Crispy Pig Shots Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Pig Shots Recipe: Fun Party Bites!

Succulent bacon wraps around creamy cheese pig shots that promise an explosion of flavor in every bite.

These decadent appetizers combine smoky, savory elements into a mouthwatering treat.

Crisp bacon creates a perfect vessel for rich cream cheese and tangy seasonings.

Each pig shot delivers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that will have guests asking for the recipe.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bite-sized delights are surprisingly easy to prepare.

Packed with bold flavors and guaranteed to disappear quickly, these pig shots are the ultimate party starter that will elevate any gathering.

Prepare to be the culinary star with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that leaves everyone craving more.

Pig Shots Ingredient Essentials

For Base Layer:
  • Bacon: Premium cut that wraps and creates crispy shell, choose thick-cut for sturdier cups.
  • Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich, meaty foundation, select high-quality ground sausage with balanced fat content.
  • Toothpicks: Secures bacon wrap, opt for wooden ones that can withstand oven temperature.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious smoothness, room temperature ensures easy mixing.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor, shredded variety melts most effectively.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic depth, choose fresh batch for maximum potency.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes gentle sweet undertone, ensures even seasoning distribution.
  • Paprika: Provides warm color and mild smokiness, select Hungarian variety for richest flavor.
For Optional Spicy Kick:
  • Jalapeño: Introduces zesty heat, remove seeds for milder version or keep for intense spiciness.

Tools You’ll Need for Oven-Baked Pig Shots

  • Muffin tin or baking sheet: Essential for shaping bacon cups and holding the pig shots while baking.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sausage, cream cheese, and seasonings into a delicious mixture.
  • Toothpicks: Crucial for securing bacon ends and keeping the cups in shape.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Spoon: Great for filling bacon cups with the sausage mixture.
  • Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling hot baking sheets or muffin tins.

How to Bake Flavorful Pig Shots

  • Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F. This heat will transform those bacon cups into crispy, golden delights.

  • Create Flavor Fusion

Blend breakfast sausage with cream cheese, blending in cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until the ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

  • Craft Bacon Vessels

Wrap bacon slices around muffin tin edges, securing with toothpicks to create cute little cups. These will be your flavor containers.

  • Fill With Savory Goodness

Scoop the sausage mixture into bacon cups, leaving a little room for expansion. For adventurous eaters, sprinkle jalapeño on top for a spicy kick.

  • Bake To Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Watch the bacon transform into crispy, golden shells while the inside becomes mouthwateringly tender. For extra crunch, blast under the broiler for a quick 2-3 minutes.

  • Unleash The Deliciousness

Let these beauties cool slightly, then serve. Pair with ranch or barbecue sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips to Amp Up the Bacon-Sausage Combo

  • Partially cook bacon before wrapping to ensure extra crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms. Pat bacon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for perfect texture.
  • Prep pig shots up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator. Bake just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and freshness.
  • Adjust heat by adding different peppers like mild poblano or fiery habanero. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness or add hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Create vegetarian version using plant-based sausage and bacon alternatives. Swap full-fat cheeses with low-fat options for lighter recipe. Gluten-free diets can use certified gluten-free ingredients and verify all seasonings.
  • Serve as appetizer at game day parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Pair with cool dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or tangy barbecue for complementary flavors. Best enjoyed immediately after cooking while bacon remains crisp and filling stays warm.

Serving Pig Shots as Appetizers

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these crispy pig shots on a rustic wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will impress guests at game day, tailgate, or casual gatherings.
  • Breakfast Buddy Boost: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, or a fresh fruit salad for a hearty morning meal that transforms these pig shots into a complete breakfast experience.
  • Spicy Sidekick Pairing: Complement the rich, savory flavors with a cold beer, zesty margarita, or tangy bloody mary to enhance the overall taste profile and create a delightful flavor combination.
  • Condiment Carnival: Offer an array of dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, classic ranch, smoky barbecue, or sharp honey mustard to let guests customize their pig shots and explore different taste sensations.

Pig Shots: Store and Reheat with Ease

  • Prepare multiple batches of Pig Shots in advance by assembling and refrigerating them uncooked. Store in sealed containers for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing convenient party or game day preparation without last-minute stress.
  • After cooking, let Pig Shots cool completely before storing. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze uncooked Pig Shots directly in muffin tins, then transfer frozen appetizers to freezer bags. Store up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect results.
  • Serve Pig Shots immediately after baking for maximum crispiness. Keep warm in low-temperature oven (200F) for up to 30 minutes before serving. Arrange on decorative platters with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go appetizer experience.

FAQs

  • Are Pig Shots considered a healthy appetizer?

Pig Shots are definitely a decadent treat packed with calories and fat. They’re more of an indulgent party snack or game day appetizer rather than a health-conscious option. They combine bacon, sausage, and cheese, making them rich and delicious but not nutritionally balanced.

  • Can I make Pig Shots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Pig Shots in advance. Assemble them completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop them directly into the preheated oven. This makes them great for party planning and meal prep.

  • What type of bacon works best for Pig Shots?

Thin or medium-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp up as nicely and could take longer to cook. Choose regular-cut bacon that’s not too thick or too thin to ensure perfect texture and crispiness.

  • Can I freeze Pig Shots?

You can freeze uncooked Pig Shots for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking and add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Print
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Wholesome Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable soup combines robust flavors from garden-fresh ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this comforting dish, offering you a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Initiation: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat, coaxing out their deep flavors and creating a fragrant base for the soup, allowing vegetables to soften and meld for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Liquid Landscape: Add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes to the pot, then pour in vegetable broth and water. Incorporate thyme, basil, and bay leaf, seasoning with salt and pepper to build a robust flavor foundation.
  3. Simmering Symphony: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, letting the ingredients simmer and develop complex flavors for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and blend harmoniously.
  4. Final Flourish: Stir in sweet corn and delicate peas, cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste, and prepare for serving with an optional garnish of fresh parsley or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Boost Aromatics Carefully: Sauté vegetables slowly to develop rich, layered flavors without burning, maintaining medium heat and stirring occasionally for even caramelization.
  • Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust broth quantity based on desired soup thickness; add more water or broth if too dense, or simmer uncovered to reduce if too thin.
  • Optimize Vegetable Texture: Add soft vegetables like zucchini and corn later to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp, fresh quality while ensuring proper doneness.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Easily transform into gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium version by selecting appropriate broth, eliminating cheese garnish, and controlling salt levels during seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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