Sizzling Pig Shots Recipe: Addictive Party Bites with Bacon Magic

Crispy bacon-wrapped pork shots burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Creamy cheese and savory meat create a delightful appetizer perfect for game day gatherings.

Southern-style comfort meets party snack in this irresistible bite-sized treat.

Packed with rich ingredients, these little morsels promise to become your next crowd-pleasing sensation.

Imagine popping these delectable morsels at your next potluck or casual get-together.

Each shot delivers a punch of smoky, cheesy goodness that keeps people coming back for more.

You won’t be able to resist these addictive little bites that blend traditional flavors in a seriously fun way.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Pig Shots

• Bacon: Thin-sliced meat that creates a crispy, edible cup for the filling.
• Ground Pork or Sausage: Protein base that provides rich, savory flavor to the dish.

• Barbecue Rub, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the meat's flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates a rich and tangy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds melty goodness and extra flavor.
• Jalapeños: Spicy peppers that bring a zesty kick to the filling.

• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild onion flavor and bright garnish.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that ensures easy cleanup and crisp cooking.

Simple Steps To Make Pig Shots

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cooking and crispy results.

Step 2: Create Bacon Rings

Slice bacon into uniform rings, forming circular bases that will become the foundation for delicious pig shots.

Step 3: Shape Bacon Cups

Press bacon rings into a muffin tin, molding them into cup-like shapes that will hold the tasty filling.

Step 4: Season Meat Mixture

• Barbecue rub
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful meat base.

Step 5: Fill Bacon Cups

Carefully spoon the seasoned meat mixture into each bacon-lined cup, gently pressing down to create a compact foundation.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Bake the meat-filled bacon cups for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and the meat to cook completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar
• Diced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Drain Excess Grease

Remove the partially cooked meat cups from the oven and drain any accumulated grease.

Step 9: Top With Cheese Mixture

Cover each meat cup generously with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 10: Final Baking

Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts, turns slightly golden, and becomes bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Set

Allow pig shots to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven, giving the filling time to set and cool slightly.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with extra green onions if desired, and serve piping hot as an irresistible appetizer.

Tips To Get Pig Shots Just Right

• Prep Perfectly: Line the muffin tin with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Slice Strategically: Use room temperature bacon and cut evenly to create uniform rings that will cook consistently and look professional.
• Season Smartly: Experiment with different spice blends like cajun seasoning or smoky paprika to customize the flavor profile of your meat mixture.
• Drain Wisely: Place cooked pig shots on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and maintain a crispy texture.
• Cheese Creatively: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother, more spreadable filling.

Fun Ways To Make Pig Shots Your Own

• Keto-Friendly Pig Shots: Replace ground pork with ground turkey or chicken, use low-carb barbecue seasoning, and swap regular cream cheese for full-fat cream cheese to maintain a ketogenic profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Create plant-based versions using tempeh or jackfruit as meat replacement, utilizing smoky seasoning and dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cream cheese for similar texture and flavor.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Incorporate chorizo instead of ground pork, add chipotle powder to meat mixture, mix pepper jack cheese with cream cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an intense southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free barbecue rub, and verify bacon brand does not contain gluten-based additives for celiac-friendly preparation.

Best Pairings For Pig Shots

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer with Pig Shots: Choose hoppy IPAs that cut through the rich, fatty bacon and complement the spicy jalapeño kick.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy appetizer.
• Create Bourbon Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Old Fashioned with smoky bourbon notes that echo the barbecue rub and enhance the meaty flavors of the pig shots.
• Serve Tangy Bloody Mary: Prepare a spicy tomato-based cocktail with extra worcestershire sauce to mirror the zesty profile and cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Pig Shots And Keep Them Tasty

• Store pig shots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Wrap individual pig shots tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm pig shots on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain moisture. Check temperature to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pig shots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

FAQs About Pig Shots

• Are pig shots considered a healthy appetizer?

Pig shots are a rich, indulgent treat high in calories and fat. They’re best enjoyed in moderation as a special occasion appetizer, not as a regular part of a balanced diet.

• Can I use different types of meat for the base?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground beef, turkey, or spicy sausage to create different flavor variations. Each meat will bring a unique taste to the pig shots.

• What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cream cheese and cheddar are ideal, but you can experiment with pepper jack for extra heat or a blend of monterey jack and sharp cheddar for more complex flavor profiles.

Why Pig Shots Are Packed With Flavor

• Simplify Party Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these pig shots a stress-free appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Adjust seasoning and cheese blend to match personal taste preferences, creating a versatile snack that appeals to different palates.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Punch: Combines bacon, meat, and cheese into a protein-rich bite that satisfies hearty appetites and delivers maximum flavor in every mouthful.
• Smart Cooking Technique: Uses muffin tin for uniform shape, ensuring consistent cooking and presentation while minimizing messy preparation.

Pig Shots Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45-47 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling pig shots bring savory Wisconsin-style appetizers to life with crispy bacon cups filled with creamy cheese and tangy barbecue sauce. Hearty bites deliver irresistible flavor that will keep guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb ground pork or sausage
• 4 slices bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp barbecue rub or seasoning
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp cooking.
2. Slice bacon into rings, creating circular bases that will serve as the foundation for the pig shots, ensuring each ring is uniform in thickness.
3. Gently press bacon rings into a muffin tin, forming cup-like shapes that will cradle the savory filling.
4. Mix ground pork or sausage with barbecue rub, salt, and black pepper, creating a well-seasoned meat mixture with robust flavor profiles.
5. Carefully fill each bacon-lined cup with the seasoned meat mixture, pressing down gently to create a compact base.
6. Bake the meat-filled bacon cups for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp and the meat to cook thoroughly.
7. While baking, blend cream cheese with shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions to create a creamy, zesty filling.
8. Remove the partially cooked meat cups from the oven and drain any excess grease.
9. Generously top each meat cup with the cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden and bubbly.
11. Let the pig shots rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
12. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with extra green onions if desired, and serve hot as an irresistible appetizer.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for sturdy, crispy bases that hold the filling without falling apart during cooking.
• Pat bacon rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better crisping and preventing soggy texture.
• Opt for low-sodium barbecue rub to control salt levels and allow more personalized seasoning control.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg