Elevate Your Cooking Game with Smoked Shotgun Shells
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our savory and indulgent smoked shotgun shells recipe. Bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress, this dish combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and smoky barbecue sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp Barbecue rub
- 12 Manicotti shells
- 1 lb Bacon
- 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup Barbecue rub
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and barbecue rub. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Stuff the Manicotti Shells: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the sausage and cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly stuffed. Set aside.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed manicotti shell, securing it in place with toothpicks if necessary.
- Season and Smoke: Sprinkle barbecue rub over the bacon-wrapped shells, ensuring they are evenly coated. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C) and place the shells on the smoker rack.
- Smoke to Perfection: Smoke the stuffed shells for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is cooked through.
- Glaze with Barbecue Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the shells with barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize and infuse the shells with even more flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the shells are fully cooked and irresistibly smoky, remove them from the smoker and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional barbecue sauce if desired and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes:
- Ensure the manicotti shells are fully cooked before serving. You can test their doneness by inserting a knife into the center of a shell – it should come out hot and tender.
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- If you don’t have access to a smoker, you can also bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Variations:
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or Gouda, to customize the flavor profile of the filling.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling mixture for a smoky and spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Italian sausage with cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Keto Version:
To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of manicotti shells. Simply stuff the sausage and cheese mixture into halved and hollowed-out zucchinis or bell peppers for a low-carb alternative.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb option, replace the manicotti shells with thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini strips. Roll the sausage and cheese filling into the vegetable strips and bake or grill until tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I prepare the stuffed shells in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to smoke or bake. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken, depending on your preferences.
Q: How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too crispy or burnt during smoking? A: You can partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the stuffed shells to ensure it crisps up evenly without becoming overly charred during smoking.
Q: Can I freeze leftover smoked shells for later? A: Yes, you can freeze the smoked shells in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I serve the smoked shells with a dipping sauce? A: Absolutely! Consider serving the smoked shells with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or chipotle aioli for dipping.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our smoked shotgun shells recipe and elevate your next cookout or gathering to new heights. With its harmonious blend of savory sausage, creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and smoky barbecue sauce, this dish is guaranteed to leave your guests craving more. Get creative with your fillings and adaptations, and make this recipe your own signature masterpiece. Happy smoking and bon appétit!
