Delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

Are you ready to take your barbecue game to the next level? Look no further than these mouthwatering Smoked Shotgun Shells! Stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and sausage, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smoked to perfection, these appetizers are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they will become your new secret weapon for impressing guests.

I first discovered these smoked shotgun shells at a tailgate party, and I couldn’t get them out of my mind. After perfecting my own version, they have become a staple at all my gatherings, always leaving everyone raving about them. The key is to take your time and smoke them low and slow to ensure that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

Whether you’re hosting a block party, game day gathering, or simply looking to elevate your barbecue skills, these smoked shotgun shells are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to wow your guests with this impressive yet surprisingly simple recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Appetizer: Smoked shotgun shells are a show-stopping appetizer that will wow your guests and have them talking about your cooking skills for weeks.
• Customizable Fillings: Easily customize the filling to suit your preferences by adding ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or different cheese combinations to create new flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the shells in advance by stuffing and wrapping them the night before, making them a convenient option for parties as they can be quickly smoked when guests arrive.
• Versatile Pairing: Pair these smoked shotgun shells with cold beer or sweet tea for a delicious combination, and offer dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, or blue cheese for added flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe Recipe

• This recipe creates a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests and have them talking about it for weeks.
• The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, seasoned meat, and tender pasta creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more.
• These smoked shotgun shells are surprisingly manageable to make, making it a perfect dish for gatherings and parties.
• You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
• The recipe can be prepped in advance, making it convenient for parties – just pop them in the smoker when guests arrive.
• Pairing these smoked shotgun shells with cold beer or sweet tea will enhance the flavors and make it a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients for Delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

For the pasta shells

• 2 (8 oz) boxes manicotti shells

For the filling

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend

For wrapping and glazing

• 2 (16 oz) packages bacon
• Additional barbecue sauce for coating

How to Make Delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the smoker

Heat the smoker to 250°F.

Step 2: Make the filling

Combine raw ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeño, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and barbecue sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Stuff the shells

Stuff uncooked manicotti shells from both ends with meat mixture, packing well to remove air pockets.

Step 4: Wrap with bacon

Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon slices, ensuring the ends are covered. Use two bacon pieces per shell if needed.

Step 5: Apply BBQ sauce

Coat both sides of each bacon-wrapped shell with more barbecue sauce and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining shells.

Step 6: First smoke session

Smoke the shells on the smoker at 250°F for 60 minutes.

Step 7: Flip and continue smoking

Turn the shells upside down, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and smoke for an additional 60 minutes or until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Take out of the smoker and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving as an appetizer.

Storage Tips

Once you have made these delicious smoked shotgun shells, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish well to protect it and keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or oven to warm them through and restore their delicious flavors.

If you have prepared the smoked shotgun shells ahead of time for a party or gathering, you can store the prepped shells covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to smoke them. Storing them in the fridge actually makes them easier to handle when cold. Just remember to add a little extra cooking time, around 15 minutes or so, if you are starting from a cold temperature. This make-ahead tip allows you to enjoy freshly smoked and delicious appetizers without the stress of last-minute preparations.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a vegetarian version of these smoked shotgun shells, you can easily substitute the ground beef and hot Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods ground “meat.” You can also add in more vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling mixture for added flavor and texture.

For a lighter version of this dish, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of hot Italian sausage to reduce the overall fat content. Additionally, if you prefer a milder spice level, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in the filling mixture. To make the recipe more kid-friendly, you can swap out the hot Italian sausage for a mild sausage variety and use a mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar. Additionally, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner option.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of these smoked shotgun shells at your next gathering, consider serving them on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh jalapeño slices and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an added pop of color and flavor. For a fun twist, offer a variety of dipping sauces like tangy barbecue, zesty ranch, and creamy blue cheese in small individual cups alongside the shells to allow guests to mix and match flavors to their liking. Pair these indulgent appetizers with your favorite cold beer or a pitcher of sweet tea for a satisfying and impressive party spread that will have everyone talking!

For a charming and interactive serving idea, create a DIY “Build-Your-Own Shotgun Shells Bar” where guests can customize their smoked shells with different fillings and sauces. Set up a station with bowls of additional mix-ins such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and various cheese options like pepper jack to encourage creativity. Provide brushes for guests to coat their shells with barbecue sauce before they go into the smoker, allowing them to personalize the level of flavor and heat. This interactive setup not only adds a fun element to your party but also lets guests tailor their dish to their preferences, making it a memorable and delicious experience for everyone involved.

FAQs for Delicious Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

Can I make these smoked shotgun shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff and wrap the shells the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting from cold.

Can I customize the filling for these smoked shotgun shells?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or different types of cheese. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauce styles to change the flavor profile.

How should I store leftovers of these smoked shotgun shells?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious snack.

What are some serving suggestions for these smoked shotgun shells?

These smoked shotgun shells are perfect for parties and gatherings. They pair well with cold beer or sweet tea. Serve them with extra barbecue sauce for dipping and some ranch or blue cheese dressing for those who want something cooling.

Conclusion

Whether you’re gearing up for a tailgate party, a family gathering, or just a casual backyard barbecue, these Smoked Shotgun Shells are sure to steal the show. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish never fails to impress, and the best part is that they’re much easier to make than they look. So go ahead and embrace your inner barbecue genius by serving up these delicious smoked appetizers at your next event!

Remember, patience is key when smoking these shotgun shells. Low and slow is the way to go to ensure that the bacon is perfectly crispy and the pasta is cooked through. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling – customize it to your liking with different meats, cheeses, and barbecue sauces for a unique twist on this crowd-pleasing dish. So fire up the smoker, get those shells stuffed and wrapped, and get ready to wow your guests with these unforgettable Smoked Shotgun Shells!