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Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Juicy cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce—irresistible bites that everyone will love!

bacon-wrapped-smokies

If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer that will disappear in minutes, these Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are the way to go! Juicy little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet, savory glaze—this bite-sized treat is perfect for game days, holiday parties, or any gathering.

little-smokie-center

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon
  • 16-ounce package of little smokies
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Toothpicks
little-smokies-on-a-tray

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top. This will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely as the fat drips down.
  • Cut each bacon strip into thirds. This size is usually perfect for wrapping around the little smokies.
  • Take one little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, piercing through both ends to hold it in place. Repeat with the remaining smokies and bacon.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-coated for a sweet and spicy flavor.
  • Place the coated smokies on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other even when cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These bacon-wrapped little smokies are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  • Crispier Bacon: Use a wire rack over your baking sheet to allow the fat to drip off, which ensures your bacon stays crispy. You can also broil the smokies for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get extra crispness.
  • Prevent Sticky Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. The brown sugar can caramelize and stick to the pan, so this step is a must.
  • Adjust the Spice: If you’re serving these for a crowd with varying spice preferences, you can adjust the cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor.
  • Try Different Toppings: For a fun twist, sprinkle the tops with finely grated Parmesan or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup just before serving for added sweetness.
  • Double Batch for Big Crowds: These tend to disappear fast at parties! If you’re expecting a large crowd, make a double batch and keep them warm in a slow cooker after baking. This way, they’ll stay warm and ready for snacking.
  • Toothpick Alternative: If you don’t have toothpicks on hand, you can place the wrapped smokies seam-side down on the wire rack, and the bacon will stay in place as it cooks.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the smokies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just roll them in the brown sugar mixture right before baking for best results.
bacon-wrapped-smokies-on-a-plate

FAQs about Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Absolutely! Turkey bacon or even flavored bacon like maple or peppered bacon can be used for a different taste. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.

Yes, Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies can be made in an air fryer. Cook them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

After baking, you can transfer the little smokies to a slow cooker set on “warm.” This will keep them at the perfect temperature for serving, especially if you’re making a large batch for a party.

The spice level depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne. If you like extra heat, you can increase the cayenne or add a pinch of chili flakes.

These make a fantastic stand-alone appetizer, but they also pair well with other party snacks like dips, veggie trays, or cheese boards. You can also serve them with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch for extra flavor.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick snack.

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the brown sugar entirely or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative. The bacon will still crisp up nicely, but you’ll miss the caramelized glaze.

bacon-wrapped-smokies
bacon-wrapped-smokies

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

These Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Juicy cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce—irresistible bites that everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon
  • 16-ounce package of little smokies
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top. This will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely as the fat drips down.
  2. Cut each bacon strip into thirds. This size is usually perfect for wrapping around the little smokies.
  3. Take one little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, piercing through both ends to hold it in place. Repeat with the remaining smokies and bacon.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for spice. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-coated for a sweet and spicy flavor.
  5. Place the coated smokies on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
  7. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These bacon-wrapped little smokies are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 428Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1155mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 21g

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