Oven Baked Beef Shots: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion

If you’re on the hunt for a savory, bite-sized appetizer that is sure to be the star of your next gathering, look no further than Oven Baked Beef Shots. These irresistible, crispy little bites combine flavorful sausage, gooey cheese, and beef into one perfect package. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, tailgating with friends, or just looking for a tasty treat, Beef Shots are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering appetizer in your oven with an easy-to-follow recipe.

What Are Oven Baked Beef Shots?

Oven Baked Beef Shots are a fun and creative twist on traditional beef-wrapped appetizers. These tasty morsels consist of savory sausage, often mixed with creamy cheese and seasonings, all wrapped in crispy beef. The result is a bite-sized snack that delivers a punch of flavor in every mouthful. The name “Beef Shots” comes from the appearance of the beef-wrapped “cups” and the bold flavors that hit you like a shot. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a football game, or just because, these little bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Beef Shots

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To prepare Oven Baked Beef Shots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 slices of beef (cut in half)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite type of cheese)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for added color and flavor)
• Fresh jalapeño slices (optional, for some heat)
• Toothpicks for securing the beef

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Instructions for Making Oven Baked beef Shots

1. Preheat the Oven:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will allow the beef to crisp up perfectly while the sausage and cheese melt inside.

2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined. The cream cheese will add a rich, creamy texture to the filling, while the cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage.

3. Form the beef Cups:
Take each half-slice of beef and wrap it around the edge of a muffin tin or a small baking dish, securing the ends with a toothpick to create a small cup shape. This “cup” will hold the sausage mixture in place while cooking. If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also form these cups individually on a baking sheet.

4. Stuff the beefCups:
Spoon the prepared sausage mixture into each beef cup, filling them generously. Be careful not to overfill them, as the sausage will expand during cooking. For an added kick, you can top each Beef shot with a slice of jalapeño.

5. Bake the Pig Shots:
Place the Beef shots in the oven and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the beef is crispy and the sausage is fully cooked. To achieve extra crispy beef consider broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your Beef shots are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These savory treats are delicious on their own, but they can be even more flavorful when paired with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Pig Shots

Choose the Right Sausage:
The type of sausage you use will significantly affect the flavor of your Beef shots. Opt for a high-quality breakfast sausage to ensure the best taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping it with a different type of sausage for a unique twist.

Customize the Filling:
Feel free to get creative with the sausage mixture. Some people like to add diced onions, bell peppers, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to spice things up. You can experiment with the flavor to suit your tastes.

Crisp the beef:
If you want your beef to be perfectly crispy, ensure that the beef cups are arranged in a way that allows the fat to drain away during cooking. Using a muffin tin is a great way to elevate the cups, but you can also use a baking sheet to achieve the same effect.

Make Ahead:
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prepare the sausage mixture and assemble the Beef shots ahead of time. Just cover the assembled Beef shots with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Pig Shots

Oven Baked Pig Shots are more than just a delicious appetizer—they’re a game-changer. With the crispy beef exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, these bite-sized delights pack a flavor punch that is sure to impress. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ, a football game, or a holiday gathering, these savory bites are bound to be the star of the show.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they can also be customized to your preferences. Whether you love a spicy kick or prefer a milder flavor, you can tailor the ingredients to suit your tastes. They’re also incredibly easy to serve—simply arrange them on a platter, and guests will be lining up for seconds.

Serving and Storing Oven Baked Pig Shots

Serving Tips:

• Serve Warm: Pig Shots are best served warm so that the beef stays crispy and the sausage mixture remains creamy. If you prepare them ahead of time, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Pair with Dipping Sauces: To enhance the flavor, offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce. A side of spicy mustard or sour cream can also complement the richness of the Beef shots.
• Garnish: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing your Beef shots with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. If you’ve used jalapeños, feel free to top each Beef shot with extra slices for those who crave a little more heat.
• Serve on a Platter: Arrange the Beef shots neatly on a large platter for easy grabbing. For a well-rounded presentation, serve alongside fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Perfect Pairings: These savory bites pair beautifully with cold beverages like beer, soda, or iced tea. If you’re serving them at a BBQ or grilling session, they go wonderfully with other finger foods like chips, dips, or grilled veggies.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: After serving, any leftover Beef shots should be allowed to cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your Beef shots. If freezing before baking, assemble them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you freeze them after baking, wrap them tightly and store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place your Beef shots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Microwave Option: In a pinch, you can microwave your Beef shots for 30-45 seconds to heat them up. Keep in mind that while this is quicker, it may not preserve the crispy beef texture as well as oven reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Pig Shots Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the Beef shots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, follow the steps for freezing before baking and bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.

2. Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can switch up the sausage depending on your preferences. Try using chorizo, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage. Just be mindful that different sausages may have varying levels of spice, so adjust the seasonings accordingly.

4. Can I Make Pig Shots Without Cheese?
Yes! For a lighter or dairy-free version, feel free to skip the cheese entirely or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also experiment with different fillings such as chopped veggies, herbs, or a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Pig Shots are a delightful and versatile appetizer that brings bold flavors to any occasion. Simple to make, completely customizable, and always delicious, they’re the perfect snack for any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer at a party or as a savory treat during game day, these little beef-wrapped bundles of joy are sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try, and watch as these Beef shots disappear from your plate faster than you can say “delicious!”