Smoked Shotgun Shells

This smoked shotgun shells recipe is always on our menu when we use our smoker. Manicotti shells are stuffed with a sausage, cream cheese mixture and cooked perfectly in the smoker for an easy smoker recipe.

We love that slices of bacon are wrapped around the shells for added flavor. This appetizer is perfect for game day parties or holiday dinners. You will love how simple they are to make and with easy ingredients.

You may also love these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. If you are new to using your smoker, check our Smoker Recipes for Beginners.

What are Smoked Shot Gun Shells?

Smoked shotgun shells is the ultimate appetizer recipe. If you love cooking outdoors then you need to make this recipe. Fill uncooked noodles with a meat mixture and then wrap in bacon.

They come out smoky, crispy with a delicious filling on the inside. We love using our smoker and we always cook these along side our meats.

Ingredients 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• Change the Meat – Feel free to stuffed shells with different types of meat. You can use hot Italian Sausage, ground pork sausage, ground beef or ground turkey.
• Bacon – You can use a variety of types of bacon to make this recipe. We like using thick-cut bacon but there are different flavors to choose from.
• Cheese – We used mozzarella cheese but feel free to use Monterey Jack Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack, or Gouda cheese. All delicious addition to this recipe.
• Pasta Shells – Manicotti Noodles work great for this recipe, but any pasta tubes will work great.
• Jalapenos – Jalapenos is also a great addition to this recipe. They add an extra kick to the mixture.

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1 – Combine Seasoning – Mix the seasoning mixture together in a small bowl and set aside. 

Step 2 – Mix the Sausage Filling – In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sausage, and cream cheese. Add in mozzarella shredded cheese and half of the seasoning mixture.  This mixture will be thick and you’ll have to use your hands to thoroughly combine the ingredients.  

Step 3 – Stuff the Shells – Stuff the Manicotti shells with the sausage mixture.  You can do this with a small spoon. Use a piping bag with a large tip to pipe the mixture into the shells. 

Step 4 – Wrap Bacon – Wrap each of the shells completely with bacon.  You want the bacon to completely cover up the entire sheet. Place the wrapped shells on a wire rack over a large sheet pan.  Season the outside of the wrapped shells with the remaining seasoning mixture.

• Step 6 – Chill – Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight. 
• Step 7 – Preheat Smoker – When you are ready to cook the shells, preheat the smoker 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke with your favorite type of chips. 
• Step 8 – Place in Smoker – Remove the wire rack from the baking sheet. Then place the rack in the smoker with the shells on them. 
• Step 9 – Smoke – Smoke them for 1 hour and flip the shells half way through the cooking time. 
• Step 10 – Cook on High Temperature – Then turn the smoker temperature up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Cook at 350 the shells at the higher temperature for 10-15 minutes to brown the bacon. 
• Step 11 – Baste Shells – Once the bacon is crispy, baste the barbecue sauce onto the shells with a basting brush. Then smoke the shells for 10-15 more minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.  
• Step 12 – Serve and enjoy – Remove the shells from the smoker.  Let the rest for 5 minutes and then they are ready to serve and enjoy. 

Recipe Tips

• Stuffing the Shells – When adding the mixture to the uncooked manicotti shells be very gently. The shells to could break easily while stuffing.
• Completely Stuff Shells – For best results, we recommend adding the sausage mixture completely in the shells. You may need to use the end of a wooden spoon to push the mixture through.
• Chill Shells – After stuffing the shells, make sure to allow the shells mixture to chill in the fridge. We like to prepare the night before cooking to allow time to chill in the fridge.

What to Serve with Shotgun Shells?

Shotgun shells make a great appetizer to serve with all your smoked and grilled recipes. Make Smoked Mac and Cheese, Smoked Pork Belly, Smoked Brisket, Smoked Baked Potatoes and Smoked Asparagus.

This crispy texture and cheesy center pairs perfectly with any recipes.

How to Store Leftover Shotgun Shells

These are best served fresh while the bacon is crispy. But you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.