HOG POGs

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HOG POGs : The Bite-Sized Southern Favorite Packed with Big Flavor

Some recipes are polite. HOG POGs are not.

These bold, meaty little bites come straight from the heart of Southern comfort food culture—the kind you find vanishing off trays at backyard cookouts, tailgates, church gatherings, and family reunions before anyone even thinks to ask what’s in them. They’re smoky, cheesy, juicy, and unapologetically indulgent.

HOG POGs deliver everything we love about comfort food in one perfect bite: savory pork, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and warm spices all baked (or smoked) into irresistible little flavor bombs. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and dangerously easy to eat.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels hearty, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic, this is the recipe people will beg you for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor in small bites — bold, smoky, cheesy, and satisfying
• Perfect party food — ideal for game day, potlucks, and cookouts
• Easy to make ahead — great for prepping in advance
• Bakes or smokes beautifully — flexible cooking options
• Customizable — spice it up, stuff it with cheese, or glaze it
• True comfort food — hearty, filling, and wildly addictive

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork or pork sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust if using seasoned sausage)

Optional Add-Ons

• BBQ rub or BBQ sauce for brushing
• Jalapeños or cayenne for heat
• Extra cheese cubes for stuffing

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Oven (or smoker for optional method)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork (or sausage), shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, and all seasonings.
Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the POGs dense.

3. Shape the HOG POGs

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into compact balls. Place them on the baking sheet with space between each.

4. Bake Until Juicy and Golden

Bake for 22–25 minutes, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
For extra color, broil for the final 1–2 minutes if desired.

👉 Optional: Brush lightly with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes for a sticky finish.

5. Rest and Serve

Let the HOG POGs rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Pro Tips for the Best HOG POGs

• Don’t overmix — gentle mixing keeps them tender
• Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor
• Chill the mixture for 15 minutes if shaping feels sticky
• Stuff with cheese for a molten center surprise
• Broil briefly for crispy edges without drying them out

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy HOG POGs: Add jalapeños or cayenne
• Cheese-Stuffed: Press a cube of cheddar or pepper jack into the center
• Sweet Heat: Glaze with honey + BBQ sauce
• Beef & Pork Blend: Use half ground beef, half pork
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds

Serving, Pairing & Storage

How to Serve

• Serve warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing
• Perfect as an appetizer or main-party snack

Pairing Ideas

• BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard
• Coleslaw or potato salad on the side
• Cold drinks — these are rich and savory

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze cooked or uncooked POGs for up to 2 months
• Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time

FAQ

Can I make HOG POGs ahead of time?
Yes! Shape them in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I smoke them instead of baking?
Absolutely — smoking adds incredible depth (see below).

Why are mine dry?
Overcooking or overmixing. Use pork with some fat and bake just until done.

Can I use pre-seasoned sausage?
Yes — just reduce added salt.

Smoking Option (Extra Flavor)

• Smoke at 250°F (120°C)
• Cook for 60–75 minutes
• Use hickory or applewood
• Optional BBQ glaze during final 10 minutes

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HOG POGs (Savory Southern Pork Bites)

Bold, smoky, cheesy pork bites packed with Southern comfort and perfect for parties, game days, and cookouts.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground pork or pork sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional BBQ sauce or rub

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring tools

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl; mix gently.
3. Shape into 1½-tablespoon balls and place on sheet.
4. Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Rest 5 minutes before serving.