Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that can elevate any gathering, from game day parties to cozy family get-togethers. These delightful bites feature smoky little sausages enveloped in crispy, savory bacon, glazed with a brown sugar rub that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Perfectly poppable, they disappear quickly off the plate, leaving guests asking for more. With just a handful of ingredients, they are simple to whip up and offer flavors that far exceed their humble appearance.

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

I still remember the first time I made these luscious Bacon Wrapped Smokies for a friend’s potluck. The fanfare they received was astonishing; everyone raved about their irresistible bite-sized charm. It’s hard not to enjoy the crispy texture of bacon paired with the rich, juicy smokiness of the sausages. If you’re looking for a delicious and uncomplicated dish to impress your friends and family, look no further! I can’t wait for you to try these—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, these are a breeze to prepare.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and smoky bacon is downright addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their shiny, caramelized finish makes them impossible to resist at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or as party finger food.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients to accommodate various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb sliced bacon cut into thirds: The key ingredient that adds savory flavor and rich, crispy texture; it’s recommended to use thick-sliced bacon for the best results.
1 lb little smokies: These bite-sized sausages are the star of the dish, providing a deliciously smoky flavor. You can use either beef or pork smokies depending on your preference.
¾ cup brown sugar: This sweetener caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sticky, sweet glaze. Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark offers a more robust flavor.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a touch of heat to balance the sweetness; feel free to adjust to your spice tolerance.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the flavor profile.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A dash of this seasoning rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat the oven: First, set your oven to 350°F. This temperature will allow the bacon to cook evenly while the sugar caramelizes beautifully. While it preheats, line a large rimmed baking tray with foil and give it a light coating of cooking spray to help with cleanup later.

Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently until everything is well combined, then set the bowl aside—you’ll use this to sprinkle over the smokies shortly.

Wrap the smokies: Take a piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around one little smoky, leaving a bit of the ends exposed. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, then place it on the prepared baking tray. Repeat this wrapping process with the remaining smoky sausages and bacon until your tray is filled. It’s satisfying to see them all lined up, ready for the oven!

Add the sugar mixture: Once all your smokies are wrapped, sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over them, making sure each one gets a fair coating. The sugar will melt and create a delicious glaze as they bake.

Bake and flip: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this initial bake, flip each smoky over gently, then sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Return them to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the edges are bubbling and caramelized. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store these bacon-wrapped beauties at room temperature for about two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and the bacon feels crispy again. Be mindful that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but they’ll still be bursting with flavor!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the bacon by keeping an eye on them in the oven to ensure they don’t become overly crisp.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the little smokies in barbecue sauce or honey before wrapping them in bacon.
Use wooden toothpicks soaked in water before securing the bacon to prevent them from burning in the oven.
If you find that some pieces of bacon start to uncurl while baking, simply adjust them back into place with a gentle touch.
These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for a fresh crunch!

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are not only a treat for the taste buds, but they also remind us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. The sweet and spicy elements blend perfectly with the saltiness, creating a balance that everyone loves. Do experiment with different spice mixtures or marinades to customize them to your taste. With each batch, you’ll discover new combinations that make your gatherings even more delightful. So, grab some bacon and little smokies, and let the deliciousness unfold!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative. However, keep in mind that turkey bacon may not become as crispy as regular bacon. You might have to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Are these smokies gluten-free?

Most little smokies contain gluten, as many brands use fillers that may not be gluten-free. Check the label of your specific brand to determine if they fit your dietary needs.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a delightful smoky flavor. Simply preheat your grill and cook them on medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the sugars caramelize.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves approximately 6 people as an appetizer, but they can easily disappear quickly at gatherings. Consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd!

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delightful treat featuring smokies wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a sweet and spicy brown sugar mix. This easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining and sure to impress your guests with its flavorful simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking tray with foil, lightly coating it with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each little smokie, securing with a toothpick, and place them on the prepared tray.
Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the wrapped smokies.
Bake for 15 minutes, flip each smokie, add the remaining brown sugar mixture, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice levels if you prefer a milder flavor.
These can be prepared in advance; just bake them right before serving for freshness.
For a twist, try adding a bit of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.