When you think about BBQ Shotgun Shells, imagine a mouthwatering explosion of smoky flavors wrapped in crispy bacon, all stuffed with juicy goodness that creates a party in your mouth. Picture yourself at a backyard BBQ, the grill firing up, and the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, making your stomach growl louder than your favorite band at a concert. These shells are more than just a dish; they’re an experience that brings friends and family together, sparking laughter and joy as you dive into this incredible treat.
Jump to:
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I first stumbled upon BBQ Shotgun Shells during a summer cookout, where my friend Steve insisted he could make something “mind-blowing.” As he pulled these beauties from the grill, I thought he was joking—until I took my first bite. It was like fireworks in my mouth! Now, every gathering feels incomplete without them. Whether it’s game day or just an average Tuesday evening, BBQ Shotgun Shells always bring the good vibes and delicious flavors that everyone craves.
Why You'll Love This BBQ Shotgun Shells
- This incredible BBQ Shotgun Shells transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat.
Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and fillings creates an explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Visually stunning: Golden-brown shells wrapped in crispy bacon are sure to impress at any gathering.
Versatile filling options: Customize with your favorite proteins or veggies to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious BBQ Shotgun Shells:
- Pasta Tubes (like cannelloni): Choose large pasta tubes that can hold all the delicious stuffing without falling apart.
- Ground Meat (beef or chicken): Opt for lean ground meat for a healthier option that still packs flavor.
- Bacon Strips: Use thick-cut bacon for an extra crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling.
- BBQ Sauce: Select your favorite sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy—to complement those rich flavors.
- Shredded Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Choose cheese that melts well for a gooey, satisfying bite.
For seasoning:
- Garlic Powder: Adds a nice kick to enhance the overall flavor profile of your filling.
- Paprika: Provides a slight smokiness that works perfectly with the BBQ theme.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious BBQ Shotgun Shells:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray so those shells don’t stick around for too long.
Step 2: Cook Your Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat before adding garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor. Mix well and remove from heat.
Step 3: Stuff Those Tubes
Using a small spoon or piping bag (because who doesn’t want to feel like a fancy chef?), carefully stuff each pasta tube with the meat mixture until full but not overflowing.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Take each stuffed tube and wrap it in one slice of bacon. Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible because bacon is life!
Step 5: Drizzle with BBQ Sauce
Place all the wrapped tubes in your prepared baking dish. Generously drizzle BBQ sauce over each one—don’t be shy! Every bite should be bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and everything is heated through. Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! Serve these delightful BBQ Shotgun Shells hot off the grill at your next gathering or just whip them up on a cozy night in when you want something indulgent yet easy. Enjoy!
You Must Know About BBQ Shotgun Shells
- This showstopping BBQ Shotgun Shells delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with BBQ Shotgun Shells, start by preheating your grill. Prepare the filling while the grill warms up, then stuff the shells and wrap them with bacon. Grill until crispy perfection hits your plate.
Flavor Your Way
Don’t hesitate to get creative with BBQ Shotgun Shells! Swap in different meats like chicken or turkey, or experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder for a flavor twist. Add cheese or veggies to enhance the filling!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover BBQ Shotgun Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring they retain their delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips for BBQ Shotgun Shells
- This professional-quality BBQ Shotgun Shells relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Making BBQ Shotgun Shells reminds me of that time my friends couldn’t stop raving about them at our backyard barbecue; their compliments made me feel like a culinary rockstar!
FAQs
What are BBQ Shotgun Shells?
BBQ Shotgun Shells are a delicious and inventive dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful cheese, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a tube of pasta. These mouthwatering treats are perfect for a summer barbecue or any gathering with friends. The unique presentation resembles a shotgun shell, making them both fun to eat and visually appealing. Grilled to perfection, they deliver smoky flavors that complement the savory filling. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main dish, BBQ Shotgun Shells will surely impress your guests.
How do you make BBQ Shotgun Shells?
To make BBQ Shotgun Shells, you’ll need ingredients like manicotti pasta, cooked chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and bacon. Start by cooking the manicotti until al dente. While it cools, mix the chicken and cheeses in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into each pasta shell and wrap them with bacon slices. Finally, grill until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot. Serve these delightful shells with your favorite barbecue sauce for an extra kick of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
Can BBQ Shotgun Shells be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ Shotgun Shells ahead of time for convenience. Assemble the shells by stuffing them and wrapping them with bacon, then place them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes it easy to enjoy this tasty dish during busy gatherings or parties. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill or bake them until cooked through. Allowing them to marinate in spices overnight can enhance their flavor even more.
What dips pair well with BBQ Shotgun Shells?
Pairing the right dips can elevate your BBQ Shotgun Shells experience. Popular choices include tangy barbecue sauce for a classic touch or creamy ranch dressing for a cooling contrast. You might also consider a spicy sriracha mayo for those who enjoy heat in their dishes. Additionally, homemade garlic aioli can add an elegant twist while complementing the flavors of this dish beautifully. Experimenting with different dips allows you to find your perfect pairing.
Conclusion
In summary, BBQ Shotgun Shells are an exciting and delicious addition to any gathering or barbecue event. With their unique flavor combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon wrapped in pasta, they are sure to impress your guests. These delightful treats can be prepared ahead of time for convenience and paired with various dips for extra flavor. Don’t miss out on making BBQ Shotgun Shells at your next cookout; they’re bound to become a crowd favorite!
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📖 Recipe Card
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BBQ Shotgun Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
BBQ Shotgun Shells are a crowd-pleasing delight that combines crispy bacon, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese all stuffed inside hearty pasta tubes. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy gatherings, these flavorful bites deliver an explosion of smoky goodness with every mouthful. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, BBQ Shotgun Shells will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta tubes (cannelloni or manicotti)
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic powder and paprika.
- Carefully stuff each pasta tube with the meat mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed tube in bacon, ensuring full coverage.
- Place wrapped tubes in the baking dish and drizzle generously with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bacon is crispy and filling is heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 shells (150g)
- Calories: 433
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 932mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
