Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a deliciously simple appetizer that combines the classic taste of smoky sausages with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for gatherings, game days, or even just a cozy night in. Picture a tray of these mouth-watering bites sizzling in the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table. With the perfect balance of salty and sweet, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Table of Contents
I first discovered Bacon Wrapped Smokies at a friend’s party, where they quickly became the hit of the evening. Friends gathered around the platter, eagerly reaching for more after the first bite. What strikes me about this recipe is not just its simplicity, but how easily it can be thrown together for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, it’s incredibly straightforward and budget-friendly, making it an ideal treat for everybody! I can’t wait for you to try these delightful bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip up these smoky delights in about 40 minutes, making them a great last-minute appetizer.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and spicy combination of brown sugar and cayenne pepper pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With their fun presentation, these bites are sure to impress and bring joy to any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or even a cozy movie night at home, these smoky treats fit any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, like using turkey bacon or a sugar substitute, you can easily adjust these to fit various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb sliced bacon, cut into thirds: Using thinly sliced bacon gives that perfect crispy texture when cooked but holds the smokies inside.
- 1 lb little smokies: These sausages are the star of the show; their size and flavor make them irresistible.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as they bake.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a pinch offers a delightful kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild, peppery flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A small addition that provides a hint of earthiness to balance out the flavors.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your smokies will bake evenly and the bacon crisps nicely. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil and give it a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Stir these together until fully mixed. The combination creates a sweet and slightly spicy rub that will coat your smokies.
Wrap the smokies: Grab a piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around a little smoky, securing it with a toothpick. Place it on your prepared tray. Repeat this process until all your sausages are wrapped in bacon – this is the fun part!
Add the spice rub: Once all the bacon-wrapped smokies are on the tray, sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the top, ensuring each one gets coated in that sweet goodness.
Bake the smokies: Pop your baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip each smoky over, sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on top, and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and golden.
Storing & Reheating
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours if the weather permits. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these bites can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool them completely first before sealing. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the bacon by monitoring the smokies closely during the last few minutes of baking – nobody likes overly crispy bacon!
- For even better flavor, you can experiment with different spices in the brown sugar mixture, like garlic powder or chili powder.
- If you find the smokies aren’t crisping up as expected, try placing them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to give them that extra crunch.
- These can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge; just warm them back up before serving.
- Consider soaking your toothpicks in water beforehand to prevent them from burning in the oven.
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are not just an incredible appetizer; they also offer a delightful combination of flavors that you and your friends will keep coming back for. Making them isn’t just about the cooking; it’s about creating shared moments over delicious food. I hope you find joy in both the process and the enjoyment of these bites. Don’t hesitate to add your own spin or incorporate different seasonings to make them your own. I can’t wait for you to experience this easy yet impressive dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Bacon Wrapped Smokies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wrap the smokies in bacon and even prepare the spice mixture a day in advance. Just store everything in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for warm, fresh flavors.
What can I serve with Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
These treats pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard. They also complement veggie trays and chips for a lovely snack spread.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon may cook slightly faster due to its lower fat content, so watch in the oven.
How can I make these smokies spicier?
Want a bolder kick? Increase the cayenne pepper or experiment with spicy mustard or hot sauce mixed into your spice blend. The beauty is in customizing it to your taste!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are savory and irresistible, featuring crispy bacon and a sweet spice blend. Perfect for gatherings or a quick snack at home, they’re easy to whip up and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking tray with foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Wrap each smoky with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick, placing them on the prepared tray as you go.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip each smoky, then sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Bake for another 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite barbecue sauce before baking.
Make sure to line the tray with foil for easier cleanup after cooking.
You can also experiment with different spices to customize the taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoky
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 738mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
