Bacon-wrapped smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! Imagine bite-sized sausages snugly wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture. These little bites are not just a tasty addition to any party; they also evoke memories of cozy gatherings with friends and family. Whether it’s game day, a holiday celebration, or a simple get-together, bacon-wrapped smokies stand out on the table, beckoning everyone to indulge. The combination of flavors and textures, featuring that irresistible crunch of bacon combined with juicy smokies, makes this dish a favorite.

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

What makes this recipe such a winner is how incredibly easy it is to put together. In less than an hour, you can have a plateful of these savory treats ready to impress your guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can bring warmth and satisfaction to your next event. The balance of sweet and spicy will leave everyone reaching for just one more, and trust me, they won’t last long! I can’t wait for you to try this—let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those last-minute get-togethers.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet brown sugar combined with a hint of spice creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those little meat bundles look so fun and festive on a platter, making them the star of the show.
Flexible Serving: Great for parties, game day snacks, or even as a special treat during movie nights.
Budget-Friendly: With only three main ingredients, you can whip this up without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb sliced bacon, cut into thirds: Choose a good-quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon adds extra crunch but can take longer to cook.
1 lb little smokies: These tiny sausages are the heart of this dish. Feel free to choose classic or flavored options like BBQ or cheddar for a twist.
¾ cup brown sugar: This gives the smokies their sweet glaze. Light or dark brown sugar works well—dark will give a richer flavor.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a lovely warmth without making the dish too spicy.
¼ teaspoon paprika: This gives a mild smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and enhances the overall taste.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle hint of heat that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature ensures the bacon gets crispy without burning while allowing the smokies to heat through. Don’t forget to line a large rimmed baking tray with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking!

Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. This sweet and spicy mixture will caramelize beautifully over the smokies. Set it aside—this will be your magic dust!

Wrap Smokies: Take each piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around a little smoky, securing it with a toothpick. Be careful not to wrap them too loosely, or the bacon might unravel during baking. Place each bacon-wrapped smoky on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.

Add Brown Sugar Mixture: Once all the smokies are wrapped, sprinkle half of your brown sugar mixture over the top. This will melt into a delicious glaze as they bake, drawing everyone in with its sweet aroma.

Bake First Side: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking time helps to get the bacon crisping up nicely. When the timer goes off, take them out carefully!

Flip and Finish Baking: Using tongs, flip each smoky over to ensure both sides get that delicious, crispy texture. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture over them and pop them back into the oven for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for that golden brown color and bubbly glaze!

Storing & Reheating

To store your bacon-wrapped smokies, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag—perfect for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the bacon has that wonderful crispiness again. Note that freezing and reheating may change their texture slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the bacon. If it gets too crispy during baking, it can become tough and dry.
Dabble with Flavors: You can swap in different spices or even add some BBQ sauce to the brown sugar for an extra flavor boost.
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard can enhance the experience and offer some dipping fun.
Variations: For a kick, try using spicy jalapeño smokies or wrapping them with turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies a day in advance, cover them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

These bacon-wrapped smokies are both simple to prepare and impressive enough to wow your guests. They’ll love the irresistible combination of flavors and the fun presentation of these delicious bites. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or dipping sauces! Everyone has their twist to add, and you may just uncover your own signature touch along the way.

Recipe FAQs

Are bacon-wrapped smokies gluten-free?

Yes, bacon-wrapped smokies can be gluten-free, as there are gluten-free sausages available. Always check the label of your little smokies to ensure they fit your dietary needs and use gluten-free bacon.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just remove them from the fridge and let them sit for about 15 minutes before baking.

What’s the best way to serve bacon-wrapped smokies?

Serving them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing makes them perfect for parties! Consider adding a selection of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy with these savory bites.

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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 deliver an irresistible combination of flavors with every bite. Featuring smoky sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture, they are perfect for gatherings or a quick, satisfying snack.

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 baking tray with foil, lightly coated with cooking spray.
Combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl, then set aside.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each smoky and secure with a toothpick, placing them on the prepared tray.
Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mix over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the smokies, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mix, and bake for another 15 minutes until bacon is crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add some garlic powder to the brown sugar mixture.
Make sure to use toothpicks to secure the bacon well to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
These can be served with a dipping sauce of your choice for an added zing.