Ah, Oven-Baked Pig Shots! Just the name invokes a sense of fun and delight! These little bites are the perfect combination of savory and creamy, and they always remind me of my friend Jimmy’s BBQ parties. Every time he makes these, there’s an unspoken rule: if you don’t get to them fast, they’re gone before you know it! There’s just something about the combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and hearty sausage that makes them absolutely irresistible.
The first time I tried these, I had no idea what I was getting into. I mean, how could something with such a quirky name be so delicious? But once I had my first bite, I was completely hooked. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or just a fun treat to surprise your family. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, and when they see the plate, their eyes light up with anticipation.
What’s in Oven-Baked Pig Shots?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bites of joy so tasty!
Bacon: The star of the show! I use thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch. It wraps around everything, forming a delicious cup—what could be better?
Smoked Sausage: I often reach for kielbasa or andouille as my go-tos. They add a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese. Slice them into 1-inch pieces for the perfect filling!
Cream Cheese: This is where the magic happens! The cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: What’s a cheesy filling without cheddar? It adds a sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Jalapeños: I love a kick of spice, and you can use fresh or pickled jalapeños, based on your preference! If you’re feeling adventurous, the more, the merrier!
Green Onions: These add a fresh, crisp flavor and a little color to the dish.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that amplify the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet crucial. Adjust to your taste!
Optional Jalapeño Slices: For those who crave extra heat, topping them with another slice of jalapeño provides that perfect finishing touch.
Is Oven-Baked Pig Shots Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a little about the health aspect of this dish! While these pig shots are undeniably delicious, they are definitely more of an indulgent treat rather than a health food.
Bacon: It’s delicious but high in fat and sodium, so moderation is key!
Smoked Sausage: Like bacon, sausages can be high in fat as well. Choosing a lean smoked sausage or opting for chicken sausage can lighten the load a bit.
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and dreamy, it also has a decent amount of calories and fat. You can swap in reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to make a lighter version.
Jalapeños: On the plus side, jalapeños come packed with vitamins and add that nice kick! They also have added health benefits, like improving metabolism.
Enjoy these pig shots as an occasional treat rather than a regular dish, and you’ll be just fine!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Pig Shots
– 1 lb bacon, cut in half
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional jalapeño slices for topping
Serves: About 12 delicious bites
How to Make Oven-Baked Pig Shots?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grab a muffin tin and wrap each cup with half a slice of bacon, forming a cozy “cup” shape.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s a beautiful, creamy combination.
4. Fill each bacon-wrapped cup with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
5. Place a slice of smoked sausage on top of the cheese mixture in each cup. Give it a gentle press to hold it all together.
6. If you’re feeling spicy, top each pig shot with an additional slice of jalapeño!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes (if you can resist!). Then serve and enjoy your oven-baked pig shots!
Creative Ideas for Your Pig Shots
– Want to switch things up? Try using crumbled feta cheese with spinach instead of the cheddar and cream cheese for a Mediterranean twist!
– These would be perfect for a tailgate! Make the pig shots ahead of time, then reheat them on the grill for that delicious outdoor flavor.
– Serve them with a side of ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping—it adds an extra level of deliciousness!
I’m telling you, you absolutely need to give these Oven-Baked Pig Shots a try. They’re not just food, they’re an experience! Whether it’s for a party, game day, or just because you deserve a little culinary treat, I assure you they’ll be the star of the show. And hey, don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out! Happy cooking!
