Irresistible Oven-Baked Pig Shots Recipe for Party Magic

On a whim, I discovered these delectable pig shots that blend crispy bacon with creamy cheese in a mouthwatering bite.

My friends cannot resist these addictive appetizers whenever I serve them at gatherings.

Small bites often pack massive flavor, and these little wonders prove that point perfectly.

Bacon enthusiasts will absolutely love how simple ingredients create such an incredible taste experience.

The combination of smoky, salty, and rich elements makes these shots irresistible for anyone seeking a quick snack.

Crisp edges and smooth centers make each bite a delightful texture adventure.

Let’s transform your next party or game day with these incredible little flavor bombs that everyone will devour.

Keeping Pig Shots Fresh for Later

• Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cooled pig shots in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay good for up to 1 month.
• Preheat oven to 350F, arrange pig shots on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Cook at 350F for 4-6 minutes, ensuring they're heated evenly and maintain their crispy bacon exterior.

What to Pair Well with Pig Shots

• Pop open a bold Zinfandel or spicy Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of these bacon-wrapped delights. The wine's robust character matches the intense taste profile of pig shots.
• Grab a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the fatty richness and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sausage mixture. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Whip up a quick ranch dressing spiked with hot sauce or create a tangy barbecue sauce with smoky chipotle notes. These condiments enhance the pig shots' flavor complexity and add an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
• Toss together a light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the heaviness of the pig shots. The acidity and crunch provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty appetizer.

Why Pig Shots (Oven Baked) Steal the Show

• Pig Shots offer an exciting culinary experience that's hard to resist.
• These appetizers require minimal preparation and basic cooking skills, making them perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Ready in just 30 minutes, Pig Shots are a speedy solution for last-minute gatherings, game days, or spontaneous snack cravings.
• Spice up the recipe by adding jalapeños, experimenting with different cheese blends, or creating unique dipping sauces to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients to Create Oven-Baked Pig Shots

• Breakfast Sausage: Classic meat base with rich flavor that forms the core of the pig shots.
• Bacon: Crispy wrapper creating an edible cup with salty and smoky characteristics.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth binder that adds richness and helps hold the mixture together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides extra depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that enhances overall savory profile.
• Onion Powder: Subtle background flavor that complements meat components.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds warmth and slight reddish color.

• Jalapeño: Fresh pepper for those wanting an extra kick of heat.

• Toothpicks: Essential for securing bacon cups during preparation.
• Muffin Tin or Baking Sheet: Helps shape and cook pig shots evenly.

How to Make Pig Shots

Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Space

Turn the oven to 350F (175C). This temperature creates the perfect crispy exterior and melty interior for your delicious pig shots.

Step 2: Create Sausage Filling

• Breakfast sausage
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a creamy and flavorful base.

Step 3: Wrap Bacon Cups

Grab bacon slices and carefully wrap them around the edges of a muffin tin or baking sheet. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon, forming cup-like shapes. Each bacon wrap will become a delicious vessel for the sausage mixture.

Step 4: Fill Bacon Shells

Scoop the prepared sausage mixture into each bacon cup. Fill generously but avoid overfilling. For extra kick, consider adding a slice of jalapeño on top of each pig shot.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin or baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bacon turns crispy and sausage is fully cooked. For an extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let pig shots cool slightly after removing from the oven. Serve as a standalone appetizer or pair with ranch or barbecue sauce for added flavor. Watch guests devour these irresistible bite-sized treats!

Helpful Tips for Bacon and Juicy Filling

• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Use thin-cut bacon slices to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness around the edges of your pig shots.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray the muffin tin or baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to make removal easier and maintain the shape of your pig shots.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, or swap with bell peppers for a milder version that's kid-friendly.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare pig shots in advance and refrigerate unbaked, then cook just before serving to save time during gatherings or game day parties.
• Dietary Swap Option: Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of this appetizer.

Variations for Pig Shots

• Keto-Friendly Pig Shots: Replace breakfast sausage with ground turkey or chicken, use full-fat cream cheese, and skip onion powder to reduce carbs. Choose nitrate-free bacon for a cleaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap meat with plant-based sausage crumbles, use vegan cream cheese, and replace bacon with thin zucchini or eggplant strips. Ensure ingredients are crispy and well-seasoned.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Pig Shots: Add diced green chiles, swap paprika for chili powder, mix in chopped jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly bacon and sausage. Use gluten-free spices and check cream cheese labels to prevent cross-contamination.

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent pig shots deliver a mouthwatering appetizer explosion of bacon, cream cheese, and savory sausage. Packed with robust flavors and simple preparation, these irresistible bites will make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

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

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (56 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (15 grams) 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 initial setup by warming the oven to a precise 350F (175C), creating the ideal environment for transforming raw ingredients into crispy, golden appetizers.
2. Craft a flavor-packed mixture by thoroughly blending breakfast sausage with cream cheese, introducing shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until the ingredients form a harmonious, well-integrated filling.
3. Transform bacon slices into delicate cups by carefully wrapping them around the edges of a muffin tin, securing each with a toothpick to create sturdy vessels that will hold the savory filling.
4. Generously fill each bacon cup with the prepared sausage mixture, ensuring an even distribution that allows for maximum flavor while preventing overflow during the cooking process.
5. Optional: Enhance the appetizer’s complexity by adding a slice of jalapeño atop each pig shot, introducing a subtle heat that complements the rich, meaty base.
6. Slide the prepared pan into the preheated oven, allowing the pig shots to bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon achieves a perfectly crisp exterior and the sausage mixture reaches full, safe cooking temperature.
7. For an extra layer of crispiness, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute finale, creating a golden-brown finish that adds textural excitement to the appetizer.
8. Remove from the oven and let the pig shots rest momentarily, allowing the intense heat to settle and the flavors to stabilize before serving.
9. Present the pig shots with accompanying dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue, providing guests with an opportunity to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon to create sturdy cups that hold the sausage mixture without falling apart during baking.
• Fat Reduction: Partially cook bacon before wrapping to remove excess grease and ensure a crispier texture without making the dish too oily.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor profiles to the sausage mixture.
• Spice Customization: Adjust heat levels by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or switching to spicy breakfast sausage for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare pig shots in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during gatherings or game day parties.
• Dietary Adaptations: Use turkey bacon and turkey sausage for a lighter version, or create vegetarian alternatives with plant-based sausage and bacon substitutes.
• Cooking Surface: Use a silicone muffin pan or line metal pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 351
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 859 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg