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In recent years, smoked appetizers have surged in popularity, becoming a staple at gatherings and celebrations across the country. These mouthwatering bites are not just for the seasoned pitmaster; they appeal to everyone from casual cooks to BBQ enthusiasts. One such delightful creation that has captured the hearts (and appetites) of many is the Smoked Pig Shots Delight. This impressive dish combines a variety of textures and flavors, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Smoked Pig Shots

Impress your guests at your next gathering with Smoked Pig Shots Delight, a tantalizing appetizer featuring a savory blend of spicy pork sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. This easy-to-make snack brings a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Perfect for barbecues, tailgates, or holiday celebrations, these delicious bites are not only a feast for the palate but also a showstopper on the appetizer table.

Ingredients
  

1 pound of spicy pork sausage

10 slices of thick-cut bacon

10 jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)

1 cup cream cheese (softened)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional: barbecue sauce for glazing

Optional: toothpicks for securing

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Cut each bacon slice in half, and lay them out flat on a cutting board.

    Make the Shell: Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the outer edge of a shot glass or any small muffin tin opening. Secure it with a toothpick, creating a little bacon wall. Repeat this for all pieces.

      Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.

        Add the Filling: Spoon the cheese mixture into the bacon-wrapped cups, filling them about 3/4 full.

          Stuff with Sausage: Take the pork sausage and form small balls or blobs, then gently push them on top of the cream cheese mixture in each cup. You can flatten slightly to create a more even surface.

            Top with Jalapeño: Place a slice of jalapeño on top of each filled cup for an extra kick!

              Smoke the Pig Shots: Place the pig shots in your smoker and let them smoke for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the sausage is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You can brush on some barbecue sauce in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for added flavor.

                Serve: Once cooked, remove the pig shots from the smoker, let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm. They can be enjoyed as they are, or with extra sauce on the side for drizzling!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours | 10 servings