Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the kind of appetizer that can elevate any gathering. Imagine savory little smokies encased in crispy strips of bacon, their smoky aroma wafting through the air as they bake to perfection. The captivating scent promises both sweet and salty sensations, making your mouth water with every passing minute. As I prepare these delightful bites, I can’t help but reminisce about family game nights where these were always a hit. Friends and family would gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories while devouring plate after plate of these irresistible morsels. They’re not just food; they’re an experience, sparking joy at any occasion—be it a Sunday football game or a festive holiday celebration.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Smokies

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have these Bacon Wrapped Smokies on your table ready to share with loved ones—or keep all to yourself if you prefer! Excited to experience this flavor explosion? Let’s dive into the details of making these scrumptious bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Throw together these delicious bites in just about 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes of baking.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon makes for an unforgettable taste explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These little smokies look adorable on any serving platter, instantly drawing guests in.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or even just satisfying a midnight snack craving!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for those with dietary needs—just choose gluten-free bacon or turkey bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Opt for a thicker cut for extra crispiness. You can use turkey bacon for a lighter version or bacon with a maple flavor for a sweet twist.
1 lb little smokies: These pre-cooked sausages are the very essence of this dish, bringing that classic smoky flavor. For a twist, try sausage links or other mini sausages.
¾ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds the necessary sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. For a healthier alternative, coconut sugar works well.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a delightful kick; however, feel free to reduce or omit for a milder flavor.
¼ teaspoon paprika: This brings a subtle smokiness and color. Smoked paprika can deepen the flavor further.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, line a large rimmed baking tray with foil for easy cleanup, and lightly coat it with cooking spray—this ensures your smokies won’t stick and makes for easy serving later.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. This sugar spice mix will elevate the flavors of your **Bacon Wrapped Smokies** as they bake, creating a caramelized crust.

Wrap the Smokies: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie, securing it with a toothpick. This little step holds it all together during baking and ensures every bite has that perfect bacon-to-sausage ratio. Place each wrapped smokie on your prepared tray. Repeat until all are wrapped and ready!

Season and Bake: Once wrapped, sprinkle half of your brown sugar mixture over the smokies, ensuring an even coating. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The smell will start to fill your kitchen, tempting everyone!

Finish Baking: Carefully flip each smokie over and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top. Bake for another 15 minutes until the bacon is golden and crispy. Visual signals to look for include a sticky glaze and crispy edges that add great texture.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! Store your Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring no air pockets, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help revive that crispy goodness—just know that they might lose a bit of that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the smokies in the oven to prevent the bacon from burning while trying to achieve that perfect crisp.
Use room temperature bacon to make wrapping easier and help it cook more evenly.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne or even a dash of hot sauce to the brown sugar mix.
Make them a day ahead! You can wrap the smokies, refrigerate them overnight, and then bake right before your guests arrive.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. They disappear quickly!

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are sure to impress your family and friends, serving as the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Feel free to get creative with flavors or even incorporate different spices. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment a bit in the kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bacon-wrapped smokies in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day ahead by wrapping the smokies and placing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven, and they’ll taste just as fresh and delicious.

What can I serve along with bacon-wrapped smokies?

These tasty bites pair well with various dips like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a tangy mustard. They’re also great alongside fresh veggies and a charcuterie board for a balanced snack setup.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last about four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just remember to let them cool completely before freezing.

Can I bake these at a different temperature?

While 350°F is ideal for achieving crispy bacon without burning, you can bake them at 375°F. Just keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning; they might cook a bit faster!

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies not only put a smile on everyone’s face but also create memorable moments around the table. Whip up a batch, and watch them disappear—what’s not to love about that?! Enjoy!

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are an irresistible appetizer featuring savory little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon. With simple prep and minimal ingredients, they offer a delightful sweet and salty taste that’s perfect for gatherings or game nights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds)
1 lb little smokies
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking tray with foil and cooking spray.
Mix brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl.
Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick and place on the tray.
Sprinkle half the brown sugar mixture over the wrapped smokies and bake for 15 minutes.
Flip the smokies over and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top; bake for an additional 15 minutes until crispy.