The aroma of smoked shotgun shells wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of savory goodness and crispy perfection. With every bite, you experience the delightful crunch of the shell, followed by a burst of rich, smoky flavors that dance on your palate. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: a backyard barbecue where friends gather around, laughter fills the air, and these delectable smoked shotgun shells steal the show. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together and creates unforgettable memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoked shotgun shells are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- Their unique flavor profile will impress your guests while being a feast for the eyes with their vibrant colors
- These versatile bites can be customized to suit any taste preference or dietary requirement
- Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, they are sure to elevate your dining experience
I remember the first time I made smoked shotgun shells; my friends couldn’t get enough of them! Everyone was asking for seconds and thirds, turning it into an impromptu feast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Manicotti Shells: These pasta tubes provide the ideal vessel for stuffing with delicious fillings; look for sturdy ones that won’t break easily.
Ground Meat: I usually use beef or sausage for richness; choose a mix that excites your taste buds.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and binds everything together; softened cream cheese yields better results when mixing.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella works wonders for flavor and meltability; feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Bacon Strips: Because everything is better with bacon! Use thick-cut strips for crispiness and added smokiness.
Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: A tangy sauce enhances flavor while keeping everything moist during smoking; choose a brand that you love.
Spices and Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential to elevate flavors; don’t skip on seasoning!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells
Preparation Phase: First things first, preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). It’s like getting your oven ready but way cooler because it involves smoke! Lay out all your ingredients so they’re within arm’s reach—this makes cooking smoother than butter on warm toast.
Filling Those Shells: In a bowl, combine ground meat with softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well mixed—think of it as crafting a meaty masterpiece. Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each manicotti shell generously with this glorious mixture. Make sure not to overstuff them; we want them to fit snugly but not burst at the seams!
Wrapping In Bacon: Next comes the real magic—wrap each stuffed shell tightly with bacon strips like you’re giving them a cozy blanket. Don’t be shy; layer those strips if you want extra crunch! Securely place them on a smoker-safe rack or tray so they don’t roll around like toddlers in a ball pit.
Smoking Time: Place the filled and wrapped shells in your preheated smoker for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them as they puff up beautifully while soaking in that smoky aroma—trust me; it’s worth the wait!
Glazing With BBQ Sauce: Halfway through smoking, brush those beauties with your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor and shine. It’s like putting on icing; it makes everything look more appetizing! Let them soak up those flavors until done—your patience will pay off big time when you dig in later.
Serving Suggestions: Once finished smoking, let the shells rest briefly before serving—they’ll be hot enough to give you a surprise steam facial otherwise! Serve these golden delights straight from the smoker alongside extra BBQ sauce for dipping—you’ll have everyone coming back for more!
You Must Know
- Smoked Shotgun Shells are not just a dish; they’re an experience
- These flavor-packed wonders will impress your friends at the next cookout, and the smoky aroma will have everyone flocking to your grill
- Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your shotgun shells, then stuff them while your smoker is heating. Smoke them at 225°F for about two hours for perfect tenderness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different meats or spices; bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are another great option. Don’t hesitate to add cheese varieties for extra creaminess!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and avoid overstuffing the shells; it can lead to messy results
- Be patient with the smoking process, as low and slow is key to achieving that perfect texture
Cooking these Smoked Shotgun Shells always brings back memories of summer barbecues with friends who couldn’t get enough of them.
FAQ
What are Smoked Shotgun Shells made of?
Smoked Shotgun Shells typically consist of pasta tubes stuffed with meat and cheese.
Can I make Smoked Shotgun Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day before and smoke them when ready.
What type of wood is best for smoking these shells?
Hickory or applewood provides a fantastic smoky flavor ideal for these delicious bites.
Smoked Shotgun Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people (12 stuffed shells) 1x
Description
Smoked Shotgun Shells are a sensational culinary delight that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable barbecue experience. These stuffed manicotti shells, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and cream cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, deliver rich smoky flavors with every bite. Perfect for gatherings or family nights, they promise to be the star of your next cookout, leaving your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 thick-cut bacon strips
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each manicotti shell with the meat mixture without overstuffing.
- Wrap each shell tightly with bacon strips and secure them on a smoker-safe rack.
- Place the shells in the smoker for about 1 hour until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brush with BBQ sauce halfway through smoking for added flavor.
- Let rest briefly before serving alongside extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shotgun shells (180g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: You can customize these shells by using different meats like turkey or chicken. For added heat, consider mixing jalapeños into the filling. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
