-pleasing appeal. The key is to make them easy to grab and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and that can be hard), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled will preserve that delightful blend of smoky and creamy flavors.
Freezing
Pig Shots freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated Pig Shots at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that bacon crispness since the oven does the best job at reviving their delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative, although the flavor will be milder and less smoky. It still wraps nicely around the sausage and will crisp up in the oven.
How spicy are these Pig Shots?
The heat level is totally up to you since the jalapeno is optional. Removing the seeds will tame the spice, or you can leave them out altogether for a milder, crowd-pleasing bite.
Can I prepare Pig Shots in an air fryer?
Yes! Air frying is a fantastic option for convenience and speed. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese filling is bubbly.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
You can experiment with cream cheese combinations like pepper jack for extra kick, or mozzarella for a gooey stretchy texture. Just keep a balance to maintain that creamy filling texture.
Are Pig Shots keto-friendly?
Indeed, they are! With hearty sausage, bacon, cream cheese, and just a touch of cheddar, Pig Shots fit perfectly into a keto-friendly diet without the carbs.
Final Thoughts
The Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon and Sausage Bites with Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly becomes everyone’s favorite at gatherings because it’s just so darn good. From the smoky bacon wrap to the creamy, spicy filling, every bite delivers comfort and excitement all at once. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl and see for yourself why these little powerhouse appetizers have won so many hearts and hungry hands!
Print
Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon and Sausage Bites with Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 appetizers
- Diet: Keto Friendly
Description
Pig Shots are a smoky and savory appetizer featuring smoked sausage slices wrapped in crispy bacon cups filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeno, and brown sugar, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as party snacks or game day bites, they combine rich, spicy, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Sausage and Bacon Cups
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into rounds
- 1 pound bacon, sliced in half
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and bacon cups: Wrap each smoked sausage slice with a half slice of bacon, forming a cup shape. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced jalapeno (if using), and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Fill the cups: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup, filling them generously but leaving a slight gap to avoid overflow during baking.
- Bake to finish: Place the filled cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a rack. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the Pig Shots warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- You can air fry these instead of baking for a quicker cook time; air fry at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, checking for crispiness.
- Using maple bacon adds a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky and spicy flavors very well.
- For less heat, omit the jalapeno or substitute with bell peppers.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure easy mixing and smooth filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
