Name: Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Sweet Brown Sugar Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 package Little Smokies (These flavorful cocktail sausages form the meaty foundation of the dish.); 1 pound Bacon (Opt for center-cut bacon for less grease while still ensuring crispy goodness.); 1/2 cup Butter (This creates a rich glaze that enhances the delicious flavors of the bacon and sausages.); 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (It adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized finish.)

The first time I pulled a tray of Bacon Wrapped Smokies from the oven, the sweet, smoky aroma filled every corner of my kitchen and signaled the start of a memorable gathering. These little bite-sized treasures quickly became a family favorite, combining crispy bacon with a luscious brown sugar glaze that dances on your taste buds. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time, making them the perfect solution for impromptu get-togethers or game day celebrations.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or just treat yourself to a delicious snack, Bacon Wrapped Smokies are your answer. Imagine a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors, all wrapped up neatly in a crispy bacon shell. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Grab your apron and let’s dive into creating this crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Why are Bacon Wrapped Smokies irresistible?

Simplicity at Its Best: With only four ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Savory-Sweet Harmony: Experience the perfect balance of smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These bite-sized snacks are always a favorite at parties, ensuring you’ll be the star of any gathering!
Versatile Treat: Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings or dips, like spicy chili sauce or tangy blue cheese dressing, for a unique twist.
Quick Prep Time: Ready in just over half an hour, you can relax and enjoy the party without stressing about your appetizer!

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ingredients

• Ready to make delicious Bacon Wrapped Smokies? Here’s what you’ll need!

For the Smokies

Little Smokies – These flavorful cocktail sausages form the meaty foundation of the dish.
Bacon – Opt for center-cut bacon for less grease while still ensuring crispy goodness.

For the Glaze

Butter – This creates a rich glaze that enhances the delicious flavors of the bacon and sausages.
Light Brown Sugar – It adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized finish; you can substitute it with a lower-calorie sweetener if desired.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to warm up while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures an even bake for those delightful bacon wrapped smokies!
Cut the bacon: Take your strips of bacon and slice them into thirds. This will be the perfect size to wrap around each little smokie, providing that delightful crispy layer.
Wrap each smokie: Grab a piece of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie, tucking the ends underneath. Arrange them in a baking dish with the bacon ends facing down for a neat appearance.
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, mix in half of the brown sugar until well combined, and then pour this delicious mixture over the wrapped sausages, ensuring each one is coated.
Add the final touch: Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of the bacon-wrapped smokies for that sweet kick and caramelization.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. For an extra crispy finish, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5 minutes.

Optional: Serve warm with spicy dipping sauce for an extra flavor burst!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance for a quick, delicious snack ready to go. Simply wrap each little smokie with bacon and arrange them in a baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. To maintain quality and ensure those smoky flavors shine through, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. When ready to serve, make the glaze as per the recipe and pour it over your assembled dish, then bake as directed. You’ll be rewarded with restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making your gathering even more enjoyable!

Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Sugar Technique: Roll the wrapped sausages in brown sugar instead of just sprinkling it for better adherence and caramelization.
Bacon Choice: Go for center-cut bacon to reduce excess grease, keeping your Bacon Wrapped Smokies crispy without an oily texture.
Cleanup Made Easy: Line your baking dish with aluminum foil before baking; this makes cleanup a breeze after the party.
Stay Warm: To keep the bacon wrapped smokies warm during gatherings, transport them in a slow cooker set to ‘warm’—perfect for grazing!
Make Ahead Option: Assemble your Bacon Wrapped Smokies ahead of time without the brown sugar, refrigerate, and sprinkle sugar on before baking for a convenient treat.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Smokies?

Elevate your gathering with delightful pairings that complement these sweet and savory morsels.

Spicy Chili Sauce: A perfect kick that balances the sweetness of the smoked bacon, adding depth to each bite.
Creamy Ranch Dip: This cool, tangy dip provides a refreshing contrast, enhancing the smoky flavor of the appetizers.
Mini Pretzel Bites: Their chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the crispy bacon, creating a fun snacking experience.
Veggie Platter: Crisp bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, rounding out the richness of the bacon.
Cheese Board: Include a selection of sharp cheddar and creamy brie; the creamy flavors with the savory smokies are simply magical.
Fruit Skewers: Sweet fruits like grapes and pineapple can help cleanse the palate, offering a burst of freshness alongside the rich indulgence.
Sparkling Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, this bubbly drink pairs well with the sweetness of the dish, making each bite feel festive.
Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, offer a chocolate experience; the rich sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon wrapped snacks.
Craft Beer: A light, hoppy beer can balance the flavors, while its crispness cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store and Freeze Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Fridge: Store your Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bacon wrapped appetizers for up to 1 month. Make sure they are in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw the frozen Bacon Wrapped Smokies in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20 minutes.
Wrap Tips: If you are storing before baking, you can prepare them without the brown sugar, refrigerate, and add sugar just before cooking for fresh-off-the-oven flavor!

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these Bacon Wrapped Smokies your own with fun twists that excite your taste buds!

Cheesy Delight: Add a cube of cheese inside the bacon wrap for a gooey surprise. This extra layer of flavor takes these snacks to the next level.
Pineapple Twist: Pair each smokie with a pineapple chunk before wrapping them in bacon. This sweet and savory combination brings a tropical flair.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños on top of the brown sugar for a spicy finish. This well-rounded heat balances the sweetness beautifully.
Maple Magic: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup to give a delightful sweet and savory profile. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it caramelizes just right.
Herbed Flavor: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the brown sugar mix. It elevates the flavor with aromatic notes that’ll impress your guests!
Bacon Alternatives: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead. It will still deliver crispiness and flavor while reducing fat content.
Lazy Day Prep: Assemble ahead of time and bake straight from the fridge. No need to sacrifice flavor for speed!
Sticky Soy Glaze: Mix soy sauce with the brown sugar for a touch of umami and drizzle over the wrapped smokies before baking for a deeper flavor profile.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right bacon for my Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using center-cut bacon. It has a good balance of fat and meat which helps achieve a crispy texture without becoming overly greasy. Plus, it wraps around the little smokies perfectly, providing that savory goodness we all love!

What’s the best way to store leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Great question! Store your Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to reheat them, simply pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture and delightful flavor!

Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, arrange the Bacon Wrapped Smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20 minutes.

How can I customize my Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
The more the merrier when it comes to creativity! Try adding a small piece of cheese or a pineapple chunk before wrapping the smokies. You can also experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or cayenne pepper to add a kick. Just remember to keep those flavor balances in mind to enjoy the sweet and savory mix!

What should I do if my bacon doesn’t crisp up properly?
No worries! It can happen sometimes. For extra crispiness, make sure to space the bacon-wrapped smokies apart in the baking dish, allowing hot air to circulate. If they still aren’t crispy enough after baking, you can turn up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—everyone loves crisp, but burnt is a different story!

Are there any dietary considerations for feeding guests who might have allergies?
Very! Since this recipe primarily uses bacon and sausages, it’s important to check with your guests regarding any allergies or dietary restrictions, especially if they are sensitive to pork. You can easily substitute with turkey bacon or chicken sausages to make a more inclusive appetizer for everyone to enjoy. Always better to ask and make everyone feel welcome!