Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are a unique twist on traditional appetizers, perfect for any gathering. These delicious manicotti shells are stuffed with a savory sausage and cheese mixture, wrapped in crispy bacon, and infused with smoky flavors from the smoker. Ideal for game day, barbecues, or casual family dinners, they stand out with their rich taste and satisfying texture. If you’re looking for an impressive dish that will wow your guests, Smoked Shotgun Shells are the way to go!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sausage, cheese, and bacon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip these up without stress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a quiet night at home, these smoked appetizers fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve them whole or cut into medallions for a stunning platter that impresses your guests.
• Smoky Goodness: The smoking process adds depth to the flavors, making these shotgun shells unforgettable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Smoked Shotgun Shells, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. These tools help streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Smoker
• Disposable piping bag
• Wire rack
• Large sheet pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Smoker: This is crucial for achieving that authentic smoky flavor that defines Smoked Shotgun Shells.
• Disposable piping bag: Makes stuffing the manicotti shells easy and mess-free.
• Wire rack: Allows even cooking while letting grease drip away from the shells.
• Large sheet pan: Catches drippings and prevents messes in your smoker.

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

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How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells

Step 1: Prepare Cheese Mixture

Set the cream cheese out until it’s room temperature. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set it aside until you’re ready to make the shotgun shells.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Combine sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 2 tsp of the rub in a large bowl.

Step 3: Fill Manicotti Shells

Add the meat mixture to a disposable piping bag fitted with a large tip. Squeeze the pork mixture into the uncooked manicotti shells halfway.

Step 4: Complete Filling Process

Turn the pasta tube around and fill in the other half. If you don’t have a piping bag, use any kitchen utensil that will fit, such as a mini spatula or spoon.

Step 5: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap the stuffed shells with bacon. Make sure you cover the entire shell with bacon. You want the slices of bacon to go to the ends of the shells.

Step 6: Prepare for Smoking

Place the wrapped shells on a wire rack with a large sheet pan underneath. Apply a generous amount of your favorite rub. Make sure to cover it completely.

Step 7: Rest Before Smoking

Allow to rest for four hours to overnight.

Step 8: Set Up Smoker

When you’re ready, set the smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your preferred choice of wood.

Step 9: Smoke Shotgun Shells

Place the shotgun shells far from the heat source and allow them to smoke for one hour.

Step 10: Ensure Even Cooking

After the first 30 minutes, turn the shells to guarantee even cooking.

Step 11: Crisp Up Bacon

After an hour of smoke, turn the heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

Step 12: Add Barbecue Sauce

Once the bacon has crisped up enough for your liking, apply your favorite barbecue sauce and continue to cook at 350 for about 15 minutes.

Step 13: Rest Before Serving

Once done, remove the shotgun shells from the smoker and allow them to rest while setting up sauce for about 5 minutes.

Step 14: Serve

Serve whole or cut into medallions. Enjoy!

How to Serve Smoked Shotgun Shells

Serving smoked shotgun shells can elevate your gathering, making it a memorable experience for your guests. These flavorful appetizers are versatile and can be paired with various dips, sauces, or sides to complement their smoky goodness.

With Dipping Sauces

• Barbecue Sauce: A classic pairing, barbecue sauce enhances the smoky flavor of the shells.
• Ranch Dressing: The creamy texture of ranch provides a cool contrast to the warm, spicy sausage filling.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, hot sauce adds heat and zest that balances the richness of bacon.

As Part of a Platter

• Charcuterie Board: Include smoked shotgun shells on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, meats, and fruits for an impressive display.
• Party Platter: Serve them on a large platter with various finger foods for guests to enjoy at casual gatherings.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a sharp flavor that pairs well with the savory filling.

How to Perfect Smoked Shotgun Shells

Perfecting smoked shotgun shells requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your appetizer is a hit.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality sausage and cheese. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your dish will be.
• Wrap Tightly: Ensure the bacon wraps tightly around each shell. This helps keep all the fillings secure while smoking.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent smoker temperatures for even cooking; fluctuations can affect the texture.
• Resting Time: Allowing the shells to rest after smoking enhances flavor absorption and improves texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Smoked Shotgun Shells

Pairing side dishes with smoked shotgun shells can enhance your meal experience. Consider these options to complement their rich flavors.

1. Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast and balances out the heaviness of bacon.
2. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a comforting companion that pairs well with the smoky taste of the shells.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition, providing a light option alongside rich appetizers.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
5. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements smoky flavors, making them an excellent match for BBQ dishes.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds heartiness while being mild enough not to overpower the shotgun shells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making smoked shotgun shells, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect your final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold Ingredient Selection: Using low-quality sausage or cheese can lead to bland flavors. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Bold Skipping the Resting Time: Not letting the shells rest can cause them to lose moisture and flavor. Allow them to sit for at least four hours before smoking.
• Bold Overstuffing the Shells: Filling manicotti shells too tightly can lead to bursting during cooking. Fill them gently, leaving a little room for expansion.
• Bold Ignoring Temperature Control: Cooking at the wrong temperature can result in soggy bacon or undercooked filling. Keep your smoker at 250°F and then increase as needed.
• Bold Forgetting to Turn Them: Failing to turn the shells halfway through smoking can cause uneven cooking. Make sure to rotate them after 30 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store smoked shotgun shells in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning frequently until warmed through.

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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, smoked, and served with barbecue sauce.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can experiment with different meats such as ground beef or turkey in your smoked shotgun shells.

How do I customize my Smoked Shotgun Shells?

Feel free to add vegetables like diced jalapeños or bell peppers into the filling for extra flavor and texture.

What dipping sauces pair well with these appetizers?

Barbecue sauce is traditional, but ranch dressing or spicy aioli also work great for dipping.

How long does it take to smoke Smoked Shotgun Shells?

The total smoking time is about one hour at 250°F, followed by an additional 15 minutes at a higher temperature for crisping the bacon.

Final Thoughts

Smoked shotgun shells are not just a delicious appetizer; they are versatile enough to impress guests at any gathering. With their smoky flavors and customizable fillings, you can adapt this recipe to suit various tastes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these incredible bites at your next party!