If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for game days, BBQs, or family gatherings, this Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe is just what you need. These little bite-sized snacks combine smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a rich cheesy filling, topped off with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is both easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

What Are Pig Shots?

Pig Shots are a popular appetizer in BBQ culture, known for their smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. The name comes from the “shot glass” appearance that’s created by wrapping a piece of sausage with bacon, which forms a cup. Inside this bacon-wrapped cup is a delicious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños. Once baked, these savory treats become crispy on the outside and melty on the inside—truly irresistible!

Ingredients for Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

To make these delicious Pig Shots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into ¾ inch chunks (450 g)
12 ounces thick cut bacon (340 g)
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (113 g)
¼ cup sour cream (60 ml)
1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed, diced
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (50 g)
½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning, or your favorite all-purpose seasoning (2.5 g)
¼ cup BBQ sauce (60 ml)
⅛ cup honey (30 ml)
1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar (7 g)
Jalapeño slices for garnish

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before starting, gather the following kitchen equipment to ensure smooth preparation:

Muffin pan (optional)
Baking sheet
Toothpicks
Small and medium mixing bowls
Piping bag or quart-sized plastic bag (for filling)
Basting brush
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pig Shots

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the Pig Shots.

2. Prepare the BBQ glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup BBQ sauce, ⅛ cup honey, and 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar until fully combined. Set this sweet and tangy glaze aside.

3. Cut the bacon and sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into ¾-inch chunks. Then, cut each bacon strip in half to create pieces long enough to wrap around the sausage.

4. Wrap the sausage: Wrap a half-strip of bacon around each sausage piece to form a “cup” or “shot glass.” Secure the bacon with a toothpick or place each wrapped sausage into a muffin pan to hold them together while baking.

5. Make the cheesy filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning until smooth and well-combined.

6. Pipe the filling: Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag or quart-sized plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe a small amount of the filling into the top of each bacon-wrapped sausage.

7. Add a jalapeño slice: For a bit of extra spice and garnish, top each filled Pig Shot with a slice of fresh jalapeño.

8. Brush with BBQ glaze: Using a basting brush, generously coat each Pig Shot with the BBQ glaze mixture you prepared earlier.

9. Bake: Place the Pig Shots on a baking sheet (if using toothpicks) or leave them in the muffin pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is slightly golden.

10. Serve: Carefully remove the Pig Shots from the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!

BBQ Sauce Glaze Tips

For extra heat: Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mix if you prefer spicier Pig Shots.
Alternative sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used in place of honey for a slightly different flavor.
Customize your BBQ sauce: Use any BBQ sauce you like—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy—to personalize the flavor of your Pig Shots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pig Shots

Overfilling the bacon cups: Be careful not to overfill the bacon cups with the cheese mixture. Too much filling can cause it to spill over and burn in the oven.
Using thin bacon: Thick-cut bacon is key for this recipe. Thin bacon might not hold its shape well or might cook too quickly, leaving the sausage undercooked.
Not securing the bacon: If you don’t use a muffin pan, make sure to secure the bacon tightly around the sausage with a toothpick. Otherwise, the bacon may unwrap during baking.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Pig Shots are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a party finger food. Here are some ways to present them:

On a platter: Arrange the Pig Shots on a large platter with some fresh jalapeño slices and a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.
With toothpicks: If you used toothpicks to hold the bacon together, leave them in for easy grab-and-go bites at parties.
Garnished with herbs: Add a touch of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations of Pig Shots Recipe

Different cheeses: Swap out sharp cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Spice it up: Add more jalapeño or substitute with hotter peppers like serrano or habanero for a spicier version.
Alternative sausage: You can use andouille sausage for a Cajun kick, or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftover Pig Shots, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon chewy rather than crispy.

FAQ for Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

Can I make Pig Shots ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Pig Shots ahead of time and refrigerate them (without the BBQ glaze) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, brush with the glaze and pop them in the oven.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon, but note that it might not crisp up as well as pork bacon. You may need to bake for a slightly longer time to achieve a crispy texture.

How can I reduce the spice level?
To reduce the heat, omit the jalapeño in the filling and garnish, and opt for a milder BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

This Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, BBQs, or family gatherings. With its combination of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite. Try this recipe for your next event, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas and tips!

Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe