Imagine biting into a crispy, smoky delight that’s a flavor explosion wrapped in bacon. Yes, I’m talking about Smoked Shotgun Shells, the dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for more. Picture this: tender meat, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice all nestled within a crunchy exterior. It’s like a hug from your favorite comfort food but with an adventurous twist. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable backyard barbecue when I first introduced these beauties to my friends. As smoke wafted through the air and the grill sizzled with anticipation, the moment they took their first bite was pure magic. Laughter echoed as they devoured these delicious shells, proving that good food brings people together. Trust me; you’ll want to serve these at your next gathering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoked Shotgun Shells are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
- The flavor profile is out of this world, combining smoky, savory goodness in every bite
- With their eye-catching presentation, they will steal the show on any platter or picnic table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings, they’re ideal for game day or casual gatherings
I remember serving these at a family gathering where my cousin declared them “the best thing since sliced bread.” Who knew stuffed pasta tubes could cause such excitement?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Tubes: Look for cannelloni or manicotti shells; they hold fillings perfectly and create a satisfying crunch.
Ground Meat: Use your favorite type—beef, pork, or chicken work wonderfully for flavor-packed results.
Cheese: Cream cheese or ricotta adds richness; combine it with shredded cheese for extra melty goodness.
Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon? Its smoky flavor wraps around the shells creating an irresistible crust.
Spices: Seasonings like garlic powder and paprika bring depth; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Barbecue Sauce: A drizzle before serving adds a tangy kick that complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells
Prepare Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat with cream cheese and spices until well mixed. Feel free to sneak in some herbs for added freshness.
Stuff Those Shells: Carefully fill each pasta tube with the meat mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Make sure not to overstuff as it can lead to messy results on the grill.
Wrap It Up in Bacon: Take strips of bacon and wrap them around each stuffed shell snugly—this is where the magic happens! Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Smoke Away!: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the wrapped shells on the grill grates and allow them to smoke for about 1 hour until golden brown and crispy.
Add Some Flavor Boost: After smoking, brush your shotgun shells with barbecue sauce and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor while caramelizing the sauce slightly.
Savor Every Bite!: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. These delightful bites are best enjoyed warm; share them with friends or savor alone!
Remember that cooking is all about experimentation! Feel free to play around with different fillings or sauces—you might just discover your new favorite dish!
You Must Know
- Smoked Shotgun Shells are a game-changer for your BBQ
- These tasty treats combine flavors and textures that leave everyone craving more
- The smokiness, combined with the tender meat and creamy cheese, creates a culinary delight that’s sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the filling while your smoker preheats to 225°F. Assemble the shells and place them on the grill for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients in the filling. Try different cheeses or add jalapeños for an extra kick. Remember, creativity is key in making these shells uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them at 350°F until warmed through, preserving that delicious smokiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; stale ingredients can ruin your dish
- Always let your smoker reach the desired temperature before cooking; this ensures even cooking
- For extra crunch, you can finish off with a quick sear on high heat after smoking
The first time I made Smoked Shotgun Shells, my friends devoured them faster than I could serve! Their rave reviews made me realize this recipe was a winner at every gathering.
FAQ
What are Smoked Shotgun Shells?
Smoked Shotgun Shells are pasta tubes stuffed with flavorful fillings and smoked to perfection.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, or even chicken work wonderfully in these delicious shells.
How long do they take to smoke?
Smoking usually takes about one hour at 225°F for ideal tenderness and flavor development.
Smoked Shotgun Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Smoked Shotgun Shells are a mouthwatering appetizer that combines tender meat, creamy cheese, and smoky flavors wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for gatherings and game days, these stuffed pasta tubes are not only easy to make but also a surefire hit among friends and family. With endless filling possibilities and a delightful crunch, they elevate any BBQ experience.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta tubes (cannelloni or manicotti)
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 12 strips bacon
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta tube with the meat mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
- Wrap each filled tube with a strip of bacon and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the shells on the smoker grates and smoke for about 1 hour until golden brown.
- Brush with barbecue sauce and let cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell (55g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
