Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

Introduction

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat. These delicious bites start with a base of spicy sausage, which is wrapped in crispy bacon and stuffed with a creamy, tangy cheese mixture. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory, mouthwatering snack that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Baking them in the oven allows the bacon to crisp up while the sausage stays juicy, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

What makes these pig shots truly special is their ability to combine several classic flavors in one bite. The smoky bacon, the spiced sausage, and the rich, creamy cheese blend together to create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. The cheese filling adds a velvety contrast to the crispy bacon, while the sausage offers just the right amount of heat and savory depth. Whether you’re serving them for game day, at a party, or as a fun appetizer for a special dinner, these bite-sized snacks are sure to be the highlight of your spread.

These oven-baked pig shots are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Once assembled, they bake up quickly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, mouthwatering snack in no time. Perfect for those who love finger foods, they make for a great appetizer that’s both simple and impressive. These pig shots are sure to become a favorite among friends and family!

Perfect for:

Game day or sports events
Casual get-togethers and parties
Appetizers at BBQs or cookouts
Anyone who loves bacon and sausage!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are a must-try:

Flavor Packed: The combination of bacon, sausage, and cheese is an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.
Perfect Finger Food: These bite-sized treats are easy to eat with your hands and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Simple to Make: Despite their impressive taste, these shots are easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning or add your favorite toppings to make these shots your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pig shots (based on 1 shot per person)
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, healthy fats, calcium, and vitamins from sausage and cheese.

Ingredients

For the Pig Shots:

12 small sausage links (breakfast sausage, smoked sausage, or your favorite variety)
12 slices of bacon (preferably thick-cut)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Crumbled cooked bacon for topping

Ingredient Highlights

Bacon: Thick-cut bacon ensures a crispy texture and smoky flavor in every bite.
Sausage: Choose your favorite type of sausage—breakfast sausage, smoked sausage, or even spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy richness to the filling, balancing out the smokiness of the bacon and sausage.
Cheddar Cheese: For a gooey, melty cheese filling that makes these shots irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.

Prepare the Sausage:

Cut the Sausage:
Slice each sausage link into thirds, so you have 12 small pieces. If using smoked sausage, simply slice them into chunks.

Assemble the Pig Shots:

Wrap the Sausage with Bacon:
Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each sausage piece, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays wrapped during baking.
Stuff with Cheese Mixture:
Using a spoon, fill the center of each bacon-wrapped sausage with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overfill; just a generous scoop in the center of each shot will do. Optionally, you can sprinkle some crumbled cooked bacon on top for extra flavor.

Bake the Pig Shots:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake:
Place the pig shots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any drips. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Serve the Pig Shots:

Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the pig shots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a delicious appetizer for your guests to enjoy!

How to Serve

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are perfect for:

Game Day Snacks: These little bites are ideal for football games or other sporting events.
Appetizers for Parties: Serve these shots as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next get-together.
BBQs and Cookouts: They make a great addition to any BBQ menu.
Casual Dinner: Serve these on a weeknight when you’re craving something fun and different.

Additional Tips

Use Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential for holding the bacon in place while baking.
Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the pig shots with the cheese mixture, or they may overflow during baking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the pig shots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before putting them in the oven.
Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.

Recipe Variations

Classic Bacon & Cream Cheese G-Pig Shots: Start by slicing jalapeños in half and removing the seeds. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder. Stuff each jalapeño half with the creamy mixture. Wrap them tightly with bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed, and bake until the bacon is crispy and golden.
BBQ Chicken G-Pig Shots: For these, use shredded cooked chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce and a bit of cream cheese. Stuff the mixture into halved jalapeños, then wrap each one in bacon. Bake until the bacon crisps up, and the BBQ chicken filling is hot and bubbly.
Buffalo Chicken G-Pig Shots: Take shredded cooked chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and cream cheese. Stuff the mixture into the jalapeño halves, wrap them in bacon, and bake. The result is a spicy, creamy, and tangy bite of goodness.
Cheesy Sausage G-Pig Shots: Cook some sausage and mix it with cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Stuff the mixture into halved jalapeños, then wrap with bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy, and the filling is melted and gooey inside.
Philly Cheesesteak G-Pig Shots: For a Philly twist, sauté steak strips with onions, then mix with cream cheese and provolone cheese. Stuff the mixture into jalapeños, wrap in bacon, and bake. The creamy cheesesteak filling pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon and spicy jalapeño.
Ranch & Bacon G-Pig Shots: In a bowl, mix ranch dressing with crumbled bacon, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stuff this flavorful mixture into jalapeños and wrap them in bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the filling is creamy and rich.
Guacamole & Bacon G-Pig Shots: Stuff your jalapeños with guacamole and shredded cheddar cheese for a fresh and creamy filling. Wrap each one in bacon, then bake. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy guacamole, and crispy bacon makes these shots irresistible.
Cajun Shrimp G-Pig Shots: Take cooked shrimp and toss them in Cajun seasoning. Mix with cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stuff the mixture into jalapeños, wrap each one in bacon, and bake. The spicy Cajun shrimp flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and crispy bacon.
Spicy Mac & Cheese G-Pig Shots: Mix cooked macaroni and cheese with finely chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar. Stuff the jalapeños with this mac and cheese mixture, wrap them in bacon, and bake until the bacon is crispy and the filling is warm and cheesy.
Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato G-Pig Shots: Blend pesto and sun-dried tomatoes with cream cheese to create a flavorful filling. Stuff the mixture into halved jalapeños, wrap them in bacon, and bake. The rich pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes add an earthy flavor to the spicy jalapeños and crispy bacon.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the bacon’s crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze assembled, unbaked pig shots for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen for 30-35 minutes at 375°F.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Toothpicks: Essential for holding the bacon around the sausage while baking.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the cream cheese and other filling ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even cream cheese with herbs for extra flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pig shots a day before and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use turkey bacon for a healthier option?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative, but it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon.
How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy?
To prevent excessive grease, use thick-cut bacon and bake the pig shots on a lined baking sheet to allow the grease to drain.

Conclusion

Pig Shots (Oven Baked) are a mouthwatering appetizer that packs big flavor into a small, easy-to-make bite. These delicious treats combine savory bacon wrapped around sausage and filled with a creamy cheese mixture, creating a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re preparing for a game day celebration, hosting a gathering, or just looking for a fun snack, these pig shots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of Pig Shots lies in their versatility—customize them with your favorite cheeses, seasonings, or even add a little spicy kick with jalapeños or hot sauce. They’re baked to perfection in the oven, ensuring the bacon gets crispy while the cheese melts beautifully inside. Each bite is a combination of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

These Pig Shots are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can create a standout appetizer that’s sure to impress at your next party or family gathering. Make them your go-to snack for any occasion and watch them disappear in no time!