Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

If you’re looking for a delicious and savory appetizer or snack to impress your guests, Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are the perfect choice. These bite-sized bundles of flavor combine sausage, cheese, and bacon in an irresistible, crispy form. Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Here’s how to make Pig Shots in the oven with easy-to-follow instructions.

What Are Pig Shots?

Pig Shots are a creative twist on classic bacon-wrapped appetizers. They typically feature sausage or ground meat wrapped in bacon, with a flavorful filling like cheese, jalapeños, or even cream cheese. The recipe gets its name because the combination of sausage and bacon looks like a shot, but with an intense flavor punch. These bite-sized treats are a great addition to any BBQ, football game, or casual gathering.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Pig Shots

To make Pig Shots (Oven Baked), you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 slices of bacon (cut in half)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for added color)
• Fresh jalapeño slices (optional for some heat)
• Toothpicks for securing the bacon

Instructions for Oven Baked Pig Shots

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the bacon crisps up perfectly while the sausage and cheese melt inside.

2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix everything together until well-combined. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sausage and cheese.

3. Form the Pig Shots

Take the half slices of bacon and wrap them around the outer edge of a muffin tin or small baking dish. Secure the ends with a toothpick to form a “cup” shape. You can also form these cups individually on a baking sheet if you don’t have a muffin tin.

4. Stuff the Bacon Cups

Spoon a small amount of the sausage mixture into the bacon cups, filling each one generously. Be sure not to overfill them, as the sausage will expand during cooking. If desired, you can also top each pig shot with a slice of jalapeño for a little extra spice.

5. Bake

Place the pig shots in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausage is cooked through. You can also broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to ensure the bacon gets extra crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once your Pig Shots are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving. These savory treats are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pig Shots

• Choose the Right Sausage: The sausage you choose will impact the flavor of your pig shots. Opt for a high-quality breakfast sausage for the best taste.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Some people add diced onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
• Crisp the Bacon: To get the bacon perfectly crispy, ensure that the cups are placed in a way that allows the fat to drain away as the bacon cooks.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage mixture and assemble the pig shots a day ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Why You’ll Love These Pig Shots

Oven Baked Pig Shots are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the flavors of bacon, sausage, and cheese in every bite. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them for a game day party, a BBQ, or a holiday gathering, these savory bites will quickly disappear.

With their crispy bacon exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, Pig Shots are bound to become your new go-to recipe for any occasion. Perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors, these oven-baked delights are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Conclusion

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a savory, crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Pig Shots (Oven Baked). Easy to make, loaded with flavor, and customizable to your preferences, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves bacon, cheese, and sausage. Try this recipe at your next gathering and watch how quickly these delicious bites disappear from the plate!

Serving and Storage Tips for Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks at parties, gatherings, or as a fun addition to your weekly meals. Here are some serving and storage tips to help you get the most out of this delicious dish:

Serving Tips

1. Serve Hot or Warm: Pig Shots are best served warm, as the bacon remains crispy and the sausage mixture is flavorful and creamy. If you’re preparing them in advance, reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
2. Pair with Dipping Sauces: To enhance the flavor, serve your Pig Shots with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce. A side of spicy mustard or sour cream also complements the rich flavors.
3. Garnish: Add a finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. If you added jalapeños, you can garnish with extra slices on top for those who enjoy a bit more heat.
4. Serve on a Platter: Arrange the pig shots on a large serving platter, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You can add fresh vegetables like celery or carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pig shots.
5. Perfect Pairing: These savory bites go well with cold beverages like beer, soda, or a refreshing iced tea. If you’re serving them at a BBQ or grilling session, pair them with other finger foods like chips, dips, or grilled veggies.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the pig shots to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Pig Shots before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble them fully, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pig shots will keep for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat leftover Pig Shots, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the bacon is crisp again. If you’re reheating from frozen, you can bake them directly from the freezer at the same temperature but add a few more minutes to the time.
4. Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave your pig shots for 30-45 seconds or until heated through. However, this method may not keep the bacon as crispy as oven reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Pig Shots remain delicious and flavorful for longer while offering easy and convenient ways to enjoy them at any time!

1. Can I make Pig Shots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Pig Shots ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge before baking. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and cook as directed. If you’re freezing them, follow the steps for freezing before baking, and bake them directly from the freezer when ready.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage for Pig Shots?

Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is a popular choice, you can swap it out for any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage. Just keep in mind that different sausages may have varying levels of spice, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

3. How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?

To get the bacon perfectly crispy, make sure to place the Pig Shots in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a muffin tin that allows for airflow. This will help the bacon cook evenly. If you find that the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can broil the pig shots for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.

4. Can I make Pig Shots without cheese?

Yes, you can make Pig Shots without cheese if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version. You can either omit the cheese entirely or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a different texture and flavor, you might also try adding diced vegetables, herbs, or a bit of hot sauce to the sausage filling.

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