Savory “Pig Shots”–Style Appetizer (Beef Version) – Cheesy, Crispy & Party-Perfect

🎉 Introduction

These savory pig shots–style appetizers deliver all the fun, bite-sized indulgence of the classic party favorite—without using pork. Instead, we use beef sausage and beef strips to create crispy cups filled with a creamy, cheesy center that’s baked until golden and irresistible. They’re bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

What makes this appetizer a hit is the contrast of textures: crisp beef “cups,” juicy sausage, and a rich, melty filling that sets perfectly in the oven. They’re easy to assemble, fun to eat, and ideal for game day, holidays, or anytime you need a show-stopping finger food.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s smoky, cheesy, and totally addictive—this pork-free pig shots–style recipe is the one.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Toothpicks
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or piping bag
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Oven

🛒 Ingredients

Cups & Filling Base

• 12 thick beef strips (used to form cups)
• 12 slices beef sausage, cut into thick rounds

Creamy Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions or parsley

These ingredients create crispy, savory, and cheese-filled appetizer bites.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:
Cut the beef sausage into thick rounds and set aside.

Step 3:
Wrap each sausage round with one beef strip to form a small cup.

Step 4:
Secure each cup with a toothpick to hold its shape.

Step 5:
Place the beef cups upright on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7:
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8:
Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 9:
Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each beef cup.

Step 10:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the beef is crisp and the filling is set and lightly golden.

Step 11:
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 12:
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Step 13:
Serve warm and enjoy.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12 appetizer bites
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Perfect for parties, game nights, and festive gatherings.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer:
  Not recommended, as the filling texture may change.
• Reheating:
  Reheat in the oven until warm and crisp again.

🥄 Variations

• Extra cheesy: Add more cheddar to the filling
• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese
• Creamier center: Increase cream cheese slightly
• Herb twist: Add dried herbs to the filling
• Mini size: Use smaller sausage rounds

These variations keep the fun of pig shots–style appetizers while letting you customize flavor.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Is this the same as traditional pig shots?
   It’s a pork-free version with the same concept and flavor.
2. Can I use chicken sausage instead of beef?
   Yes, chicken sausage works very well.
3. Do I need toothpicks?
   Yes, they help keep the cups in shape.
4. Are these spicy?
   Mild by default, easily adjustable.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
   Assemble ahead, bake before serving.
6. Do they stay crispy?
   Best when served fresh from the oven.
7. Can kids eat these?
   Yes, they’re kid-friendly.
8. What cheese works best?
   Cheddar melts smoothly and adds flavor.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely—great for crowds.
10. Are these good for leftovers?
    Yes, reheat in the oven for best texture.

🏁 Conclusion

These pig shots–style appetizers (beef version) bring bold flavor, creamy goodness, and irresistible crunch to your table—without using pork. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re the kind of party bite everyone reaches for first. Serve them once, and they’ll become a permanent favorite in your appetizer lineup.

Adam

Savory “Pig Shots”–Style Appetizer (Beef Version) – Cheesy, Crispy & Party-Perfect

These savory pig shots–style appetizers deliver all the fun, bite-sized indulgence of the classic party favorite—without using pork. Instead, we use beef sausage and beef strips to create crispy cups filled with a creamy, cheesy center that’s baked until golden and irresistible. They’re bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. What makes this appetizer a hit is the contrast of textures: crisp beef “cups,” juicy sausage, and a rich, melty filling that sets perfectly in the oven. They’re easy to assemble, fun to eat, and ideal for game day, holidays, or anytime you need a show-stopping finger food. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s smoky, cheesy, and totally addictive—this pork-free pig shots–style recipe is the one.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 appetizer bites

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cups & Filling Base

• 12 thick beef strips used to form cups
• 12 slices beef sausage cut into thick rounds

Creamy Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions or parsley
• These ingredients create crispy savory, and cheese-filled appetizer bites.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (or foil)
• Toothpicks
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or piping bag
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Oven

Method

 

Step 1:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

1. Cut the beef sausage into thick rounds and set aside.

Step 3:

1. Wrap each sausage round with one beef strip to form a small cup.

Step 4:

1. Secure each cup with a toothpick to hold its shape.

Step 5:

1. Place the beef cups upright on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7:

1. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8:

1. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 9:

1. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each beef cup.

Step 10:

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the beef is crisp and the filling is set and lightly golden.

Step 11:

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 12:

1. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Step 13:

1. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Not recommended, as the filling texture may change.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven until warm and crisp again.

🥄 Variations

Extra cheesy: Add more cheddar to the filling

Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese

Creamier center: Increase cream cheese slightly

Herb twist: Add dried herbs to the filling

Mini size: Use smaller sausage rounds

These variations keep the fun of pig shots–style appetizers while letting you customize flavor.

❓ 10 FAQs

Is this the same as traditional pig shots?
It’s a pork-free version with the same concept and flavor.

Can I use chicken sausage instead of beef?
Yes, chicken sausage works very well.

Do I need toothpicks?
Yes, they help keep the cups in shape.

Are these spicy?
Mild by default, easily adjustable.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Assemble ahead, bake before serving.

Do they stay crispy?
Best when served fresh from the oven.

Can kids eat these?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts smoothly and adds flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for crowds.

Are these good for leftovers?
Yes, reheat in the oven for best texture.

🏁 Conclusion

These pig shots–style appetizers (beef version) bring bold flavor, creamy goodness, and irresistible crunch to your table—without using pork. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re the kind of party bite everyone reaches for first. Serve them once, and they’ll become a permanent favorite in your appetizer lineup.