Chipotle Smoked Pig Shots

These Smoked Pig Shots are the perfect mouthwatering appetizer or snack that will have you reaching for more. Bacon wrapped around smoked sausage with a chipotle flavored cream cheese filling will take your barbeque game to the next level.

Why you will love these Chipotle Smoked Pig Shots

Flavor Explosion- The combination of a little heat from the chipotles with a little sweetness from the agave really take this pig shot recipe to a new level. And of course how can you go wrong with bacon wrapped sausage slices?

Great for Entertaining- These pig shots are great for parties and entertaining because they are bite sized, easy to eat, and makes about 28 "shots" so is great for a larger crowd.

Minimal Ingredients- This recipe only requires seven ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store. Making these a great option for your next BBQ or weekend smoke.

Shorter Smoke Time- With only about an hour on the smoker, these pig shots make a great option for a snack before the main event or even just a weeknight dinner idea.

What are Pig Shots?

If you haven't heard of a Pig Shot yet, they are shot glass sized bacon cups. Sausage slices make up the base, then they are wrapped with bacon slices, then it is filled with a cream cheese mixture. They take a little time to assemble but these delicious pig shots are worth the effort. These may be one of my newest favorite smoked appetizer recipes.

Ingredients needed for these Smoked Pig Shots

Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa- These pre-smoked sausages are very versatile and help these pig shots come together quickly. They make the base of the pig shots and something for the bacon to attach to. You can use your favorite smoked sausage brand or even Kielbasa sausage works well, too.

Bacon- Bacon slices make the cup portion of these pig shots allowing us to fill with the cream cheese mixture. It holds everything together and of course delivers the bacon flavor that we all love.

Whipped Cream Cheese- I chose whipped cream cheese since its already softened and a little easier to work with. This makes the base of the creamy melty filling.

Chipotles in Adobo Sauce- Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapenos that have a rich and distinctive flavor. Using just a few of these chopped up inside the cheese mixture really adds a nice smoky flavor with a little heat.

BBQ Rub- Adding a bit off all purpose BBQ rub quicky seasons the cream cheese mixture and gives a little crisp to the top of the pig shots after they are smoked.

Agave Nectar- Agave nectar (or syrup) is a natural sweetener that is a healthier alternative to sugar. In this recipe, you only need a little bit drizzled on top to create a nice sweet glaze that helps balance the heat of the chipotle peppers.

Pro Tips

• Slice the sausage a little thicker to help hold the bacon up.
• Use a Zip-lock bag to help pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cups.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the entire pound of bacon in half.
• Place a pan underneath to catch any drippings.

How to make these Chipotle Smoked Pig Shots

First pre-heat the smoker to 300 degrees F. Then grab a cutting board and slice the sausages into about ¾ inch pieces (approximately 30 slices).

Next wrap each sausage slice with half a slice of bacon making the sausage the base. Slowly and carefully secure the bacon with a skewer or toothpick through the bottom of the sausage.

For the Chipotle Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a medium sized mixing bowl and add in the whipped cream cheese, Mexican shredded cheeses, chipotles, and ½ the BBQ rub. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix to combine.

Then add the filling to a piping bag, Zip-Lock bag, or sandwich bag and cut the end off. Pipe the filling into the sausage/bacon “shot glass”. Sprinkle with a little more bbq rub on top.

Place on a small rack or cooling rack if using to transfer out to the smoker.

How long to Smoke Pig Shots

Next place the rack on the grates (or can place the pig shots directly on the grill grates), close the lid and let smoke at 300 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Then once the bacon is almost done to your liking, drizzle each pig shot with a little Agave and let cook a little longer for about 15 minutes.

Once the bacon is crisp to your liking pull the pig shots off of the smoker and serve warm and enjoy.

Substitutions & Additions:

• Like it spicy? Use 3-4 chopped chipotles.
• Don't have chipotles? You could use a chopped jalapeno.
• I used Agave nectar but you could use honey or even hot honey.
• You can use your favorite BBQ rub. A pork blend, spicy rub, or even sweet would work well in this recipe, too.