Description
Smoked pig shots are the ultimate BBQ appetizer featuring crispy bacon, smoky sausage, and a creamy cheese filling. Perfect for parties, tailgating, or backyard barbecues, these bite-sized treats are packed with bold flavors and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 slices bacon (cut in halves or thirds)
- 12–15 slices smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño (finely chopped, optional)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Toothpicks
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 275°F with hickory, applewood, or cherry wood for a deep smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Bacon Cups: Cut bacon slices in halves or thirds. Wrap each piece around a sausage slice to create a cup and secure with a toothpick.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapeños (if using), brown sugar, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Fill the Pig Shots: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup, filling them to the top.
- Smoke the Pig Shots: Place them on a wire rack or directly on smoker grates. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, until bacon is crispy and filling is bubbly.
- Glaze (Optional): In the last 10-15 minutes, brush the tops with BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy finish.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Sweet & Savory: Use maple-glazed bacon and drizzle honey.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
- Meat Swap: Use andouille sausage for a Cajun twist or turkey sausage for a lighter option
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Sweet & Savory: Use maple-glazed bacon and drizzle honey.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
- Meat Swap: Use andouille sausage for a Cajun twist or turkey sausage for a lighter option
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: appetizer
- Method: smoking
- Cuisine: BBQ
Keywords: Smoked pig shots BBQ appetizers Bacon-wrapped sausage Smoked party snacks Cheesy bacon bites