Prepare to be amazed by this mouthwatering oven baked shotgun shells recipe! Filled with a delectable combination of ground beef, sausage, cheese, and zesty spices, these manicotti shells are wrapped in bacon, coated with barbecue sauce, and baked to crispy perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Discover the Irresistible Flavor of Shotgun Shells

If you’ve never heard of shotgun shells as a food, you’re in for a delightful surprise. These savory bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. From birthdays to homecomings, they never fail to impress. And let’s not forget the flavor! With a name that leaves people scratching their heads, shotgun shells boast a taste that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy these tasty bacon wrapped treats.

The Recipe: How to Make Oven Baked Shotgun Shells

Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to making these delectable treats. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• Manicotti noodles
• Ground beef
• Hot Italian sausage
• Onion
• Colby jack cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Jalapeno
• Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Bacon
• Barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, hot Italian sausage, diced jalapenos, zesty spices, Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese.
3. Gently stuff the manicotti shells with the meat mixture, ensuring there are no air pockets.
4. Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the ends. You may need two slices of bacon for each shell.
5. Brush extra barbecue sauce over both sides of the stuffed, bacon-wrapped shells.
6. Place the shells on the prepared baking rack and bake for 60 minutes. Then, flip the shells, add more barbecue sauce, and bake for an additional 60-70 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’re sure to love this oven baked shotgun shells recipe:

• It’s a hearty and delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy, and it’s always a crowd favorite.
• No need for a smoker – these shells are oven-baked, making them accessible to everyone.
• The combination of meat, cheese, and spices, encased in a crispy bacon shell, creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Tips and Variations for Your Shotgun Shells

• You don’t need to boil the manicotti noodles separately. The moisture from the meat filling and the fat from the bacon will cook the noodles to perfection.
• To make the stuffing process easier, stuff the manicotti shells before cooking them.
• Feel free to customize your shotgun shells to fit your preferences. Swap out the hot Italian sausage for a milder version, omit the jalapenos for a less spicy kick, or experiment with different cheeses and barbecue sauces.

Serving Suggestions

These oven baked shotgun shells are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Consider serving them with pigs in a blanket, baked beans, barbecue, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or ranch dressing. The options are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are they called shotgun shells? These appetizers get their name from their resemblance to shotgun shells. The stuffed, bacon-wrapped shells resemble the red tubes typically associated with shotgun shells.
• Should I boil the noodles before filling them? It’s not necessary to boil the manicotti noodles beforehand. The cooking process in the oven will sufficiently cook the noodles, thanks to the moisture and fat from the filling and bacon.
• Can I make shotgun shells in the air fryer? Absolutely! Simply follow the same steps until it’s time to cook them. Then, air fry at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
• How long will this recipe last in the fridge? These baked shotgun shells can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Can I freeze leftover shotgun shells? Yes, these appetizers freeze well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Store and Reheat Instructions

To store the oven baked shotgun shells, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

When ready to reheat, simply place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Try this Delicious Recipe Today!

This oven baked shotgun shells recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, flavor, and crispy texture make it a winning choice for any gathering. Whether you’re looking for an impressive appetizer or a savory treat for a special occasion, these shotgun shells will never disappoint. Give them a try and prepare to be amazed!

Looking for more delicious appetizer recipes? Check out our other recommendations:

• Jalapeno Cheese Bites: Crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these bites are seasoned perfectly and fried to golden perfection.
• Coconut Fried Shrimp: Crispy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, these shrimp are always a crowd favorite.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders: Tender shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and a delicious pineapple slaw make these sliders an easy and tasty appetizer option.