There’s something utterly delightful about biting into a Smoked Shotgun Shell. Imagine a crispy, smoky exterior giving way to a treasure trove of savory goodness. The moment you pop one in your mouth, the explosion of flavors—smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and perfectly spiced jalapeños—takes your taste buds on a wild ride. Just picture it: juicy filling wrapped snugly in pasta shells, all kissed by the magic of smoke.
I first stumbled upon this culinary gem at a backyard barbecue, where my friend claimed they were the most “life-changing” appetizer ever. Spoiler alert: he was right! Now, every gathering feels incomplete without these little wonders. Ideal for game day or just because you want to impress your family and friends, Smoked Shotgun Shells promise an unforgettable flavor experience. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Smoked Shotgun Shells are easy to prepare and pack a flavor punch that will leave everyone asking for more
- Their unique appearance makes them visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, you can customize the fillings based on personal taste or dietary preferences
- They are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes, making them suitable for any occasion
Everyone at my last cookout couldn’t get enough of these delicious bites; I even had to hide some from my kids!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold plenty of filling without breaking.
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Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite variety; spicy sausage adds an exciting kick.
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Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for ease in mixing and spreading.
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Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides great flavor and melty goodness.
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Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for glazing; it adds a sweet smokiness that complements the shells nicely.
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Smoked Paprika: This spice enhances the smoky flavor profile; it’s a must-have!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells
Prepare Your Workstation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This temperature helps achieve that lovely smoke infusion while cooking.
Cook the Sausage Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. The aroma will be irresistible!
Mix Your Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and cooked sausage. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
Stuff the Pasta Shells: Fill each jumbo shell with the cheesy sausage mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy—pack them in generously!
Glaze and Smoke the Shells: Brush each stuffed shell with BBQ sauce before placing them on the smoker rack. Let them smoke for about 45 minutes until they’re hot and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once done, remove from the smoker and let cool slightly before serving warm. Trust me; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “delicious!”
These Smoked Shotgun Shells will turn any ordinary gathering into an extraordinary feast filled with laughter and good company!
You Must Know
- Smoked Shotgun Shells are a delightful twist on traditional barbecue
- They combine savory flavors and crispy textures, making them perfect for gatherings
- Don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite party appetizer, as they create an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the shotgun shells slowly for about two hours until the cheese melts and the bacon crisps perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices! Adding jalapeños can spice things up, while cream cheese creates a richer filling.
Storing & Reheating
Store smoked shotgun shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-fat ground meat for juicier shotgun shells, and avoid overstuffing to prevent bursting during smoking
- Experiment with wood chips like hickory or applewood for added flavor
- Always let them cool slightly before serving; they might be lava hot!
Sometimes I think back to that one party where my friends devoured these smoked shotgun shells like they were going out of style. It was such a hit that I nearly lost my recipe card in the excitement!
FAQ
What types of meat work best in smoked shotgun shells?
Ground pork or beef adds great flavor and keeps everything juicy.
Can I make smoked shotgun shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just smoke them earlier and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best wood for smoking these shells?
Hickory offers a robust flavor, while fruit woods like apple provide a sweeter touch.
Smoked Shotgun Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 shells 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Smoked Shotgun Shells, where crispy pasta shells are stuffed with a savory blend of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty jalapeños. Perfect for entertaining or game day, these bite-sized wonders promise to impress your guests with their vibrant flavor and unique presentation. Easy to prepare and customizable, they will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños (diced)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until fully browned.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, both cheeses, diced jalapeños, and cooked sausage until well combined.
- Generously stuff each jumbo shell with the mixture.
- Brush each shell with BBQ sauce and place them on the smoker rack.
- Smoke for about 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg