Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells

Welcome to a flavor-packed culinary adventure with our recipe for Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon! These savory delights are a must-try for anyone who appreciates the tantalizing combination of smoky bacon, zesty sausage, and creamy cheese. Picture juicy ground beef and hot Italian sausage mingling with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, all nestled into manicotti shells and wrapped in bacon before hitting the smoker.

The magic happens as the bacon crisps up, enveloping the pasta shells and locking in a medley of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or a laid-back weekend cookout, these Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon are sure to be the star of the show. Easy to assemble and a crowd-pleaser every time, these irresistible bites will have your guests clamoring for more.

So, fire up the smoker, stuff those shells, and get ready to savor the smoky goodness of our Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon recipe. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making these a standout dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t be surprised if these disappear faster than you can say “bacon” – be sure to make extra to keep your guests satisfied and coming back for more!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Wow Factor: These smoked shotgun shells bring a serious wow factor to any barbecue spread, blending smoky bacon with spicy sausage and creamy cheese for an unforgettable bite.
• Easy to Prepare: Once you get the hang of stuffing the shells, these are easy to pull together, making them perfect for game day gatherings or weekend cookouts.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of smoky bacon and creamy cheese makes these irresistible, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is versatile and allows for customization based on your preferences, such as using different types of sausage, cheese, or adjusting the level of heat to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells Recipe

• Impressive Flavor Combination: The blend of smoky bacon, spicy sausage, and creamy cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for game day parties or weekend cookouts, these smoked shotgun shells will be a hit with friends and family.
• Craveable Appetizer or Main Course: Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these stuffed manicotti shells offer a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: Once you get the hang of stuffing the shells, this recipe comes together quickly, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, these shells disappear fast and will have your loved ones asking for more.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up ingredients like the type of sausage or cheese to suit your preferences and create different flavor profiles.
• Freezer-Friendly: These shells can be frozen before or after cooking, allowing you to prep ahead and enjoy them whenever you want.
• Perfect Presentation: The visual appeal of these smoked shotgun shells, resembling actual shotgun shells, makes them a conversation starter at any gathering.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with extra barbecue sauce, slaw, or pickled veggies to balance the richness and create a complete meal that pairs well with cold beer and other sides.

Ingredients for Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells

Pasta

• 450 grams manicotti shells

Meat Filling

• 450 grams hot Italian sausage
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 680 grams ground beef
• 200 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 170 grams cream cheese, softened

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Other

• additional barbecue sauce for basting
• 80 milliliters barbecue sauce
• 900 grams bacon, sliced

Pro Tips for Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells

To make these smoked shotgun shells bacon like a pro, be sure to press the filling firmly into both ends of each manicotti shell to avoid air pockets and ensure consistent results. Additionally, consider customizing the cheese to your preference by swapping out the sharp cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile. When smoking, wrap the shells tightly in bacon slices, overlapping the edges, and remember to baste with barbecue sauce halfway through cooking for a crispy finish.

For a personalized touch, feel free to adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe by reducing the amount of jalapeño and hot Italian sausage or by using milder sausage to suit your taste preferences. You can also prep the filled shells a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before smoking, allowing for easy and convenient meal prep. By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests at any barbecue or gathering.

How to Make Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker

Preheat smoker to 120°C and ensure temperature is stable.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef, hot Italian sausage, diced onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, finely diced jalapeño, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and barbecue sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until uniform.

Step 3: Fill Manicotti Shells

Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with meat mixture, packing tightly to remove air pockets and ensure even filling.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each stuffed shell with sliced bacon, making sure it is fully covered. Add more bacon if needed to prevent any exposed areas.

Step 5: Baste with Barbecue Sauce

Brush each bacon-wrapped shell generously with more barbecue sauce using a pastry brush, then place them on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Smoke Stuffed Shells

Place the prepared shells in the preheated smoker and smoke for 60 minutes. Turn the shells gently, baste with barbecue sauce, and continue smoking for an additional 60 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Take the shells out of the smoker and serve hot immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To store the finished smoked shotgun shells, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, ensuring the bacon crisps up again. These shells also freeze well, either before or after cooking. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic and foil to maintain freshness.

If you want to customize the recipe, you can try using sweet Italian sausage or chorizo instead of hot sausage for a different flavor profile. Additionally, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar. If you cannot find manicotti shells, large cannelloni tubes make a suitable alternative. Serve these smoky delights straight off the smoker as a robust appetizer or main course, pairing them with extra barbecue sauce and optional sides like slaw or pickled vegetables. They complement cold beer and your favorite backyard dishes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder or spicier flavor, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage or chorizo for the hot Italian sausage. Similarly, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of sharp cheddar for a different taste profile. In case you cannot find manicotti shells, large cannelloni tubes are a suitable replacement that will also hold the filling well during smoking.

For a different cheese flavor or melt, you can swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda. Ensure to press the filling mixture firmly into each end of the shells without leaving any air pockets to achieve consistent results. When smoking, wrapping the shells tightly, overlapping the edges, and basting them with barbecue sauce halfway through the process will help achieve a crispy finish. Feel free to adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of jalapeño and hot Italian sausage or opting for a milder sausage option. Additionally, you can assemble the filled shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before smoking for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the smoked shotgun shells bacon into bite-sized pieces and serving them on skewers as a fun and portable appetizer at your next party. You can drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top for a finishing touch that will have your guests coming back for more.

Another idea is to serve the smoked shotgun shells bacon on a platter alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo. This interactive presentation allows guests to customize their flavor experience and adds a playful element to your spread.

FAQs for Ultimate Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Shotgun Shells

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the filled shells up to a day in advance before smoking. This can help save time on the day you plan to smoke them.

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda can be substituted for the sharp cheddar cheese to customize the flavor and enhance the melting factor.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The jalapeño and hot Italian sausage provide medium heat in this recipe. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of jalapeño or using a milder sausage to suit your taste preferences.

How should I finish off the smoked shotgun shells for a crispy texture?

After wrapping the filled shells tightly and overlapping the edges, baste them with barbecue sauce halfway through smoking. This step will help create a crispy finish on the bacon coating.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon becomes a staple in your recipe repertoire, bringing joy to your family and friends as it has for mine. The perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors creates an unforgettable dish that is sure to impress at any gathering. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these over and over again!

Experiment with different cheese and meat combinations to make this recipe your own. Whether you enjoy them as a main course or a tasty appetizer, these smoked shotgun shells are bound to be a hit. So fire up your smoker, get those shells stuffed, and get ready to savor the incredible flavors of Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon!