Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt
Yield: 32 bite-sized pieces (about 10 servings)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Piggy Bites: A Carnivore-Friendly Appetizer Recipe for Your Next Gathering – Piggy Bites Ingredients
Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt
1 pound regular, thin-cut bacon (about 16 slices)
10 ounces fully cooked smoked sausage
5 ounces (10 tablespoons) cream cheese
5 ounces fresh (soft) goat cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Slice the bacon in half crosswise to create approximately 32 pieces. This will match the number of sausage slices you’ll prepare.
Cut the smoked sausage into 32 crosswise slices.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each sausage slice to form a “shot glass” shape, with the sausage acting as the base. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon, threading it horizontally through the sausage for stability.
Combine the cream cheese & goat cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds to soften, making the mixture easier to pipe.
Transfer the cheese mixture into a zip-top plastic bag. Snip off one corner to create a makeshift piping bag.
Pipe the softened cheese mixture into each “shot glass,” filling it nearly to the top. Avoid overfilling, as the cheese may overflow during baking.
Arrange the assembled bites on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
Serve warm for the ultimate flavor experience. These bites are also delicious when enjoyed cold as leftovers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Piggy Bites
Choose the right bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for wrapping, as it crisps evenly without becoming too chewy. Avoid thick-cut varieties, which are harder to shape and don’t cook as quickly.
Sausage selection: Fully cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, is ideal. The smoky flavor complements the salty bacon and creamy cheeses.
Cheese options: While this recipe uses cream cheese and goat cheese, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like Boursin or mascarpone for unique flavor twists.
Make-ahead magic: Assemble these bites up to a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This saves time and reduces stress on party day.
Toothpick technique: Use sturdy toothpicks to secure the bacon. This prevents them from breaking during assembly or baking.
