Bacon-wrapped little smokies are a game-changer when it comes to party appetizers. This bite-sized treat combines smoky sausages, crispy bacon, and a caramelized brown sugar coating for an irresistible balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, game day, or a casual get-together, these bacon-wrapped delights are guaranteed to disappear fast.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this recipe so special, explore creative variations, serving ideas, expert tips, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of smoky, salty bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a perfect contrast of flavors. As the brown sugar melts in the oven, it caramelizes around the bacon, enhancing the richness of the sausages.
2. Simple Yet Impressive
Despite being incredibly easy to prepare, these bacon-wrapped smokies look and taste like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant. With just a few ingredients, you can make a dish that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. A Crowd Favorite at Any Event
These smokies are a hit at parties, game nights, and potlucks. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to grab and enjoy without utensils, making them a hassle-free appetizer for any occasion.
4. Easily Customizable
From adding spice to experimenting with different coatings, this recipe can be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you like a kick of heat or a touch of tanginess, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Sweet and Savory Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three pieces
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with foil and apply nonstick spray.
- Assemble the Smokies: Pat the sausages dry. Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Coat with Brown Sugar: Place the brown sugar in a large zip-top bag. Add a few bacon-wrapped sausages at a time, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat them evenly. Repeat until all sausages are coated.
- Arrange and Season: Place the coated sausages on the prepared pan. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Sugar: 11g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Enjoy these delectable bacon-wrapped smokies as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering!
Creative Variations to Try
While the classic brown sugar bacon-wrapped smokies are already a winning combination, you can take them to the next level with these exciting variations:
1. Spicy Honey-Glazed Smokies
For a spicy-sweet twist, drizzle the wrapped smokies with a mixture of honey and hot sauce before baking. This adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
2. Maple Mustard Smokies
Replace the brown sugar with a maple syrup glaze and serve with a side of Dijon mustard for a slightly tangy yet sweet flavor profile.
3. Cayenne & Brown Sugar Kick
Mix a little cayenne pepper into the brown sugar before coating the smokies. The added spice enhances the smoky and sweet flavors for those who enjoy a little heat.
4. Parmesan & Herb Coating
After baking, sprinkle the smokies with grated Parmesan cheese and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory, cheesy upgrade.
5. Wrapped in Puff Pastry
For a more indulgent version, wrap the smokies in a thin layer of puff pastry instead of bacon, then brush with an egg wash and bake until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
1. The Classic Party Platter
Arrange the smokies on a serving tray with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy aioli. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
2. Game Day Snack Board
Serve alongside other game-day favorites like nachos, sliders, and buffalo wings for a complete snack spread that will keep guests coming back for more.
3. Holiday Appetizer Table
These bacon-wrapped smokies are a fantastic addition to any holiday appetizer table. Pair them with cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms, and deviled eggs for a well-rounded spread.
4. Brunch Side Dish
Believe it or not, these smokies make a great brunch side dish! Serve them with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet and savory breakfast treat.
Expert Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
1. Choose the Right Bacon
Thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe because it crisps up nicely in the oven without overcooking the sausages. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and could leave the smokies underdone.
2. Secure with Toothpicks
Using toothpicks helps keep the bacon wrapped around the smokies while baking. This prevents the bacon from unraveling and ensures even cooking.
3. Bake on a Wire Rack
Placing the smokies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet allows excess grease to drain away, helping the bacon crisp up instead of getting soggy.
4. Broil for Extra Crispiness
For an extra crispy texture, broil the smokies for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Make Ahead for Convenience
Assemble the smokies a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for stress-free entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the smokies a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them an excellent make-ahead appetizer for parties.
2. Can I freeze bacon-wrapped smokies?
Absolutely! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon chewy instead of crispy.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, but keep in mind that turkey bacon doesn’t have as much fat, so it may not get as crispy. You may need to broil the smokies at the end to achieve a crispier texture.
5. What dipping sauces go best with this dish?
Classic options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and spicy sriracha mayo. For a unique twist, try a maple glaze or a garlic aioli.
6. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! To cook in an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Brown sugar bacon-wrapped little smokies are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, smoky, and crispy. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will be the star of any gathering. Whether you serve them for a party, game day, or holiday celebration, these bacon-wrapped bites are sure to impress.
With endless customization options, serving ideas, and expert tips, you can make this recipe truly your own. So grab a pack of little smokies, wrap them in bacon, coat them in brown sugar, and enjoy one of the easiest and tastiest appetizers you’ll ever make!
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Sweet & Smoky Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These brown sugar bacon-wrapped little smokies are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Juicy cocktail sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with caramelized brown sugar, making them an irresistible appetizer for parties, holidays, or game-day snacking. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these bite-sized treats will be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 oz package little smokies sausages
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three pieces
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the bacon into thirds, then wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Place the brown sugar in a large zip-top bag. Add a few bacon-wrapped smokies at a time, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Repeat until all are coated.
- Arrange the smokies on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For best results, use thin-cut bacon to ensure crispiness.
- A wire rack placed on the baking sheet helps excess grease drain, preventing sogginess.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar for a spicy-sweet flavor.
- If making ahead, assemble the smokies and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
