🔥 Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon

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Impressive, smoky, bacon-wrapped manicotti stuffed with creamy meat and cheese—ultimate party snack!

Prep Time: 35 minutes · Cook Time: 2 hours · Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes
Makes: 28 shells
Category: Party Snacks · American · Moderate Skill

🧾 Table of Contents

  1. Why This Recipe Rocks

  2. Ingredient List

  3. Quick Overview

  4. Step-by-Step Prep

  5. Smoking & Serving Tips

  6. Customization Ideas

  7. Kristy’s Note

  8. Host-Worthy Recipes

1. Why This Recipe Rocks

These “shotgun shells” are perfect crowd-pleasers—rich, smoky, and portable. Think stuffed manicotti + bacon + cheese + jalapeño in one bite. They look fancy but are easy to prep ahead and smoke while hosting—ideal for tailgates, cookouts, and game day!

2. Ingredient List

  • 16 oz manicotti shells (uncooked)

  • Meat & Cheese Filling:

    • 1.5 lb ground beef

    • 1 lb hot Italian sausage

    • 1 medium onion, finely diced

    • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded

    • 6 oz cream cheese

    • 1 jalapeño, diced

  • Seasonings:

    • 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning

    • 2 tsp garlic powder · 2 tsp black pepper

    • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

  • Flavor Add-In:

    • â…“ cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for basting

  • Bacon Wrap:

    • ~32 oz bacon (about 28–32 slices, one per shell)

3. Quick Overview

  1. Mix meats, cheeses, jalapeño, seasonings, and BBQ sauce.

  2. Stuff each uncooked shell from both ends.

  3. Wrap in bacon; brush with BBQ sauce.

  4. Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours (flip and baste halfway).

  5. Serve warm and crispy!

4. Step-by-Step Prep

A. Set Up Smoker
Preheat to 250°F (121°C).

B. Make the Filling
Combine ground beef, sausage, onion, cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeño, Slap Ya Mama, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ⅓ cup BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly.

C. Stuff the Shells
Fill uncooked manicotti from both ends using a spoon or piping bag to avoid air pockets.

D. Wrap & Season
Wrap each filled shell in bacon (use two slices if needed), brush all sides with BBQ sauce, and place them seam-side down on a pan.

5. Smoking & Serving Tips

  • Smoke for 60 minutes, then flip, baste with additional BBQ sauce, and smoke another 60 minutes until bacon is crisp.

  • Let them rest a few minutes before serving—they’ll hold shape better and be easier to eat!

6. Customization Ideas

  • Mild Version: Swap hot sausage for sweet Italian; omit jalapeño.

  • Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for extra flavor.

  • Vegetarian Option: Use meatless ground crumbles with seasoned cream cheese.

  • Air Fryer Friendly: Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway (skip BBQ smoke flavor).

7. Kristy’s Note

These are show-stoppers at any gathering—people love the smoky aroma and perfect bacon crisp. Since they’re handheld, I always prep early and let the smoker do the rest. Guests never guess just how simple they are!

8. More Host-Worthy Recipes

  • Smoked Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

  • Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

  • Loaded BBQ Chicken Pinwheels

🍽️ Ready to Smoke & Dazzle?

Make these tomorrow—tag me @KristyCookRecipes so I can see your golden bacon wraps! Drop a comment if you’re adding a spicy twist. Let’s make your next party unforgettable.

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