Prepare for a burst of smoky, cheesy, and spicy goodness with these Smoked Shotgun Shells! This unique and mouthwatering appetizer features manicotti shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, hot Italian sausage, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon and smoked to perfection. Topped with a generous coating of barbecue sauce, these shells are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any BBQ, party, or game day gathering. Let’s get started on this flavorful adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) boxes manicotti shells
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 (16-ounce) packages bacon (might need more)
- Additional barbecue sauce for coating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and hot Italian sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, finely diced jalapeño, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce until evenly incorporated. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stuff the Manicotti Shells:
- Carefully fill each uncooked manicotti shell with the prepared meat and cheese mixture. It’s easiest to use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to fill the shells.
- Wrap in Bacon:
- Wrap each filled manicotti shell with bacon, making sure the bacon overlaps slightly to cover the entire shell. You may need 2 slices of bacon per shell, depending on their size.
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks if necessary.
- Smoke the Shotgun Shells:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped shells on the smoker grates and smoke for 2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the shells are tender.
- Glaze with Barbecue Sauce:
- After 2 hours of smoking, brush each shotgun shell with additional barbecue sauce.
- Continue smoking for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and caramelize slightly.
- Serve:
- Remove the smoked shotgun shells from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors in every bite!
Conclusion:
These Smoked Shotgun Shells are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will have your guests coming back for more. The smoky bacon, tender manicotti, and rich, cheesy filling create a perfect harmony of taste in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a standout appetizer, these shotgun shells are sure to impress. Enjoy this indulgent treat with your favorite sides and a cold drink!