These tasty little smokies wrapped in bacon and coated with sweet brown sugar are hard to resist! They make a great snack or appetizer for any gathering.
Honestly, who doesn’t love sweet and salty? I always find myself going back for seconds (or thirds)! Pair them with toothpicks for easy munching and watch them disappear!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These cocktail sausages are the star of the recipe! If you want a healthier option, you can try turkey or chicken smokies. They have a similar taste and texture but are lower in fat.
Bacon: Thin cut bacon works best because it cooks evenly around the smokies. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used, but keep in mind it won’t get quite as crispy or flavorful.
Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar in this recipe. Dark brown sugar has a richer flavor due to its higher molasses content. If you’re out of brown sugar, a mix of white sugar and molasses can be a decent substitute!
Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but you could also use chopped green onions for a different flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler presentation.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crisp Bacon?
Getting crispy bacon around the smokies is key to this dish! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Preheat the oven properly before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure the bacon is thinly sliced; this helps it crisp up as it cooks.
- Space the smokies apart on the baking sheet; this allows hot air to circulate and crispen the bacon.
- Turn the smokies halfway through baking for even doneness.
- If you like extra crispy bacon, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to prevent burning!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 1 package (12 oz) bacon strips (thin cut)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. Allow some extra time if you’re broiling for extra crispiness. So, overall, you can have this delicious appetizer ready to serve in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This little step makes it simpler when it’s time to clean up afterward!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take your package of bacon and cut each slice into thirds. This will give you the perfect length to wrap around each little smokie snugly. It’s like giving each one a cozy blanket!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now grab a little smokie and wrap it up tightly with a piece of bacon. If you need to, you can use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, but usually, it sticks pretty well on its own.
4. Sugar Coating:
Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in brown sugar. Press lightly to make sure the sugar coats it nicely and sticks. This is where the magic happens — the sweetness will caramelize as it bakes!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your bacon-wrapped smokies seam side down on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them slightly apart so they get the heat evenly. We want each one to be perfectly cooked!
6. Bake Away:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn the smokies over halfway through baking for that even crispiness. You want the bacon nice and crispy!
7. Broiling Tip (Optional):
If you want that extra crunch, you can broil the smokies for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just watch them closely—no one wants burnt bacon!
8. Finishing Touches:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you like, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a fun salty contrast!
9. Garnish:
For a colorful presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. It just makes everything look more appetizing, don’t you think?
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve those warm little smokies with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Let your guests indulge in this delicious sweet and smoky treat. They won’t be able to resist!
Enjoy the irresistible combo of sweet brown sugar and smoky bacon wrapped around juicy little smokies! Perfect for parties, game days, or just because!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind it may not get as crispy as traditional pork bacon. To enhance flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce when wrapping the little smokies.
How Should I Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain the bacon’s crispiness!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies and place them on the baking sheet, then refrigerate them before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and bake for a few extra minutes if needed.
What Can I Serve with Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
These smokies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them alongside dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for added flavor. Pair with a fresh salad or veggie platter for a balanced bite!
