Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are an incredible way to impress your guests at any gathering. These unique manicotti shells stuffed with savory sausage and creamy cheese are wrapped in crispy bacon and infused with smoky flavors. Ideal as a party appetizer or game-day snack, these smoked shotgun shells will have everyone raving about their taste and presentation. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Mixture
• For the Shotgun Shells
• How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Step 2: Make the Filling Mixture
• Step 3: Stuff the Manicotti Shells
• Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
• Step 5: Seasoning and Resting
• Step 6: Smoking Process
• Step 7: Crisping Up
• Step 8: Final Cooking Phase
• How to Serve Smoked Shotgun Shells
• As a Party Platter
• With Fresh Vegetables
• Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
• As Part of a Meat Feast
• Cut into Medallions for Appetizers
• How to Perfect Smoked Shotgun Shells
• Best Side Dishes for Smoked Shotgun Shells
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Smoked Shotgun Shells
• Reheating Smoked Shotgun Shells
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Smoked Shotgun Shells?
• Can I use different types of meat?
• How do I ensure even smoking of the shotgun shells?
• Can I customize the filling?
• What should I serve with Smoked Shotgun Shells?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The mix of Italian sausage, cheese, and smoky bacon creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these smoked shotgun shells without any hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them whole or cut into medallions; they make for an excellent appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Perfect for Smokers: If you love using your smoker, this recipe showcases how versatile it can be for creating delicious appetizers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy filling and crispy bacon, making them a hit for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Smoked Shotgun Shells easy and enjoyable. These essential tools will help you create this delicious appetizer without any fuss.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Disposable piping bag
• Large mixing bowl
• Wire rack
• Sheet pan
• Smoker

Importance of Each Tool

• Disposable piping bag: Makes stuffing the manicotti shells quick and mess-free.
• Wire rack: Allows for even cooking and smoke circulation around the loaded shells.
• Smoker: Provides the essential smoky flavor that makes these shotgun shells truly special.

Ingredients

For the Mixture

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 4 oz Mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz Cream cheese
• 2 tsp Barbecue rub

For the Shotgun Shells

• 12 Manicotti shells
• 1 lb Bacon
• 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup Barbecue rub

How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Set the cream cheese out until it reaches room temperature.
2. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Filling Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the Italian sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 2 tsp of the barbecue rub. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Manicotti Shells

1. Place the meat mixture into a disposable piping bag fitted with a large tip.
2. Squeeze half of the mixture into each uncooked manicotti shell.
3. Turn each shell around to fill in the remaining half. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a mini spatula or spoon.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

1. Wrap each stuffed shell completely with slices of bacon, ensuring that each end is covered.

Step 5: Seasoning and Resting

1. Place the wrapped shells on a wire rack over a large sheet pan.
2. Generously coat them with your favorite barbecue rub.
3. Allow them to rest for four hours to overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Smoking Process

1. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit using your preferred wood.
2. Place the shotgun shells far from the heat source inside the smoker.
3. Smoke for one hour, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Crisping Up

1. After one hour, increase the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to crisp up the bacon.
2. Once crispy, apply your favorite barbecue sauce over each shell.

Step 8: Final Cooking Phase

1. Continue cooking at 350 degrees for another 15 minutes.
2. Remove from smoker once done and let them rest for about five minutes before serving.

These Smoked Shotgun Shells can be served whole or cut into medallions for easy eating! Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering!

How to Serve Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells are a delicious and unique appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving them creatively can enhance the flavors and make your gathering even more memorable.

As a Party Platter

• Serve the smoked shotgun shells on a large platter surrounded by dipping sauces for a festive display.
• Pair with toothpicks for easy snacking, especially at parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Include fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks on the side to provide a refreshing crunch.
• These veggies can help balance out the richness of the smoked sausage and bacon.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or extra barbecue sauce.
• This allows guests to customize their bites according to their taste preferences.

As Part of a Meat Feast

• Place smoked shotgun shells alongside other smoked meats like ribs or brisket for a meaty spread.
• This combination works well for BBQ enthusiasts looking to indulge in multiple flavors.

Cut into Medallions for Appetizers

• Slice the smoked shotgun shells into medallions for elegant bite-sized pieces.
• This makes it easier for guests to enjoy during mingling or at cocktail events.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Smoked Shotgun Shells

To achieve the best results when making smoked shotgun shells, pay attention to these essential tips that will elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality sausage and fresh cheeses for better flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overstuffing: Ensure you fill the manicotti shells adequately without overstuffing, which can cause them to break during smoking.
• Wrap Tightly with Bacon: Make sure the bacon wraps snugly around each shell to ensure even cooking and enhanced flavor.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the stuffed shells to rest helps meld the flavors together before cooking.
• Control Your Smoker Temperature: Maintaining an accurate smoker temperature is key; too hot can burn the bacon while too cold won’t cook it properly.
• Experiment with Wood Chips: Different wood types impart various smoky flavors; try hickory, applewood, or cherry for unique results.

Best Side Dishes for Smoked Shotgun Shells

Complementing your smoked shotgun shells with tasty side dishes can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options you might consider:

1. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of bacon and sausage.
2. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides comfort and pairs well with smoky flavors.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast in flavor and texture alongside the savory shotgun shells.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky grilled corn enhances outdoor vibes while complementing your main dish.
5. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs perfectly with smoky meats, creating harmony on your plate.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Rich mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser that complements hearty appetizers like smoked shotgun shells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Smoked Shotgun Shells, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the cheese softening: Not allowing the cream cheese to reach room temperature can make it difficult to mix with other ingredients. Always let it soften first.
• Overstuffing the shells: Filling manicotti shells past capacity can lead to a messy cooking process. Stuff them just enough to allow for even cooking.
• Inconsistent bacon wrapping: Leaving gaps while wrapping bacon can result in uneven cooking and crispy spots. Ensure each shell is fully covered.
• Ignoring resting time: Not allowing the wrapped shells to rest can prevent flavors from melding. Plan ahead and let them sit for at least four hours.
• Skipping wood preference: Using a wood type you’re unfamiliar with might affect the smoky flavor. Choose a wood that complements the dish, like hickory or applewood.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Smoked Shotgun Shells in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Wrap each smoked shotgun shell individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid, for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Smoked Shotgun Shells?

Smoked Shotgun Shells are manicotti pasta filled with a savory mixture of sausage and cheese, wrapped in bacon, and then smoked for a delicious flavor.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can replace Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option or try ground beef for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure even smoking of the shotgun shells?

Place the shells away from direct heat in your smoker, turning them halfway through the cooking process to guarantee even exposure to smoke.

Can I customize the filling?

Yes! Feel free to mix in vegetables, spices, or different cheeses according to your taste preferences. This recipe is versatile!

What should I serve with Smoked Shotgun Shells?

These tasty bites pair well with various sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Smoked Shotgun Shells are an incredible appetizer that brings together rich flavors and smoky goodness. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on personal preferences or seasonal availability. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try at your next gathering!