Sizzling Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe: Bold Backyard Flavor Magic

Smoking delectable shotgun shells brings a mouthwatering twist to traditional comfort food that will make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon wraps blend perfectly with savory meat and creamy cheese inside tender pasta shells.

Backyard barbecue enthusiasts appreciate this spicy, indulgent dish that packs serious flavor punches.

Mexican-inspired seasonings add an unexpected kick to these irresistible meat-filled delights.

Grill masters and home cooks alike can master this simple yet impressive recipe with minimal effort.

Packed with bold ingredients and smoky undertones, these shells promise to become your new favorite party appetizer.

Get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with this show-stopping culinary creation.

Why Smoked Shotgun Shells Are a Flavorful Treat

• Elevate Backyard Grilling: Transform your typical barbecue into a flavor-packed adventure with these creative smoked shotgun shells that impress guests and spark conversation.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Combine multiple protein sources like sausage and bacon in one delicious bite, making this recipe perfect for meat lovers and gatherings where hearty appetites reign.
• Customize with Ease: Swap sausage types, experiment with different cheeses, or adjust barbecue sauce to match personal preferences, allowing flexible cooking for every skill level.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: Minimal prep steps and straightforward smoking technique mean you can enjoy cooking without complex techniques, letting you spend more time with friends and family.

Ingredients for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Manicotti Shells: Pasta tubes perfect for holding the rich, savory filling.
• Sausage: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky exterior that wraps around the stuffed pasta.
• Cheese: Creates a creamy and delicious filling for the manicotti shells.

• Barbecue Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet finishing touch to the smoked dish.

• Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing the bacon around the manicotti shells.

Stepwise Guide to Smoked Shotgun Shells Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil manicotti pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly to handle easily.

Step 2: Create Savory Filling

Brown ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease. Mix in shredded cheese until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff Pasta Shells

Fill each cooled manicotti shell completely with the sausage and cheese mixture. Ensure the filling reaches both ends of the shell.

Step 4: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Carefully wrap each stuffed manicotti with a slice of bacon, covering the entire shell. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep bacon in place.

Step 5: Smoke to Perfection

• Bacon becomes crispy and golden
• Filling is heated through
• Shells are thoroughly warmed

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove smoked shells from smoker. Drizzle generously with tangy barbecue sauce. Plate and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfecting Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Soak toothpicks in water before using to prevent burning during smoking.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for better wrapping and crispier texture around the manicotti shells.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for added flavor complexity.
• Allow shells to rest for 5-10 minutes after smoking to help set the filling and make cutting easier.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety, especially when using ground sausage.

Variations to Spice Up Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Jalapeño Poppers Style: Replace sausage with cream cheese and diced jalapeños, wrap in bacon for a spicy kick.
• Mexican Fiesta Version: Use ground beef seasoned with taco spices, add shredded cheddar and diced green chiles inside shells.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap sausage for ground lamb, mix with feta cheese, oregano, and wrap with prosciutto instead of bacon.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese, keeping the bacon wrap for non-vegetarian guests.

Pairing Recommendations for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Pair Tangy BBQ Beer: Select a robust amber or pale ale that complements the smoky bacon and cuts through the rich sausage, enhancing the barbecue sauce's flavor profile.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Create a zesty, vinegar-based coleslaw that provides a refreshing crunch and acidic contrast to the heavy, meaty shotgun shells, balancing the dish's richness.
• Match with Grilled Corn Salad: Prepare a summer corn salad with charred kernels, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette to add brightness and a smoky undertone that echoes the bacon's character.
• Add Spicy Pickled Jalapeños: Garnish with quick-pickled jalapeños to introduce a sharp, tangy heat that cuts through the fatty bacon and sausage, elevating the overall flavor complexity.

How to Store Smoked Shotgun Shells Safely

• Seal leftover smoked shotgun shells in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual shells tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp bacon.
• For quick warming, place shells on a microwave-safe plate.

FAQs on Smoked Shotgun Shells

• What are shotgun shells in cooking?

Shotgun shells are manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with sausage and cheese, then wrapped in bacon and smoked until crispy, creating a unique barbecue-style appetizer or main dish.

• Can I use different types of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or pulled pork to create your own flavor variations.

• Do I need a special smoker for this recipe?

While a smoker is ideal, you can also use a grill with indirect heat or even an oven set at a low temperature to achieve similar results.

• How do I prevent the bacon from falling off during smoking?

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon strips around the manicotti shells, ensuring they stay in place during the cooking process.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky, spicy smoked shotgun shells bring Texas-style barbecue magic to your grill, blending creamy cheese, savory meat, and jalapeño heat in one irresistible bite. Guests will crave these crispy, bacon-wrapped poppers that deliver bold flavor and backyard BBQ excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 pound bacon
• 8 manicotti shells

Cheese Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (115 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Flavor and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare manicotti pasta according to package guidelines, allowing them to cool briefly after cooking.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and brown the sausage, removing any excess grease before combining with cheese.
3. Carefully fill each pasta tube with the sausage and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Meticulously wrap each stuffed pasta shell with a bacon strip, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
5. Preheat smoker to 225°F and arrange bacon-wrapped pasta shells, smoking for approximately 40-45 minutes until bacon becomes crisp and filling is thoroughly heated.
6. Once smoked, generously drizzle barbecue sauce over the shells before serving hot.

Notes

• Prep shells carefully to prevent tearing, ensuring a smooth filling process without breakage.
• Drain sausage thoroughly to avoid excess grease, which can make the dish overly heavy and soggy.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda for added flavor complexity.
• Consider gluten-free manicotti or low-sodium bacon options for dietary modifications.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg