Oh wow, let me tell you about pig shots! These little bites of heaven are so fun to make and even more delightful to eat. Picture this: savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a kick of jalapeño, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Yum! They’re perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in. Honestly, once you try making these, you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without them. Trust me, everyone will be asking for more! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the delicious world of pig shots—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Before we get cooking, let’s gather everything we need to make those fabulous pig shots! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 pound of bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon if you can; it adds so much flavor and texture!
- 1 pound of sausage: Use your favorite type—breakfast sausage works great, but feel free to experiment!
- 8 ounces of cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; just let it sit out for a bit!
- 1/2 cup of diced jalapeños: Fresh or canned; if you like it spicy, toss in some extra!
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but you can try pepper jack for an extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce: This adds a nice touch of sweetness; pick your favorite brand!
With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to make some mouthwatering pig shots! Let’s keep going!
How to Prepare Pig Shots
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because we want those pig shots to bake up nice and crispy! You’ll love the smell that fills your kitchen as they cook—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened cream cheese. Add the diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, and barbecue sauce. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a spatula for this, but a hand mixer works great too if you want to save some elbow grease. Just make sure everything is combined well—this mixture is the heart of your pig shots!
Assemble the Pig Shots
Next up, let’s assemble these tasty bites! Start by cutting each bacon strip into thirds. Now, take a piece of sausage and form it into a little cup shape—think of it like a tiny sausage bowl! Place that on top of a piece of bacon. Then, fill your sausage cup with that delicious cream cheese mixture you just made. Don’t be shy; pile it on! Finally, wrap the bacon around the sausage cup and secure it with a toothpick. This part is fun—get creative with how you wrap it!
Bake the Pig Shots
Time to bake! Place your assembled pig shots on a baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out a bit. Pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Let them cool for a minute—if you can resist the temptation!—before serving. You’re about to enjoy some seriously delicious snacks!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your pig shots turn out perfectly! First off, be careful not to overfill the sausage cups; you want just the right amount of cream cheese mixture—too much can make a mess. Also, using thick-cut bacon is key; it helps everything stay together and adds that irresistible crunch. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper to your cream cheese mixture for an extra kick! And don’t stress if some bacon pieces don’t wrap perfectly; they’ll still taste amazing. Just have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, one pig shot contains about 150 calories, with 12g of fat, 10g of protein, and 2g of carbs. Enjoy your delicious snacks while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sausage for pig shots?
Absolutely! You can use any sausage you love, whether it’s spicy Italian, turkey, or even a plant-based option. Just make sure it’s something that pairs well with the cream cheese and bacon!
How do I know when my pig shots are done?
Keep an eye on that bacon! They’re ready when it’s crispy and golden brown. You can also check that the sausage is cooked through; it should be nice and hot inside.
Can I make pig shots ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep them the day before, cover them, and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
What can I serve with pig shots?
These tasty bites go great with extra barbecue sauce for dipping, or you could pair them with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggies for a complete snack experience.
What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! You can add different spices to the cream cheese, swap out the jalapeños for diced bell peppers, or even use a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with that perfect combo of sausage, cream cheese, and bacon.
- Super easy to prepare, even for beginners—just mix, assemble, and bake!
- Perfect for any occasion, from game day snacks to cozy family dinners.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or different types of cheese.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves these tasty little bites!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your pig shots to the next level, consider serving them with a few tasty dips! A side of homemade barbecue sauce is a must for that extra sweetness. You could also whip up a zesty ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a fresh cucumber salad or some crunchy celery sticks. These sides not only complement the pig shots but also add a refreshing touch to your snack spread!
Check out this creamy salsa dip recipe for a perfect pairing with your pig shots!
Pig Shots: 5 Easy Steps to Savory Perfection!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pig shots 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pig shots are flavorful bite-sized snacks made with sausage, cream cheese, and jalapeños, wrapped in bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1 pound of sausage
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and barbecue sauce.
- Cut each bacon strip into thirds.
- Form a small cup shape with the sausage and place it on a piece of bacon.
- Fill the sausage cup with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap the bacon around the sausage and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the pig shots on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for better flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses for variety.
- Check for doneness; the bacon should be fully cooked.
- Serve with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pig shot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pig shots, bacon appetizers, easy recipes
