Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate combination of savory and sweet, delivering a delightful surprise that never fails to impress. Each little sausage is enveloped in crispy bacon, perfectly caramelized with brown sugar and a touch of cayenne. The rich, smoky flavor melds beautifully with the sweet BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s irresistibly addictive. Whether it’s game day, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together, these bite-sized treats are sure to be the star of the show.
I still remember the first time I made Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. I was hosting a small gathering for friends and needed something that was easy to prepare yet would have everyone raving. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had struck gold. Watching everyone eagerly pop these smoky bites into their mouths was the best reward. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but yields maximum satisfaction, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a breeze to whip up for unexpected guests or family gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The smoky bacon combined with the sweet brown sugar and spicy cayenne creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These little bites are not only delicious but also fun to serve, making them a perfect finger food for parties and events.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they can fit into any occasion, from tailgating to holiday celebrations.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet while delivering big in flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces little smokies: These bite-sized sausages are the star of the dish, providing a savory base. Opt for beef or pork varieties based on your preference.
- 1 pound bacon regular cut: Regular-cut bacon is best for wrapping; it crisps up nicely while maintaining tenderness. If you prefer less grease, center-cut bacon is a great option.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization. Dark brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust this spice to your liking—it delivers a subtle heat that complements the sweetness, making it a must!
- Pinch black pepper: This enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce divided: Choose a savory BBQ sauce that you love; it wraps everything in a delicious coat of flavor. A smoky or spicy variety works especially well.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature allows the bacon to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring the little smokies are heated through.
- Prepare your baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. This allows for crispy bacon without sticking.
- Mix the seasoning: In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Prep the little smokies: Open the packaging and pat the little smokies dry with paper towels. This ensures that the bacon adheres well and prevents excess moisture during cooking.
- Wrap the sausages: Cut the pound of bacon into thirds. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around each little smokie, securing it with a toothpick. The bacon should fully encase the sausage for maximum flavor.
- Coat with brown sugar mixture: Roll each bacon-wrapped sausage in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. This step is crucial if you want that sweet glaze that caramelizes during cooking.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Lay the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Add BBQ sauce: Brush the tops lightly with about ½ cup of BBQ sauce. This brings in that essential tangy flavor and further helps the sugar caramelize.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and starting to crisp. You’ll know it’s close when your kitchen fills with a heavenly aroma!
- Finish under the broiler: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure they don’t burn. The sauce should bubble and caramelize beautifully.
- Serve warm: Remove the toothpicks if desired before serving. These bites are best enjoyed warm and straight from the oven!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, keep the Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate in a container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure they’re properly sealed. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore their crispiness. However, keep in mind that some texture may be affected after freezing, so refreshing with a quick broil can help.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid sogginess: Make sure to dry the little smokies well before wrapping to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
- Bacon choices: For a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon, although it may yield a different texture.
- Adjusting spice levels: If you like it spicy, add more cayenne or even try a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the wrapped sausages and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
- Flavor boost: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the brown sugar mixture for a custom flavor profile.
When you make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, you’re not just preparing a dish; you’re creating an experience that sparks joy and brings people together. The delightful combination of savory bacon and sweet, spicy goodness is like a warm hug in food form. Whether you serve them at parties, family gatherings, or just as a special treat for yourself, these little bites are bound to impress. So, gather your ingredients, and let the deliciousness unfold. Enjoy every mouthwatering moment!
Recipe FAQs
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
Can I use different sauces instead of BBQ?
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
How do I store leftovers?
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Pot of Gold Jello Shots
- Loaded Chicken Nachos
- Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
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Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer featuring juicy sausages wrapped in crisp bacon, coated in a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture. Ideal for parties or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and simple prep.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces little smokies
- 1 pound bacon regular cut
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- pinch black pepper
- 1 cup bbq sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, then set aside.
- Pat dry the sausages with paper towels after removing them from their packaging.
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds, then wrap each piece around a sausage and secure with a toothpick.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped sausage in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring it adheres, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Lightly brush the tops with about ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
- Bake for around 30 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and begins to crisp.
- Take them out of the oven and brush the remaining BBQ sauce on top. Broil for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn, until the glaze caramelizes and the edges of the bacon crisp up.
- Remove toothpicks before serving if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to match your spice preference.
For extra flavor, marinate the sausages in BBQ sauce for a few hours before wrapping them with bacon.
These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
