Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

Dive into a unique and savory adventure with these Smoked Shotgun Shells! A perfect blend of Italian sausage, cheese, and smoky flavors, wrapped in bacon, these shotgun shells are sure to be a hit at any BBQ or gathering. Let’s get smoking!

Ingredients:

For the Mixture:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tsp Barbecue rub

For the Shotgun Shells:

• 12 Manicotti shells
• 1 lb Bacon
• 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup Barbecue rub

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Combine sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 2 tsp of barbecue rub in a large bowl.
2. Stuff the Shells:
   • Fill a disposable piping bag with the sausage mixture and pipe it into the uncooked manicotti shells, filling each half at a time.
3. Wrap in Bacon:
   • Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon, ensuring full coverage.
4. Season:
   • Place the wrapped shells on a wire rack over a sheet pan. Apply a generous amount of barbecue rub evenly.
5. Rest:
   • Allow the shells to rest for 4 hours to overnight for flavors to meld.
6. Smoke:
   • Preheat the smoker to 250°F. Smoke the shells for 1 hour, turning at 30 minutes for even cooking.
7. Crisp the Bacon:
   • Increase heat to 350°F for about 15 minutes to crisp the bacon.
8. Apply Sauce:
   • Brush the shells with barbecue sauce and cook for another 15 minutes at 350°F.
9. Rest and Serve:
   • Remove from the smoker, let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve whole or sliced into medallions.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 430kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.05g
• Cholesterol: 71mg
• Sodium: 739mg
• Potassium: 253mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 231IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 73mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs:

1. Can I substitute the Italian sausage? Yes, feel free to use any ground meat of your choice.
2. Is it necessary to let the shells rest overnight? Resting overnight enhances the flavors but if short on time, a few hours will suffice.
3. Can I make these without a smoker? Yes, you can bake them in the oven, though the smoky flavor might be less pronounced.
4. Are these spicy? The spice level depends on the type of sausage and barbecue rub used.
5. How long can I store them? Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Enjoy these Smoked Shotgun Shells, a creative and delicious twist on classic BBQ flavors! 🍖🔥🌰