Crispy Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer: Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze. This incredibly popular recipe delivers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, creating an irresistible bite-sized snack that’s ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a sophisticated cocktail event, or simply craving a delicious late-night treat, these little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar mixture are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a go-to choice for effortless entertaining.

Sweet and Savory Perfection: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Is there anything more satisfying than enjoying a festive occasion or a cozy evening surrounded by good company and incredible food? We certainly don’t think so, and these bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies are the epitome of delicious simplicity. They offer an impressive presentation that will have your guests raving, yet they require minimal effort to assemble, making them a dream come true for any host.

The magic lies in the delightful contrast of flavors and textures: the smoky, salty crunch of perfectly cooked bacon, the juicy tenderness of the cocktail sausages, and the sweet, sticky caramelization of the brown sugar glaze with a subtle kick of chili. This combination elevates a simple ingredient into an extraordinary appetizer. All you need to do is wrap the mini sausages in bacon, toss them in our special sweet and spicy brown sugar blend, and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy-peasy process that yields truly oh-so-yummy results!

Mastering the Ingredients for Unforgettable Bites

Crafting the perfect batch of bacon wrapped smokies starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for variations:

• Lil Smokies: These delightful mini sausages are the heart of our appetizer. You’ll find several brands and varieties available in the cured meats section of your grocery store, usually near hot dogs and bacon. Any type will work wonderfully, including classic pork, beef, or even cheddar-filled versions for an extra cheesy burst. A standard 14-ounce package typically contains about 40 individual Lil Smokies, which is perfect for a crowd. Their small size makes them ideal for bite-sized snacks, ensuring they cook quickly and are easy to handle.
• Bacon: The star that holds everything together and adds incredible flavor and texture. You can use your favorite brand and type of bacon for this recipe. Regular sliced bacon works best, but thin-cut will crisp up even faster. For best results and even cooking, ensure you cut each slice into three smaller, manageable pieces. This not only makes wrapping easier but also guarantees that each piece of bacon gets wonderfully crispy without becoming overly chewy. Avoid overly thick-cut bacon, as it may take longer to cook and crisp up sufficiently.
• Chili Powder: This spice provides a warm, earthy undertone and a gentle heat that beautifully complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. It’s essential for achieving that signature sweet-and-spicy balance. If you prefer a more pronounced kick, feel free to substitute a portion or all of the chili powder with cayenne pepper. For an added layer of savory depth, a touch of garlic powder can also be a fantastic addition, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: The key to the irresistible glaze that makes these smokies shine. We typically opt for light brown sugar, which provides a delicate molasses flavor and caramelizes beautifully. However, dark brown sugar can be used for a richer, deeper molasses note. The sugar melts and coats the bacon and smokies, creating a glistening, sticky, and slightly chewy exterior that’s absolutely addictive.
• Pineapple (Optional): While not strictly necessary, serving your Bacon Wrapped Smokies on small chunks of fresh pineapple adds a fantastic burst of juicy sweetness and acidity. This bright fruit perfectly cuts through the richness of the bacon and smokies, offering a refreshing contrast and elevating the presentation. Simply cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks and use them as a bed for your cooked smokies. Other fruit options like apple slices or even a small dollop of apricot jam can also work wonders.
• Toothpicks: An indispensable tool for securing the bacon around each Lil Smokie. Standard wooden toothpicks are ideal for baking. Avoid plastic toothpicks, as they can melt in the oven. If you’re concerned about the wooden toothpicks potentially charring or drying out during baking, a simple trick is to soak them in water for about 10 minutes just before wrapping. This brief soak helps them withstand the oven’s heat better.

Crafting Your Sweet & Savory Delight: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfectly glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the sticky brown sugar from adhering to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Wrap in Bacon: Take your bacon slices and cut each one into three equal segments. This ensures a perfect bacon-to-smokie ratio for even cooking and crispiness. Next, meticulously wrap one piece of bacon around each Lil Smokie. Secure the bacon tightly by piercing a wooden toothpick through the center of the wrapped smokie. Ensure the toothpick goes through both ends of the bacon and the smokie to keep everything in place during baking.
3. Create the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small, shallow bowl, combine the chili powder (or cayenne pepper, if you prefer more heat) with the light brown sugar. Use a fork or whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients until well combined. This is your sweet and spicy glaze.
4. Coat with Glaze: One by one, roll each bacon-wrapped Lil Smokie in the prepared brown sugar mixture. Make sure each smokie is generously coated on all sides. The sugar will cling to the bacon, creating a delicious crust as it bakes.
5. Arrange and Bake: Carefully place the sugar-coated, bacon-wrapped smokies onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one to allow for even air circulation and crisping. Bake in the preheated 400-degree F oven for approximately 15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon. You’ll know they’re perfectly done when the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the brown sugar mixture has melted and caramelized into a glistening, sticky glaze.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the Bacon Wrapped Smokies to cool for just a couple of minutes. This brief resting period helps the caramelization set and makes them easier to handle. For an added touch of freshness and flavor, place each Bacon Wrapped Smokie onto a small chunk of fresh pineapple before serving. Present them warm, and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips for Flawless Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Elevate your appetizer game with these pro tips and tricks:

• Bacon Thickness Matters: Cutting the bacon into thirds is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and become crispier faster, preventing the bacon from remaining chewy while the smokies cook through.
• The Best Baking Surface: While a baking dish can work, lining your large baking sheet with parchment paper is highly recommended. It not only ensures easy cleanup (preventing the caramelized sugar from sticking) but also promotes more even browning and crisping of the bacon.
• Prevent Toothpick Charring: If you’re at all concerned about wooden toothpicks getting too dry or charring in the oven, simply presoak them in water for about 10 minutes before use. Drain them well on a paper towel before piercing your smokies.
• Spice It Up Your Way: For those who love extra heat, substitute chili powder with cayenne powder for a more fiery kick. These delectable bites also taste fantastic with a few pinches of garlic powder or smoked paprika mixed into the brown sugar for added depth of flavor. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
• Doneness Cues: Keep an eye on the bacon – it should be visibly crisp and golden brown. The sugar mixture should be bubbly and caramelized, turning into a sticky, glossy coating. If your bacon isn’t crisping enough, you can briefly place the tray under the broiler for a minute or two (watch carefully to prevent burning).
• Air Fryer Option: For an even quicker and potentially crispier result, these can be cooked in an air fryer! Arrange the smokies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crispy and sugar is caramelized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Your Quick Guide to Success

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Appetizers

Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy these tasty bites even after the party is over:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Once your Bacon Wrapped Smokies have fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Best Way to Reheat: For the best results, reheat leftover smokies in a preheated 350-degree F (175-degree C) oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the bacon has crisped up again. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it can make the bacon soggy.
• Freezing for Future Feasts: You can conveniently freeze unbaked Bacon Wrapped Smokies! After wrapping them in bacon and securing with toothpicks (but before coating with brown sugar), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, remove them directly from the freezer, toss immediately in the brown sugar mixture, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the total cooking time to account for them being frozen.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe

These bacon wrapped smokies with a delightful brown sugar glaze are the quintessential appetizer, perfect for any gathering from game day to elegant cocktail parties, or even a simple at-home treat. They boast a balanced profile of sweet and savory with a hint of spice, making them an undisputed crowd-pleaser.

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Yields: 12 people

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon, each cut into 3 smaller segments
• 14 ounces Lil Smokies (approx. 40 mini sausages)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne for extra heat)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large pineapple, cut into 1″ chunks (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• 40 wooden toothpicks
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each Lil Smokie and secure it tightly with a wooden toothpick through the center.
3. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder with the brown sugar. Roll each bacon-wrapped Lil Smokie in this brown sugar mixture until well coated.
4. Arrange the coated smokies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each one for even cooking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the sugar mixture has melted and caramelized into a sticky glaze.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. For a delightful serving presentation and flavor balance, place each Bacon Wrapped Smokie onto a piece of fresh pineapple. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350-degree F (175-degree C) oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until fully warmed through and the bacon is crispy again.
• Make-ahead tips: To get a head start, you can wrap the Lil Smokies in bacon and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the freezer and immediately toss them in the brown sugar mixture. Bake as directed, but add about 5-7 minutes to the total cooking time since they are frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only. Actual values may vary.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

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These Bacon Wrapped Smokies with their irresistible brown sugar glaze are truly an easy-peasy and oh-so-yummy treat. Their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes them a guaranteed hit at any event. Go ahead, give them a try, and prepare for rave reviews!