Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon: A Flavor Explosion for Your Taste Buds! Your Guide to Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers š¶ļøš„š„
1. Introduction: Unleashing the Deliciousness of Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon
Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game to legendary status? Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon are the ultimate flavor bomb, perfectly combining the irresistible crunch of bacon with a creamy, cheesy filling, all snugly encased in a jumbo pasta shell ready for its smoky transformation! These delectable bites are not just food; theyāre an experience ā perfect for parties, game days, backyard BBQs, or just a fun, indulgent weekend treat. Not only are they spectacularly mouthwatering, but theyāre also surprisingly simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying to devour. Letās dive into the delightfully smoky world of Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon and learn how to impress your guests (and yourself!) with this unforgettable and flavor-packed dish. If you love bacon, you might also like our candied bacon recipe as well.
2. Ingredients: Your Arsenal for Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Success
This recipe calls for simple ingredients, and the beautiful thing is, you can totally customize the cheese and spices to your taste! Hereās what youāll need to create these amazing Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon:
- 1 package of jumbo pasta shells (the bigger, the better!)
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened (makes for a wonderfully creamy base)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or Colby!)
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeƱos (fresh or pickled ā adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything is better with garlic)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for that savory depth)
- 1 pound of sliced bacon (go for a good quality bacon ā it makes a difference!)
- Barbecue sauce (for optional glazing ā we recommend a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce)
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood recommended for optimal smoke flavor. You can find different varieties at this website)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon
Step 1: Prepare the Filling ā The Cheesy Heart of Your Smoked Shotgun Shells
Start by preparing the irresistible filling for your Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeƱos, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is perfectly incorporated. Remember, this cheesy mixture is the flavorful foundation that makes these shotgun shells such a crowd-pleaser! If youāre feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Step 2: Stuff the Shells ā Loading Up Your Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon
Next, carefully fill each jumbo pasta shell with the creamy, cheesy jalapeƱo mixture youāve just created. For easy and mess-free filling, use a piping bag or a small spoon to gently stuff the shells. Ensure each shell is generously filled to maximize that cheesy goodness. Donāt overstuff them, though, or they might burst during smoking. Once all your shells are filled to perfection, set them aside, ready for their bacon makeover. Maybe you could make these as a side dish with our smoked ribs!
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon ā The Crispy Armor for Your Smoked Shotgun Shells
Now for the grand finale of the preparation stage: wrapping each stuffed shell with a strip of glorious bacon! Starting at one end, tightly wrap the bacon around the shell, ensuring complete and even coverage. The goal is to create a secure bacon blanket that will crisp up beautifully in the smoker. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed to prevent the bacon from unraveling during the smoking process. This is where the magic happens ā the bacon provides a crispy, salty, and smoky layer that elevates these Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon to legendary status!
Think about trying out smoked cream cheese as a side dish!
Step 4: Smoke to Perfection ā Infusing Your Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon with Smoky Goodness
Preheat your smoker to a consistent 225Ā°F (107Ā°C). Once the smoker is at temperature, add your chosen wood chips (hickory and applewood are excellent choices for this recipe). Carefully and gently place the bacon-wrapped shotgun shells onto the grill grates, making sure theyāre not overcrowded. Smoke these delightful appetizers for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the bacon is cooked to crispy perfection and the cheese filling is hot, bubbly, and oozing with flavor. For an extra layer of flavor complexity, consider brushing the Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking. This will add a touch of sweetness and caramelization that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and cheesy filling. You could even serve these along with our smoked baked beans!
4. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Fresh
If, by some miracle, you have any leftover Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon regains its crispy texture.
5. Serving Suggestions: Presenting Your Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Masterpiece
These scrumptious appetizers are best served hot and fresh straight from the smoker! Arrange them artfully on a platter and pair them with a side of creamy ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions, chives, or cilantro on top. These Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering! This recipe goes great with our smoked meatloaf recipe!
6. FAQs: Your Burning Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Questions Answered
Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. Pepper jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious additions.
Q: Can I make these in the oven if I donāt have a smoker?
A: Yes, you can definitely bake these in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C) and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through.
Q: How do I ensure the bacon cooks evenly and stays wrapped around the shells?
A: To ensure even cooking, make sure to wrap the bacon tightly and evenly around each shell. Using thinly sliced bacon also helps with even crisping. Securing the ends of the bacon with toothpicks is highly recommended to prevent them from unraveling during the smoking or baking process. You may also want to consider trying our pulled pork recipe!
7. Final Thoughts: The Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Revolution
Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon are more than just an appetizer; they are a culinary adventure that will impress your friends and family and leave them begging for more. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice creates an unforgettable flavor experience that is perfect for any occasion. So fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on the Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon revolution!
8. Nutritional Information: A Treat to Be Enjoyed in Moderation
While enjoying these incredibly delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon, itās important to remember that they are a rich treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are watching your calorie or fat intake. These also go great with our smoked mac and cheese!
9. Conclusion: Your Journey to Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Mastery Begins Now!
Are you ready to become the hero of your next party or gathering? With this easy-to-follow recipe for Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon, you have all the tools you need to create a mouthwatering and unforgettable appetizer experience. So go ahead, unleash your inner pitmaster, and prepare to wow your guests with these delicious and addictive smoky treats! Whether itās game day, a backyard barbecue, or just a casual get-together, these Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon are guaranteed to be the star of the show! Did you ever try our smoked chicken wings? You may like it!
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Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Elevate your appetizer game with Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon, a flavor-packed combination of crunchy bacon and a creamy, cheesy filling, all encased in jumbo pasta shells ready for the smoker. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weekend treat, these delicious bites are simple to prepare, satisfying, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 package of jumbo pasta shells
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeƱos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound of sliced bacon
- Barbecue sauce (for optional glazing)
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood recommended)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeƱos, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Stuff each jumbo pasta shell with the cheesy mixture using a piping bag or small spoon.
- Wrap each stuffed shell with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Preheat your smoker to 225Ā°F (107Ā°C), add wood chips, and smoke the shells for 1.5 to 2 hours until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot.
- Optional: Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking for additional flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing or your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
