There’s something utterly satisfying about the combination of crispy bacon and smoky, tender sausages. When I first tried these Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter at a friend’s gathering, I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure! With just four simple ingredients, they stand out as the ultimate appetizer that will have your guests clamoring for more. Perfect for any occasion—be it game day, holiday feasts, or a cozy family night—this dish balances the salty goodness of bacon with a rich, sweet glaze that elevates it to snack heaven.
Trust me, these bites will be devoured faster than you can say “more, please!” The secret is in the effortless preparation; they come together in minutes and bring a delightful burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. So, let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that guarantees to impress everyone at your next gathering or simply for a heartwarming night in!
Why are Bacon Wrapped Smokies so irresistible?
Simplicity at Its Best: With only four ingredients, you’ll love how quick and easy these bites come together without sacrificing flavor.
Savory-Sweet Delight: The magical blend of crispy bacon, tender sausages, and that luscious brown sugar glaze results in an unforgettable taste experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for any occasion, these appetizers will be a hit at parties, game nights, and family gatherings alike.
Customize Your Dish: Feel free to experiment—add cheese or pineapple chunks for a unique twist that matches your personal taste!
Effortless Cleanup: Lining your baking dish with foil means you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying these delicious bites.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet delectable recipe that puts a fun spin on traditional appetizers!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ingredients
• Gather everything you need for these delightful appetizers!
For the Smokies
- Lit’l Smokies – These small cocktail sausages provide a savory base; any cocktail sausage can work as a substitute.
- Bacon – Center-cut bacon is best for a less greasy bite while delivering a deliciously crispy outer layer.
For the Glaze
- Butter – Adds a rich, indulgent flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Light Brown Sugar – This sweet ingredient brings a lovely caramel flavor; you can swap it with a brown sugar substitute for a lighter option.
Get ready to enjoy these Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter that are sure to delight!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
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Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your Bacon Wrapped Smokies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
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Prepare Bacon: Next, cut your bacon strips into thirds. This size is just right to wrap around the Little Smokies without overwhelming the flavor.
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Wrap Sausages: Take each Lit’l Smoky and wrap it snugly with a piece of bacon, placing the bacon ends down in a baking dish. For an extra touch, you can secure them with toothpicks if you like!
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Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then mix in half of the light brown sugar until it’s smooth and well combined. Pour this luscious glaze over the wrapped Smokies, making sure they’re generously coated.
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Add Remaining Sugar: Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar on top of the wrapped Smokies, allowing the sweetness to caramelize beautifully as they bake.
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Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. For an added crunch, increase the heat to 400°F and bake for another 5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Optional: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your brown sugar mix!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Bacon Wrapped Smokies
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Fridge: Store the Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen or refrigerated at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
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Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Bacon Wrapped Smokies a day in advance, refrigerate them without the glaze, and add the brown sugar mix just before baking.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save valuable time during busy weeks! You can assemble the Smokies up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap each Lit’l Smoky with bacon and refrigerate them in an airtight container. For the best results, hold off on adding the brown sugar glaze until just before baking, as this prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture over the wrapped sausages, bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, then increase the heat to 400°F for an additional 5 minutes. With these easy make-ahead options, you’ll have delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizers ready with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Smokies
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Prep Ahead: Assemble your Bacon Wrapped Smokies a day in advance without the glaze, cover, and refrigerate. Add the sugar just before baking for effortless entertaining.
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Toothpick Trick: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends if you’re concerned about unwrapping during baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar topping by half; you can still achieve delightful flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
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Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, make sure each Bacon Wrapped Smoky is similarly wrapped and placed in a single layer in the baking dish.
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Sticky Glaze: To keep the glaze from caramelizing too quickly, avoid opening the oven door during the first half of baking. This allows the sugar to melt beautifully!
Indulge in these expert tips to elevate your Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter into the star of your next gathering!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies Serving Suggestions
Let your Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter shine by pairing them with delightful accompaniments!
Elevate your serving game and create a fantastic smorgasbord that will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills.
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Dipping sauces: Serve with chili sauce or tangy barbecue sauce for an extra flavor boost. A zesty ranch or blue cheese dressing can add a creamy contrast!
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Charcuterie board: Combine these bites with assorted cheeses, olives, and crackers for a stylish appetizer spread. It makes for an impressive visual and flavor experience!
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Breakfast charcuterie: For a brunch twist, pile these Smokies onto a breakfast board alongside fresh fruit, mini pancakes, and whipped cream for dipping.
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Side items: Serve with accordion potatoes or crispy tater tots for a satisfying texture contrast. Their crunch pairs perfectly with the smoky, tender sausages!
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Cocktail pairing: Consider serving these delightful bites with mimosas or a fruity punch, enhancing the party atmosphere while keeping things festive.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Bacon Wrapped Smokies will always steal the spotlight at any gathering!
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar?
Creating the perfect meal means complementing those irresistible bites with delightful sides and treats. Let’s explore some fantastic pairings that will elevate your dining experience!
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Chili Sauce: This spicy dip balances the sweetness of the bacon and brown sugar, adding an exciting kick.
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Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing: Its rich and tangy profile pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors, ideal for dipping.
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Accordion Potatoes: Crispy and savory, these potatoes provide a comforting, hearty side that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option, the sweetness of the fruit will contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the Smokies.
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Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like celery and carrots add crunch and a refreshing contrast, making for a healthier option when snacking.
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Sparkling Cider: For a beverage, bubbly cider brings a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavors of the Smokies without overpowering them.
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Chocolate Brownies: End your meal on a sweet note with fudgy brownies that echo the sweet elements of your appetizer while delivering a delightful dessert experience.
By pairing these delicious options, you’re sure to create a memorable meal that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Recipe FAQs
What type of sausages can I use for the Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies are the traditional choice, any small cocktail sausage can be used. Just make sure they are fully cooked since you’ll be reheating them in the oven.
How do I store leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
For the best flavor, store your Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Very! To freeze, first, lay your wrapped Smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and they can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
What if my bacon isn’t crispy after baking?
If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial cooking time, turn the oven up to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can switch on the broiler for the last couple of minutes for that perfect crispy finish!
Are there any dietary considerations for Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Yes, if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the bacon used. You can swap out traditional bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content. Furthermore, if anyone has allergies to certain ingredients, always double-check the label especially for the sausages and any sugar substitutes you might use.
How can I customize the flavor of my Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
I often recommend adding a personal touch by incorporating other flavors! You can insert small chunks of cheese or even pineapple inside the bacon before wrapping for a delightful twist. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re adding ingredients that require cooking.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds.
- Wrap each Lit'l Smoky with a piece of bacon and place them in a baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan, mix in half of the light brown sugar until smooth, then pour over the wrapped Smokies.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then increase heat to 400°F for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.