What are pig shots?
Pig shots are a popular appetizer made of sausage wrapped in bacon or pancetta. The sausage is often a mixture of ground pork, beef, and spices shaped into a small patty or meatball. Pig shots are easy to make ahead of time and reheat well, making them a great choice for parties and potlucks. The bacon wrapping gives them a delicious smoky, salty flavor when cooked. Other common names for pig shots include bacon wrapped smokies, bacon wrapped sausage balls, and porcupines.
Can you reheat pig shots?
Yes, you can absolutely reheat leftover pig shots! In fact, pig shots are great to make ahead of time since they reheat so nicely. Pre-cooked pig shots can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating them is simple and only takes a few minutes to crisp up the bacon again. Follow these tips for reheating pig shots perfectly every time.
Oven Method
Reheating pig shots in the oven is easy and effective. This method works well for large batches you made ahead of time.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place pig shots on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until bacon is sizzling and crispy.
- Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
- serve immediately.
Tips:
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or pig shots won’t crisp properly.
- For best results, place them seam side down.
- If reheating frozen pig shots, add 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Check for doneness after 10 minutes. Crispiness can vary based on thickness of bacon.
Reheating in the oven works wonderfully to recrisp the bacon wrapping and warm the sausage through. The high heat helps render some of the fat to achieve that coveted crispy texture.
Skillet Method
You can also reheat pig shots in a skillet on the stovetop. This works well for smaller batches.
Instructions:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add pig shots in a single layer, seam side down.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until bacon is sizzling and browned.
- Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use tongs or a spatula to gently flip pig shots.
- If reheating from frozen, extend cook time by 1-2 minutes per side.
- Add a teaspoon of oil or butter to the pan for extra browning.
- Drain excess grease as needed to prevent burning.
The direct heat of the skillet gives you more control to crisp the bacon fully. Just be careful not to burn the sugar in the bacon.
Microwave Method
For a quick on-the-fly reheat, you can use the microwave. This works best for just a few pig shots rather than a whole batch.
Instructions:
- Place pig shots on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Check and rotate pig shots.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Let stand 1 minute before serving.
Tips:
- Use a bacon rack or paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Only microwave 2-4 pig shots at a time.
- Rotate pig shots at least once midway through.
- Add extra time if refrigerated longer or reheating from frozen.
The microwave can help render some of the bacon fat, but won’t fully crisp the bacon. Use this method for a quick reheat, then finish under the broiler or in a hot skillet for crispy bacon.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking:
It’s easy to overcook pig shots, causing them to dry out. Use the minimum recommended time and check frequently. The sausage center should be heated through without drying out.
Not draining grease:
Failing to drain excess bacon grease during reheating can cause pig shots to fry instead of crisp. Blot with paper towels or let rest on a rack after cooking.
Too much time in the microwave:
The microwave can quickly overcook pig shots. Opt for short intervals of 30 seconds and rotate or flip for the best texture.
Crowding the pan:
Too many pig shots in the oven or skillet prevents even crisping. Make sure there is space between each piece. Reheat in batches if needed.
Serving Reheated Pig Shots
Sauces:
Serve reheated pig shots with a dipping sauce like barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Garnishes:
For extra flavor and crunch, top reheated pig shots with:
- Chopped parsley or chives
- Minced pickled jalapenos
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled bacon
Sides:
Pig shots pair well with:
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable crudites
- Deviled eggs
- Wings or meatballs
- Bruschetta
Serve as an appetizer or snack along with crisp vegetables, cheeses, bread, and dipping sauces.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerating:
Place leftover pig shots in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 2-3 days. Reheat again until hot and crispy before serving.
Freezing:
For longer term storage, freeze pig shots in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags or containers. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Reheating pig shots is simple and yields crispy, juicy results every time. The oven, skillet, and microwave are all effective methods depending on how many you need to reheat. Crisp the bacon thoroughly and serve immediately with fun sauces and sides. Making a batch ahead of time means you always have a tasty appetizer ready at a moment’s notice for any get-together.