Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon wrapped smokies are nothing short of irresistible little bites of joy. Imagine a perfectly browned, crispy piece of bacon hugging a juicy, smoky sausage. The moment you pop one into your mouth, your taste buds dance with delight as the savory flavors harmonize beautifully. This delicious appetizer is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a nostalgic treat that often makes an appearance at gatherings, parties, and football watch events. If you’re seeking an effortless yet impressive dish that can be whipped up in under an hour, look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Smokies.
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I first stumbled across this gem at a family party years ago and immediately fell in love. The tantalizing aroma of bacon wafting through the air drew me in. Watching everyone gather around the platter, eagerly reaching for these flavorful morsels sparked something special. It was clear: there was something magical about how something so simple could unite friends and family over a shared snack. Now, I’m excited to share this easy-to-make recipe with you, so you can spread that joy too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook—perfect for those last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The pairing of sweet brown sugar and spicy cayenne pepper creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Cute and Fun: These little bites not only taste great but look adorable on any platter, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Versatile Snacking: Ideal for a game day snack, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave something savory and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb sliced bacon, cut into thirds: This is the star ingredient! Choose thick-cut bacon for a better texture and more flavor.
- 1 lb little smokies: These already-cooked sausages are what add that delicious smokiness to the dish. You could substitute with cocktail sausages if needed.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: The sweetness from the brown sugar caramelizes during baking, enhancing the bacon’s flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: This adds a kick! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: This gives a mild smokiness and vibrant color to your dish.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to round out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil to catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze, then lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Set this beautiful mixture aside as it will provide that incredible sweet-spicy glaze.
Wrap the Smokies: Take a piece of sliced bacon and wrap it around one of the little smokies, making sure to cover it completely. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, then carefully position it on the prepared tray. Repeat this process until you’ve wrapped all the smokies; the thrill of seeing them lined up is part of the fun!
Add the Sugar Mixture: Generously sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of sweetness.
Bake Until Delicious: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this initial bake, flip each smoky over, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture, and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon achieves that perfect crispy texture. You’ll want to pull them out when they are golden brown and slightly bubbling—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Storing & Reheating
To keep any leftover bacon wrapped smokies, store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. If you need to refrigerate them, place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze these delights for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind, reheating may alter the texture slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid bacon that’s too thin; thick-cut will provide a better texture contrast and hold up against the smokies.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or add some hot sauce to the brown sugar mixture.
- Prepping ahead? You can wrap the smokies and refrigerate them without baking. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
- If using a metal baking tray, check halfway through to ensure your bacon isn’t cooking too quickly; you want evenly crisped edges.
- For a different flavor profile, try mixing in some maple syrup for an even sweeter glaze!
Bacon wrapped smokies are not just a delightful treat; they’re an experience wrapped in crispy goodness. Combining sweet and savory elements creates a flavor journey every time! Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or simply treating yourself on a weekend, these little bites are bound to impress. You’ll savor each smoky morsel, so don’t hesitate to experiment a little with the ingredients; maybe even add some cheese to the mix for an extra surprise!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make bacon wrapped smokies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them by wrapping the smokies in bacon and even applying the brown sugar mixture. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, follow the same cooking instructions, adding a few minutes to the baking time as they will be coming from the fridge.
Can I substitute the bacon for turkey bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon if you’re looking for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ. Turkey bacon has less fat, so it may not crisp up quite as nicely or provide the same depth of flavor, but it will still be tasty!
How can I make these smokies spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the sugar mixture. You could also try adding some chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra burst of spice, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
What can I serve with bacon wrapped smokies?
These delicious bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. They also complement a fresh veggie platter, alongside some tangy pickles or olives. Enjoy them with your favorite drink for a complete experience!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Sweet Potato Tots
- Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake
- Dr. Seuss Truffula Tree Pretzel Rods to Delight Kids!
- Classic coleslaw recipes
- Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves
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📖 Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are an irresistible appetizer with smoky flavor, sweet brown sugar, and spicy seasoning. They’re simple to prepare and great for entertaining!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced bacon cut into thirds
- 1 lb little smokies
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Wrap each piece of smokie with bacon, securing with a toothpick, and place on the prepared tray.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the smokies, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture, and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the smokies for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
Make sure to cover the baking tray with foil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoky
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
