Name: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sliced bacon; 1 lb little smokies; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Party Snack

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Smokies

There’s nothing quite like the smell of bacon-wrapped smokies wafting through the air, creating an irresistible invitation for friends and family to gather around. Imagine sinking your teeth into the crispy, caramelized bacon, giving way to a juicy little smoky filled with flavor. Each bite is an exciting explosion of sweet and savory goodness, creating a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s game day, a festive holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these treats are sure to steal the show.

I remember the first time I made bacon-wrapped smokies for a gathering; the laughter, chatter, and compliments poured in with every bite. The vibrant energy in the room punctuated by those delightful flavors still fills me with joy. It’s the perfect season for cozy gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with these crowd-pleasers? Get ready to impress your guests with this easy recipe – they won’t be able to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake – perfect for a last-minute snack!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite has that fantastic balance of crispy bacon and tender, smoky sausage.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These tiny bundles of joy are as cute as they are delicious; they’re sure to be a hit at any party.
Flexible Serving: Great for snacks, parties, or even brunch – they fit any occasion perfectly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Thinking about making them gluten-free? Substitute with gluten-free bacon and sausages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb sliced bacon: Use standard cut bacon for the best balance of crispiness and flavor. Thicker bacon can lead to uneven cooking, while thinner bacon may burn easily. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon works too.
1 lb little smokies: These cocktail sausages bring the flavor and are traditionally used in this recipe. You can swap them for vegetarian options if you’re looking for something plant-based.
¾ cup brown sugar: This adds a sweet note that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar. If you’re out, coconut sugar can make a fine substitute.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: This spice adds a subtle kick that enhances all the other flavors. If you want a milder version, you can reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Smoky paprika deepens the overall taste profile. Feel free to use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper rounds out the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, grab a large rimmed baking tray and line it with aluminum foil. This will help catch any drippings and make cleanup a breeze. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking – nobody wants their delicious smokies stuck to the tray!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. This spice blend will give your **bacon-wrapped smokies** their signature kick and sweet glaze. Set this aside to have it ready for later; the more time those flavors mingle, the better!

Wrap Each Smoky: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each little smoky. Aim for a snug fit but avoid wrapping it too tightly, as you want the bacon to crisp up nicely. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep everything in place, then lay each piece on the prepared baking tray. Repeat until all your smokies are wrapped and ready for their flavorful journey.

Sprinkle with Sugar Mixture: Once all your smokies are lined up on the tray, sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over them. This will create a beautiful caramelized glaze as they bake. It’s a sweet promise of even more deliciousness to come!

Bake Until Golden: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that initial time, carefully flip each smoky over, sprinkle with the rest of the brown sugar mixture, and bake for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the bacon gets crispy and golden – you’ll know they’re done when they’re bubbling around the edges and look utterly irresistible!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have any bacon-wrapped smokies leftovers, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s better to refrigerate them if possible. Place them in an airtight container, where they can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until they’re heated through; however, remember that the bacon might lose some of its original crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoidwasting bacon or sausages by ensuring even wrapping. If you notice any unevenness, it’s easy to fix before baking.
For a crisper outcome, consider cooking the bacon slightly before wrapping the smokies. This will help avoid any potential rubbery texture from the baking process.
If you’re having trouble with the bacon not sticking, using two toothpicks can help provide extra grip.
Feel free to experiment with different spices! Adding garlic powder or chili powder can elevate the flavors even more.
Make-ahead option: You can prepare everything up to the baking step a day in advance; just store in the fridge and pop it in the oven the next day.

Whether you’re preparing for a grand event or simply indulging in a cozy evening with friends, these bacon-wrapped smokies are a joyful addition to any table. Not only are they simple to make, but the combination of sweet and savory flavors is bound to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to get a little creative with spices or even dipping sauces to personalize your experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your bacon-wrapped smokies and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap to keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven and enjoy!

What are little smokies?

Little smokies are cocktail sausages that are typically made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats. They come fully cooked, making them perfect for quick appetizers. You can find them in the deli or frozen meats section of your grocery store.

Can I freeze bacon-wrapped smokies?

Yes, they freeze really well! Just assemble them and bake as directed. Once cooled, let them freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Enjoy them within three months for the best flavor.

What should I serve with these smokies?

These delicious bacon-wrapped smokies pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even ranch dressing. For a full spread, consider adding veggie trays, chips, or a charcuterie board for your guests to enjoy!

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are irresistibly flavorful, combining crispy bacon and juicy little sausages. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this simple recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish your guests will adore.

Ingredients

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1 lb sliced bacon
1 lb little smokies
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Combine brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl.
Wrap each little smoky with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the wrapped smokies.
Bake for 15 minutes, flip them, sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture, and bake for another 15 minutes.

Notes

For extra crispiness, partially cook the bacon before wrapping.
Feel free to use gluten-free bacon and sausages for dietary needs.
You can prepare the dish up to the baking step a day in advance.