Looking for a bold and savory appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress? Pig Shots are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! These bacon-wrapped, sausage-filled bites are packed with cheesy, smoky goodness, making them perfect for game nights, BBQs, or holiday gatherings. Best of all, they’re baked in the oven, so there’s no need for a grill or smoker!
If you love crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and juicy sausage, then this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Let’s dive into how to make the best oven-baked Pig Shots with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
What Are Pig Shots?
Pig Shots are bite-sized bacon cups filled with a rich, cheesy sausage mixture and baked to perfection. They get their name from their shot glass-like shape—but instead of a drink, they’re filled with smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness.
Traditionally, Pig Shots are cooked on a smoker, but this oven-baked version delivers the same crispy bacon and melty filling with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving something indulgent, these savory bites will steal the show!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Pig Shots
Main Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ¼ cup cream cheese (softened for creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor and color)
- Fresh jalapeño slices (optional for heat)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
How to Make Pig Shots in the Oven
1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to help the bacon crisp up evenly.
2: Make the Sausage Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine breakfast sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Stir until well-mixed. The cream cheese adds richness, making each bite irresistibly creamy.
3: Form the Bacon Cups
- Wrap each half-slice of bacon around the bottom of a muffin tin or form individual cups on a baking sheet.
- Secure the ends with a toothpick to create a sturdy “shot glass” shape.
4: Fill the Pig Shots
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each bacon cup.
- Don’t overfill—the sausage expands as it cooks!
- Add a jalapeño slice on top for a spicy kick.
5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the Pig Shots in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until:
The bacon is crispy
The sausage is fully cooked
The cheese is melted and bubbly - For extra crispiness, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Arrange on a platter and serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mustard).
Tips for the Best Pig Shots
- Pick the Right Bacon – Use thick-cut bacon for sturdy cups or thin-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
- Use High-Quality Sausage – Breakfast sausage works great, but you can swap it with chorizo, Italian sausage, or smoked sausage for variety.
- Crisp Up the Bacon – A wire rack helps the bacon cook evenly and drain excess fat.
- Make Ahead – Assemble the Pig Shots a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Pig Shots Recipe Variations
🔥 Spicy Pig Shots – Add hot sauce to the sausage mixture or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in Parmesan or pepper jack cheese for more melty goodness.
🥓 Sweet & Smoky – Brush with maple syrup or BBQ glaze before baking.
🥑 Keto-Friendly – Skip the cream cheese and use crumbled bacon and avocado for a low-carb twist.
How to Store & Reheat Pig Shots
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Store Pig Shots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
🔥 Oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
⚡ Microwave – Heat in 30-second bursts (not as crispy but still tasty).
🍳 Air Fryer – Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Pig Shots Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed.
2. What Type of Sausage Works Best?
Breakfast sausage is great, but you can also use chorizo, ground turkey, or even veggie sausage.
3. How Do I Make Extra Crispy Pig Shots?
- Bake on a wire rack to allow the bacon to crisp up.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
4. Can I Cook These on a Smoker?
Yes! Smoke at 250°F for about 1.5 hours, then increase heat to 375°F to crisp up the bacon.
5. What Can I Serve with Pig Shots?
These savory appetizers pair well with:
- Dipping sauces – BBQ, ranch, buffalo sauce, honey mustard
- Other appetizers – Jalapeño poppers, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms
- Drinks – Beer, cocktails, or iced tea
More Game-Day Appetizers to Try
- Best Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
- Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Recipe
- Easy and delicious No-Knead Bread Recipe
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate appetizer, these Oven-Baked Pig Shots are a must-try! With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and savory sausage, they deliver a perfect bite-sized explosion of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just treating yourself, these savory bites are sure to be a hit. Try them today and watch them disappear! 🥓🔥🎉
👉 Loved this recipe? Share it with friends & tag us on social media! #PigShots #Appetizers #FoodAndTips
Pig Shots – The Ultimate Oven-Baked Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon cut in half
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra smoky flavor
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Bacon Cups:
- Wrap each slice of bacon around the edge of a sausage slice, creating a small cup. Secure with a toothpick, making sure the bacon overlaps slightly to hold its shape.
- Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fill the Pig Shots:
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each bacon “cup,” filling to the top.
- Bake:
- Place the pig shots on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese filling is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the pig shots from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Toothpicks: Use sturdy toothpicks to ensure the bacon cups hold together during baking.
- Bacon Thickness: Thick-cut bacon works best for sturdy cups that hold their shape.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or other seasonings to the filling for different flavors.
