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Spicy Chipotle Breakfast Pigshots are my go-to when I need to impress a crowd with minimal effort. These bacon-wrapped sausage bites with a creamy, spicy chipotle egg and cheese filling vanish fast at any brunch or game day gathering. They are loaded with bold flavors and always leave people asking for the recipe.
The first time I made these my friends devoured them before the coffee finished brewing. Now I double the batch every time I host Sunday breakfast.
Ingredients
- Thick cut bacon: Brings crisp texture and smoky flavor. Choose bacon with plenty of marbling for best results.
- Sausage slices: Like kielbasa or smoked sausage serve as the hearty base. Use fresh not dried sausage for juicy bites.
- Cream cheese: Delivers creamy richness and helps bind the filling. Go for regular full-fat for best melt and flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp taste and gooey melt. Freshly shredded from a block tastes better than pre-shredded.
- Eggs: Hold the filling together and give it a soft quiche-like texture. Check for clean fresh eggs with bright yolks.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: Provide smoky heat and bold flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference and always mince fine.
- Adobo sauce: Deepens the flavor and gives the filling a reddish hue. A little goes a long way.
- Green onion: Brings freshness and a pop of color. Slice very thin for even distribution.
- Salt and pepper: Wake up all the flavors. Taste the filling before baking to adjust seasoning.
- Optional toppings: Like fresh cilantro or extra cheese add color and finish. Use freshly chopped herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top to help the pigshots crisp evenly from all sides.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a medium bowl blend cream cheese and cheddar until smooth. Add eggs chipotle peppers adobo sauce green onion salt and pepper. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is well combined thick and spreadable.
- Build the Pigshots:
- Wrap a half slice of bacon snugly around each sausage slice forming a cup shape with the sausage acting as the base. Stand them upright on your baking sheet with the bacon edges touching to hold shape. Pierce with a toothpick if needed for stability.
- Fill the Cups:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag fill each bacon-sausage cup with a generous tablespoon of the chipotle egg mixture. Fill to the top but do not overfill to avoid overflow during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the tray in the center of the oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the bacon is crisp the filling is set and puffed and the tops are just golden. For extra color move the tray under the broiler for one to two minutes watching closely.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Allow the pigshots to cool briefly to set the filling. Serve warm topped with fresh herbs more cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant worthy look.
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I love using sharp cheddar in the filling. It melts perfectly and adds extra bite. The smell of these baking is enough to wake up a whole house. Once my neighbor came over just to see what was in the oven.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pigshots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a three hundred fifty degree oven until warmed through for the best texture. You can also freeze baked pigshots for up to two months then reheat from frozen.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want less heat use smoked paprika instead of chipotle and omit the adobo sauce. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese can stand in for cheddar. Turkey bacon works for a lighter option but may be less crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pigshots as a brunch centerpiece alongside avocado slices and salsa. They also shine on game day platters or holiday breakfast tables. For a sit down meal pair with hash browns crisp toast and a big mug of coffee.
Cultural and Historical Context
Pigshots are a Southern barbecue favorite often served at tailgates and family gatherings. The chipotle twist gives them a Mexican inspired punch. This mashup of smoky sausage rich cheese and spicy peppers is pure comfort food that travels well and never disappoints.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the bacon cups hold their shape?
Wrap bacon securely around sausage slices and secure with toothpicks to maintain a cup shape while baking.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Add more or fewer chipotle peppers, or include extra hot sauce to match your preferred heat.
- → Are there cheese alternatives for the filling?
Yes—smoked gouda, Monterey jack, or pepper jack work well for different flavors and textures.
- → Can these be made ahead?
They reheat well—prepare and bake ahead, then warm in the oven before serving to keep them crisp.
- → What are the best garnish options?
Fresh herbs, chopped green onion, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream add flavor and visual appeal.