Crispy Oven-Baked Pig Shots Recipe: Snack Time Magic

Dive into a world of savory delights with these mouthwatering pig shots that blend crispy bacon and creamy cheese in a single irresistible bite.

This oven-baked crowd-pleaser combines smoky flavors that dance across your taste buds with surprising elegance.

Crisp bacon cups cradle a rich, velvety filling that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Packed with bold ingredients and simple preparation, these appetizers deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and crunchy textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Home cooks and party hosts will love how quickly these can be assembled and how consistently they impress guests.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game and watch these pig shots disappear in minutes.

How To Bake Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

• Bacon Wrap Preparation

Create small bacon-wrapped circles by carefully curling bacon slices around sausage pieces. Secure each ring with a toothpick to maintain shape.

• Creamy Cheese Filling

Blend soft cream cheese with sharp cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions. Season the mixture with gentle hints of garlic and smoky spices for extra excitement.

• Filling and Assembly

Carefully spoon the delicious cheese mixture into each bacon ring. Ensure each bite looks plump and inviting, with cheese peeking over the top.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the prepared bites onto a lined baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven until bacon edges turn crispy and cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

• Serving Magic

Allow the bites to cool slightly after removing from the oven. Transfer to a serving plate and watch guests dive in with enthusiasm.

Fun Twists For Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

• Perfect Bacon Wrapping: Choose thick-cut bacon for sturdier cups that hold their shape better. Slightly overlap bacon edges and use toothpicks strategically to prevent unraveling during baking.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Replace sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner version. This swap reduces fat content while maintaining delicious flavor and protein-packed goodness.
• Vegetarian Twist: For plant-based guests, substitute sausage with firm tofu or tempeh slices. Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar to create a completely meat-free appetizer that still delivers incredible taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference. For mild versions, reduce or eliminate cayenne completely. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the cheese mixture for adventurous spice lovers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pig shots up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake directly from cold state, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time to ensure thorough heating and crispy bacon exterior.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients For Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

• Bacon Slices: Crispy foundation that forms the edible cup, choose thick-cut bacon for sturdy structure and rich flavor.
• Sausage Slices: Provides savory base and meaty foundation, select high-quality smoked or spicy sausage for enhanced taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy texture that binds ingredients, use full-fat version for richer consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melting quality, opt for extra sharp for more intense taste.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion bite and vibrant color, select bright green, crisp stalks.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic seasoning, choose pure garlic powder without additives.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces deep, smoky undertone, select high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides gentle heat and warmth, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Toothpicks: Helps secure bacon shape during cooking, use wooden picks for best results.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, select unbleached variety for cleaner cooking.

Oven Tools For Pig Shots (Oven Baked)

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly cooking pig shots and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Toothpicks: Crucial for securing bacon around sausage slices and keeping the cups intact.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing cheese filling ingredients smoothly.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: Helps neatly fill bacon cups with cheese mixture.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing sausage and cutting green onions.

Serve Pig Shots (Oven Baked) At Your Next Gathering

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange pig shots on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during sports events or movie marathons.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Pair with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or spicy sriracha sauce to elevate the flavor profile and provide delicious dipping options.
• Tailgate Champion: Pack these bite-sized treats in a portable container for outdoor parties, picnics, or game day gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.
• Brunch Surprise: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and hash browns for a hearty weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends with its unique twist.

Keep Pig Shots (Oven Baked) Warm Or Save For Later

• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm chilled pig shots in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy bacon texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results and maintain original crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare pig shots ahead and freeze uncooked. Layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, storing up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-7 minutes to original cooking time.
• Advance Prep Technique: Prepare cheese mixture and bacon cups 24 hours before baking. Store separately in sealed containers, assembling and baking just before serving to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.

Crispy Pig Shots

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sizzling pig shots combine crispy bacon cups with creamy cheese filling for an irresistible appetizer. Savory bites deliver rich flavors that party guests will devour quickly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch thick slices
• 1 lb (454 g) thick-cut bacon, cut in half
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (14 g) green onions, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Craft bacon-sausage vessels by wrapping thin bacon slices around sausage rounds, creating circular cups. Secure each cup with a toothpick to maintain structural integrity.
2. Cheese Mixture: Blend cream cheese, sharp cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne into a harmonious, flavor-packed filling.
3. Assembly: Carefully fill bacon vessels with the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coverage without overflowing the delicate bacon boundaries.
4. Baking Setup: Arrange pig shots on a lined baking sheet, providing ample space between each morsel to promote even browning and crisp development.
5. Oven Transformation: Roast in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 25-30 minutes. Watch as bacon edges turn golden and crisp while the cheese interior bubbles and caramelizes into a decadent appetizer.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period to stabilize the molten cheese and enhance textural perfection before serving these savory bites.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thin, high-quality bacon slices that crisp evenly and wrap smoothly around sausage rounds for optimal texture and structural integrity.
• Prevent Bacon Shrinkage: Partially cook bacon before wrapping to reduce excessive fat rendering and minimize cup distortion during final baking.
• Cheese Mixture Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for seamless blending, creating a smooth, lump-free filling that distributes evenly within bacon vessels.
• Toothpick Removal Timing: Remove toothpicks carefully after baking when pig shots have slightly cooled to prevent burning fingers and maintain appetizer presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg