Pig Shots Oven Baked
Oven-Baked Pig Shots are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. These smoky, cheesy bites are made by wrapping bacon around slices of sausage to form a “shot glass,” then filled with a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful stuffing. They’re oven-baked to crispy perfection, making them a perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or a fun family snack. The combination of bacon, sausage, and cheese creates a rich, indulgent flavor that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
When I first made Oven-Baked Pig Shots, they were a huge hit with my family. My husband couldn’t stop raving about the crispy bacon, and the kids loved the cheesy filling. These bite-sized snacks quickly became a weekend favorite, especially when we gather around to watch football or have friends over. The best part is, they’re so easy to make, yet they look and taste like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen. Now, every time we have guests, I’m expected to serve up these delicious pig shots!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Pig Shots
- Perfect Party Appetizer: These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, from game days to backyard barbecues.
- Smoky and Cheesy: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy sausage, and creamy cheese filling makes these bites irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to impress.
- Customizable: You can change up the fillings or spices to suit your taste or try different sausage flavors.
Ingredients Notes for Oven-Baked Pig Shots
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a sturdy “shot glass” shape that holds the filling well.
- Sausage: Choose your favorite smoked sausage or kielbasa to pair with the bacon.
- Cream Cheese: This creates a creamy, cheesy filling that complements the smoky sausage and bacon.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy kick to the filling.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper add a little heat and extra flavor to the filling.
- Toothpicks: Essential for holding the bacon-wrapped sausage in place while baking.
Recipe Steps for Oven-Baked Pig Shots
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sausage and Bacon: Slice the sausage into 1-inch thick rounds. Wrap a strip of bacon around each sausage slice, forming a “shot glass” shape. Secure with a toothpick.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and your seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper). Spoon or pipe the filling into the bacon-wrapped sausage cups.
- Bake the Pig Shots: Place the prepared pig shots on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freeze: You can freeze pig shots before baking and cook them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Sausages: Try using spicy sausage or even chorizo for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Choices: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne or add a little hot sauce for more heat.
Pig Shots Oven Baked
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 12 smoked sausage rounds about 1-inch thick
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional, for added sweetness
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon Cups:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Wrap the Bacon: Take a slice of thick-cut bacon and wrap it around a round slice of smoked sausage to form a "cup." Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Repeat this process for each piece of bacon and sausage, arranging them on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar (if using).
- Fill the Bacon Cups: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each bacon and sausage "cup" with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure not to overfill.
- Bake:
- Bake the Pig Shots: Place the prepared pig shots in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pig shots cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks and serve warm.
