Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots – Dive into the smoky and spicy world of Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots. A delightful appetizer. That combines the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers. And bacon-wrapped delights. This recipe features a savory blend of smoked sausage, creamy cheese mixture, and crisp bacon. All are enhanced with a touch of spicy BBQ sauce for a perfect bite-sized treat. Ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering. Where you want to impress your guests.
I still remember the first time. I made these Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots for a family BBQ. It was a hit from the moment. I pulled them out of the oven. The tantalizing aroma. Had everyone gathered around the kitchen island. Eager to try one. My husband. Who loves anything with bacon. Couldn’t stop praising the perfect blend of spicy and smoky flavors. While my kids were delighted by the cheesy filling. Since then, these pig shots have become a much-requested favorite at our gatherings. Always sparking joy and conversation.
What makes this Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots truly stand out?
The Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots stand out? For their inventive combination of familiar flavors. Wrapped in an unexpected format. These bites feature a base of savory smoked sausage. Topped with a creamy, spicy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Spiced with Cajun seasoning for a little heat. Each shot is wrapped in crispy bacon. Delivering a smoky crunch. That contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich filling. A glaze of spicy BBQ sauce mixed with honey and brown sugar adds a perfect finish of sticky sweetness. Making each bite a complex blend of flavors. That is sure to captivate any palate.
What You Need To Make This Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots Recipe?
Smoked Sausage: Provides a firm, flavorful base. That anchors the rich toppings.
Cream Cheese: Offers a creamy texture. That binds the spicy and savory elements together smoothly.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy depth to complement the creaminess. Enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cajun Seasoning: Injects a warm spice. That gives the dish a subtle kick.
Sour Cream: Lightens the filling with its brightness. Balancing the richer flavors.
Jalapeños: Deliver a crisp, spicy punch. That cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant note.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Encases the filling in a smoky, crispy layer. Adding texture and a savory contrast.
BBQ Sauce, Honey, Brown Sugar: These create a sweet and spicy glaze. That finishes the dish with a sticky, flavorful topping.
Steps To Make Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots:
Step 1: Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a mini muffin pan by placing sausage slices in each cup.
Step 2: Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, Cajun seasoning, sour cream, and finely chopped jalapeño. Transfer to a ziplock bag and cut the corner for piping.
Step 3: Assemble: Pipe the cheese mixture onto each sausage slice, wrap with a half slice of bacon, and top with a jalapeño slice.
Step 4: Glaze: Mix BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Brush over each pig shot.
Step 5: Bake: Cook for about 45 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Let cool slightly to crisp up further.
Step 6: Serve: Enjoy these spicy, smoky bites warm.
Tip:
Achieving the Perfect Wrap and Cook. For your Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots to turn out perfectly. Focusing on how you wrap the bacon is key. Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the sausage and secured well. Perhaps with a toothpick. To prevent it from unraveling during cooking. This ensures each pig shot maintains its shape. And that the bacon crisps up evenly. Additionally, place the wrapped shots in a mini muffin pan. Helps them hold their form and catch any drippings. Keeping your oven clean. And making the shots easier to handle and serve. For the crispiest bacon. Consider broiling the pig shots for a few minutes at the end of the baking time. Watching closely to avoid burning. This final touch. Will give your bacon a delightful crunch. That complements the creamy, spicy filling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pig shots up to a day in advance. And refrigerate. Glaze and bake just before serving.
What are some variations I can try?
Feel free to substitute the cheeses. Or add different spices to the cream cheese mixture. To suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container. In the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven. Until warmed through.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade Jalapeño Popper Pig Shots
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into 24 pieces, about 3/4 -1 inch thick
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 c sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 3 jalapenos divided
- 1 pound 12 slices thick cut bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 c spicy BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with foil. And spraying it with non-stick spray.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, and sour cream. Finely chop one jalapeño and stir it into the cheese mixture. Until well combined.
- Assemble Pig Shots: Slice the remaining jalapeños into 24 thin rings. Place a slice of smoked sausage in each mini muffin cup. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture onto each sausage slice. Wrap each sausage with half a slice of bacon. Securing with a toothpick if necessary. Top each with a jalapeño ring.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture over each pig shot.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven. And bake for 45 minutes. Or until the bacon is crispy. And the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pig shots cool in the pan. For 5 to 10 minutes before serving. They will crisp up slightly as they cool.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
