If you’ve ever been to a backyard cookout, tailgate, or small-town gathering in the South, chances are you’ve seen a tray of HOG POGs disappear in minutes. These savory, meat-packed bites are bold, smoky, cheesy, and downright addictive. They’re not fancy, they’re not delicate—but they are exactly the kind of comfort food people keep reaching for until the plate is empty.
HOG POGs are all about big flavor in a small package, making them perfect for parties, game days, and anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Are HOG POGs?
HOG POGs are typically made from a mixture of ground pork or sausage, cheese, and seasonings, formed into balls and baked or smoked until juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside. Some versions include bacon, BBQ rubs, or a brush of sauce, giving them a rich, smoky character that pairs beautifully with cold drinks and loud laughter.
They’re rugged, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent.
Why Everyone Loves Them
HOG POGs have earned their popularity because they’re:
- Easy to make in large batches
- Packed with savory, smoky flavor
- Perfect finger food
- Great baked or smoked
- Customizable to your taste
They’re the kind of recipe people ask for after the first bite.
Classic HOG POGs Recipe
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: BBQ rub or sauce for brushing
How to Make HOG POGs
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 cheese, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, and all seasonings. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
3. Shape the POGs
Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into compact balls. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake Until Juicy and Golden
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the HOG POGs are browned on the outside and cooked through. For extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes if desired.
Optional: Brush lightly with BBQ sauce during the final 5 minutes for a sticky, smoky finish.
5. Rest and Serve
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and keeps them from falling apart.
Smoking Option (Extra Flavor)
For a true backyard favorite:
- Smoke at 250°F (120°C) for about 60–75 minutes
- Use hickory or applewood
- Finish with a light BBQ glaze if desired
The smoke adds depth and takes these bites to the next level.
Variations to Try
- Spicy HOG POGs: Add jalapeños or cayenne
- Cheese Explosion: Stuff a cube of cheese in the center
- Sweet Heat: Mix honey and BBQ sauce for glazing
- Beef & Pork Blend: Use half ground beef, half pork
A Recipe Made for Sharing
HOG POGs aren’t meant to be eaten politely—they’re meant to be grabbed, dunked, and enjoyed with zero hesitation. They represent everything great about comfort food: bold flavor, simple ingredients, and the kind of satisfaction that brings people back for seconds.
Whether you bake them in the kitchen or smoke them outside, one thing’s guaranteed—HOG POGs won’t last long once they hit the table