Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe): The EASIEST, Crispiest You’ll Ever Make

Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) are a fun, flavorful, and totally addictive appetizer! These little bites of deliciousness combine the savory goodness of sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon all baked to golden perfection. I remember the first time I tried Pig Shots at a family barbecue, and I was hooked from the very first bite. This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) quickly became a staple at our gatherings. 

They are so easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. Today, I’m thrilled to share my oven baked version, which is just as tasty but a little easier to handle than the grilled kind. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible recipe!

Why You Will Love This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

What’s not to love about Pig Shots? They're incredibly comforting. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the salty bacon is a match made in heaven. Plus, this oven baked version simplifies the process. No need to fire up the grill! This recipe is also unbelievably quick. From prep to table in under 30 minutes, these little bites are perfect for last minute gatherings or when you're craving a savory treat.

My family loves them, and I often get requests to bring them to potlucks and parties. In fact, everyone loves them so much, that I prepare a few different appetizers! If you like baking, I'd suggest my Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe! Who knows, they may become a crowd favorite as well.

Ingredients Needed for This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

Here are all the ingredients you need to make this mouthwatering Pig Shots recipe:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough

How to Make This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

Let's get cooking! Here are the simple steps to create these delightful Pig Shots.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Pinch the seams together to create one solid sheet.
5. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough.
6. Carefully roll up the dough into a log.
7. Slice the log into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
8. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Have you ever considered other appetizers while you wait for the Pig Shots to cool down? My Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders would make a great addition to your meal!

How to Serve This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

Pig Shots are fantastic on their own! Serve them warm as an appetizer at parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Consider pairing them with a side of ranch dressing or a spicy barbecue sauce for dipping. I also like to arrange them on a platter with fresh veggies like celery sticks and carrot sticks for a balanced presentation.

One thing that I love doing is adding some extra cheese on top! You can't go wrong with additional cheese!

How to Store This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

Store any leftover Pig Shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen Pig Shots can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not be as crispy.

Tips to Make This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

To make your Pig Shots even better, here are a few tips:

• Use high quality sausage for the best flavor.
• Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened so it mixes easily and creates a smooth filling.
• Don't overfill the crescent roll dough, or it will be difficult to roll up.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
• Monitor the baking time closely to prevent overbrowning.
• Consider swapping the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

I can't forget to mention the importance of knowing how to modify your Pig Shots for optimal result, for example, if you don't have crescent roll dough, you can also use puff pastry, but be mindful of the baking time!

Helpful Notes for This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

For the bacon, feel free to use pre cooked bacon bits to save time. If you are using regular bacon, make sure to cook it until crispy and then crumble it finely. I prefer using a mild breakfast sausage, but you can use a spicy version if you like extra heat.

If you want to ensure that the cream cheese is perfectly soft, leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Also, instead of spreading the mixture on the crescent rolls, you can also cut the crescent rolls into triangles and make individual Pig Shots, this is a great option for portion control!

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Variation of This Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) Recipe

There are countless ways to customize these Pig Shots to suit your taste. For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant based sausage crumbles and add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking for a sweet and savory combination! Feel free to try different types of cheese or bacon to get the combination that you prefer! Want additional appetizer inspiration? Check out these Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos Crispy Loaded!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and endlessly customizable, they are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible bites. Don't forget to let me know in the comments how your Pig Shots (Oven-Baked Recipe) turned out!