Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

These oven-baked Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe are Turkey Bacon-wrapped, sausage-filled bites topped with creamy cheese and BBQ glaze. They are perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. The unique twist on traditional appetizers makes them stand out, ensuring your guests will be impressed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: Each bite is filled with the rich taste of smoked sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice from jalapeños.
• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these up quickly, making them ideal for unexpected guests.
• Versatile: These pig shots can be served as appetizers or snacks at any occasion, from game days to family celebrations.
• Crowd-pleaser: The combination of turkey bacon and savory filling is sure to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on personal preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Zip-top bags
• Baking sheet
• Toothpicks (if needed)

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin pan: Perfect for holding the wrapped sausages in place while they bake, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.
• Zip-top bags: Great for piping the cheese mixture easily onto each pig shot without hassle.

Ingredients

These oven-baked Pig Shots are Turkey Bacon-wrapped, sausage-filled bites topped with creamy cheese and BBQ glaze. Perfect for parties!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa sausage, cut into ¾ inch chunks
– 12 ounce thick cut Turkey Bacon
– 4 ounce cream cheese, room temperature
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 1 jalapeno, stem, seeds removed, diced
– ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
– ¼ cup BBQ sauce (any brand)
– ⅛ cup honey
– 1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
– Jalapeno slices

How to Make Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pig shots cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Mixture

In a small bowl:
1. Mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Wrap the Sausages

1. Cut your thick-cut Turkey Bacon strips in half.
2. Wrap each chunk of sausage with a Turkey Bacon strip tightly.
3. If using a muffin pan, place the wrapped sausages into the cups; otherwise, secure with toothpicks on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning until well combined.
2. Transfer this mixture into a zip-top bag and snip off a corner.

Step 5: Pipe Cheese onto Sausages

1. Pipe a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto each sausage piece so it mounds slightly but does not overflow.
2. Top each one with a thin jalapeño slice.

Step 6: Apply BBQ Glaze

Brush each pig shot generously with the honey BBQ mixture to add caramelization during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the tray in the oven and bake until:
1. The Turkey Bacon is crispy.
2. The cheese filling turns golden (check around 40 minutes).

Step 8: Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from muffin pan or baking sheet and serve warm.

Enjoy these delicious Turkey Bacon-wrapped bites at your next gathering!

How to Serve Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

These Pig Shots Oven Baked are a delicious treat that can elevate any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these tasty bites can be served in various ways to delight your guests.

Appetizer Platter

• Arrange the Pig Shots on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving. This makes them perfect for mingling guests who want to grab a bite.

Dipping Sauces

• Serve alongside an assortment of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or extra BBQ sauce to enhance the flavors and give your guests options.

Cheese Board Pairing

• Include the Pig Shots on a cheese board with assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruits. The savory bites complement the creamy cheeses wonderfully.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top your Pig Shots with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for an added pop of color and flavor. This presentation makes them visually appealing.

How to Perfect Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

Perfecting your Pig Shots Oven Baked is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Choose high-quality turkey bacon and sausage for the best flavor and texture.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly – Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve crispy bacon and perfectly melted cheese.
• Monitor Cooking Time – Keep an eye on your Pig Shots as they bake. Ovens can vary in temperature, so check them after 40 minutes.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning – Ensure that your filling has enough seasoning for maximum flavor. Taste and adjust if necessary before piping it onto the sausage.
• Let Them Cool Slightly – After baking, allow the Pig Shots to cool for a few minutes before serving. This prevents burns from hot filling and enhances their taste.

Best Side Dishes for Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pig Shots can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some great options that complement these flavorful bites perfectly.

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch that balances the richness of the Pig Shots.
2. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that pairs well with the savory flavors.
3. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the salty bacon and savory sausage in each bite.
4. Vegetable Skewers – Grilled vegetable skewers bring in vibrant colors and healthiness while providing a nice texture contrast.
5. Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad complements the bites well, making it a comforting side dish.
6. Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the appetizers, refreshing the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe a hit! Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect Bacon Size: Using bacon strips that are too thin can lead to them unraveling during cooking. Be sure to use thick-cut Turkey Bacon for the best results.
• Overfilling the Sausage: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but overfilling can cause it to spill out while baking. Aim for a slight mound of the cheese mixture on top.
• Skipping the Glaze: Not brushing on the honey BBQ mixture means missing out on a sweet, caramelized finish. Always apply a generous layer for added flavor!
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Every oven is different; relying solely on time can lead to burnt or undercooked Pig Shots. Start checking at 40 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Not Letting Them Cool: These bites come out hot! Cutting into them immediately can result in burns. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pig Shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last up to 3 days, ensuring you enjoy this delicious appetizer for longer.

Freezing Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

• To freeze, place cooled Pig Shots in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short increments of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe:

What is a Pig Shot?

Pig Shots are bite-sized appetizers made of sausage wrapped in Turkey Bacon, filled with cheese and topped with BBQ glaze. They are perfect for gatherings!

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or turkey sausage for different flavors while keeping the recipe versatile.

How do I customize my Pig Shots Oven Baked Recipe?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers or different cheeses based on your taste preferences. The recipe is flexible!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble them ahead of time, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Perfect for party planning!

Final Thoughts

These oven-baked Pig Shots are not just delightful but also incredibly versatile! With layers of flavor from the Turkey Bacon and creamy filling, they’re bound to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite ingredients for an even more personal touch. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!