These delightful bites are perfect for lazy weekends when you just want to hang out at home but still have something special to nibble on. They’ll make you feel like a game day champion! I love that they’re super easy to whip up. You see, my family goes nuts for them every time I make ’em, so I thought, why not share these little gems with you?
What’s great about these little bites, aside from their tangy, cheesy, smoky taste, is the simplicity of the prep. With just a pound of kielbasa or good ol’ smoked sausage, thick-cut bacon, and a mix of store-bought and fresh ingredients, you’ve got everything you need to make your taste buds dance with joy! And to top it all off, there’s a spicy kick from the jalapeno that just takes everything to the next level.
Over time, I’ve had fun experimenting with these. You can really make them your own by tweaking the spice levels, varying the cheese, or swapping in your fave BBQ sauce. I remember the first time I made them – my son took a bite and said, “Mom, these should be illegal; they’re so good!” It was a total win that made me feel like a gourmet chef right in my own kitchen!
So, if you’re on the lookout for a new game day recipe or just a simple snack to enjoy with your loved ones, this is it. Just imagine the flavorful cream cheese and jalapeno mixture melting in your mouth with each bite, the crispy bacon wrapping everything in a savory hug, and the sweet tangy BBQ glaze providing the perfect finishing touch. Oh, I can just taste it now! Can’t wait for you to try this one out and share it with your family. Go ahead and get ready to impress everyone at your next get-together!
How to Make Oven Baked Pig Shots
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeno, diced and seeded
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ¼ cup any BBQ sauce
- ⅛ cup honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- Jalapeno slices for topping
Directions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
- Mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Put it aside for later.
- Take each bacon strip and cut it in half. Wrap a half slice around each piece of sausage and secure it with a toothpick or just put it in a muffin cup.
- In another medium-sized bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, jalapeno bits, shredded cheddar, and seasoning until it’s all combined nicely.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into a plastic bag, cut off a small corner, and squeeze some over each bacon-wrapped sausage.
- Place a jalapeno slice on top of each piece and brush over with the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
- Let them cool down just a smidge once they’re out, then dig in and enjoy!
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you don’t have kielbasa, smoked chicken or turkey sausage works just as well. For a different flavor, substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack. No Slap Ya Mama seasoning? Try your favorite taco or cumin blend for a fun twist. Keep it flexible and have fun customizing it to your taste!
Serving Suggestions:
Oven Baked Pig Shots pair beautifully with an ice-cold beer or a tangy lemonade for a refreshing contrast. Serve them beside some crunchy celery sticks or a fresh garden salad for a complete appetizer spread. A creamy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce elevates these bites to another level of indulgence.
Seasonal Variations:
In spring, you could add diced asparagus or peas to the mixture for added freshness. During summer, try using sweet corn for a hint of sweetness. Come fall, mix in roasted pumpkin or squash, and by winter, a hint of cranberry sauce could give a delightful festive touch.
Cooking Tips:
If you want quicker cooking, try using pancetta instead of thick-cut bacon. For a crunchy exterior, place them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Don’t skimp on the jalapeno if you like a kick, but consider leaving it out for kids or those who prefer a milder taste.
Storing Suggestion:
Once cooled, store these pig shots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get that crispiness back, or pop them in the microwave for a quicker fix, though they might lose a bit of crunch.
FAQ
Can I prepare Oven Baked Pig Shots in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead and store them in the fridge covered in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, just brush on the sauce and pop them in the oven. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for parties and family gatherings!
What can I do if I don’t have a muffin pan?
If you don’t own a muffin pan, you can still make pig shots by securing the bacon and sausage pieces with toothpicks on a baking sheet. This method allows the bacon to crisp up evenly but be cautious when transferring them to avoid spills.
Can I freeze these pig shots?
Freezing is an option, but the texture can change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze them without the BBQ sauce, then add the sauce fresh after reheating. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month for best results.
How spicy are these pig shots?
The level of heat largely depends on the jalapenos used. Removing the seeds will reduce the spice, but if you’re concerned, you can simply omit the jalapenos altogether. Alternative ingredients like bell peppers can still add flavor without the heat.
What other sides go well with Oven Baked Pig Shots?
These savory bites pair well with spicy coleslaw, potato salad, or garlic bread. Each brings a unique flavor that complements the robust taste of the pig shots. A creamy dip or sauce can also enhance the entire platter with delightful contrast.
Why does the bacon need to be wrapped around the sausage?
Wrapping the bacon around the sausage not only holds the whole thing together, creating the “shot” shape, but also infuses the sausage with flavor as they cook. This method ensures a delicious bite that’s both crispy and packed with savory goodness.
Oven Baked Pig Shots
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa or smoked sausage cut into ¾ inch pieces
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeno diced and seeded
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ¼ cup any BBQ sauce
- ⅛ cup honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- as needed Jalapeno slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Mix well and set it aside.
- Cut each strip of bacon in half, then wrap a half around each chunk of sausage. Secure with a toothpick or place in a muffin pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeno, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoning until well mixed.
- Transfer the cheese mixture into a quart-sized bag and snip off one corner. Squeeze this mixture over each bacon-wrapped sausage.
- Top each with a slice of jalapeno and brush with the honey BBQ sauce mixture you made earlier.
- Bake these delicious bites in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bacon turns crispy and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before enjoying!
