Description
Smoked Shotgun Shells are a show-stopping appetizer that combines savory sausage and creamy cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon and infused with smoky flavors. These delightful manicotti shells are perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers. Easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, they promise to impress your guests and become a fan favorite. With versatile serving options and a simple preparation process, you’ll want to make these delicious bites for every occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 oz Mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 12 Manicotti shells
- 1 lb Bacon
- 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup Barbecue rub
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture by softening cream cheese and shredding mozzarella.
- In a large bowl, combine Italian sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella, and barbecue rub.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the meat mixture using a piping bag.
- Wrap each shell with strips of bacon completely.
- Season the wrapped shells generously with barbecue rub.
- Let the shells rest for at least four hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F and smoke the shells for one hour, turning halfway through.
- Increase smoker temperature to 350°F and cook until bacon is crispy (approximately an additional 30 minutes).
- Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 shells (160g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg