Irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Prepare to impress your guests with these incredibly addictive Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer that consistently disappears first at any gathering. Perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors, these bite-sized delights are remarkably easy to make, yet deliver a sophisticated taste that belies their humble origins. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday celebration, or simply craving a delicious snack, these Little Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
A Timeless Family Favorite and Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
There’s a reason some appetizers stand the test of time, and these Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a shining example. They’ve been a cherished family recipe for generations, consistently requested for every potluck, holiday feast, and casual get-together. The magical combination of smoky bacon, juicy cocktail sausages, and a sweet, spiced brown sugar glaze creates an explosion of flavor that appeals to almost everyone. It’s truly a universal crowd-pleaser; in all my years of making them, I’ve yet to encounter a single person who didn’t fall in love at first bite. This appetizer isn’t just a dish; it’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a highlight of any spread.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. You don’t need exotic ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve something truly special. The bacon renders down, becoming wonderfully crispy and infusing the smokies with its savory essence, while the brown sugar melts and caramelizes into a sticky, sweet glaze with a hint of warmth from the spices. It’s this irresistible sweet and savory contrast that makes these little bites so utterly addictive. If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game without spending hours in the kitchen, this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies recipe is precisely what you need. Prepare to watch them vanish from the platter in record time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
You have several excellent options when choosing your little smokies. Popular varieties include beef, pork, or turkey cocktail sausages. Any of these will work wonderfully with this recipe, so feel free to pick your favorite or what’s most readily available at your local grocery store. However, I highly recommend avoiding the cheddar-filled versions for this particular recipe, as the cheese can melt out and alter the desired texture and flavor profile, clashing with the sweet brown sugar glaze. Stick to plain little smokies for the best results.
For perfectly crispy bacon and optimal cooking time, regular-cut bacon is the ideal choice for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon, while delicious in other applications, tends to take much longer to cook through and become crisp, which can lead to overcooked smokies or undercooked bacon. Its thickness also makes it harder to wrap neatly around the small sausages. Regular-cut bacon strikes the perfect balance, ensuring it crisps up beautifully and renders its fat effectively, contributing to that irresistible sticky glaze.
Refrigerating the bacon-wrapped little smokies for at least an hour before baking is a crucial step that makes a significant difference in the final outcome. This chilling period allows the brown sugar to adhere firmly to the bacon and begin to dissolve slightly, preventing it from burning too quickly in the oven. It ensures that the sugar melts down evenly during the baking process, creating that perfectly gooey, caramelized glaze without turning into a burnt, bitter crust. This simple step helps achieve that signature sweet and savory coating that truly makes the dish shine.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and you can certainly customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. The base of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne provides a fantastic foundation, but feel free to experiment. For a tangy kick, consider adding a pinch of dried ranch seasoning. If you prefer a smoky, robust flavor, barbecue seasoning would be an excellent addition. For those who enjoy a bit more heat and depth, blackening seasoning can provide a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these smokies truly your own!
To keep your Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies warm and delicious throughout your party, a small slow cooker or crockpot is your best friend. Simply transfer the cooked smokies and any accumulated sauce into the crockpot set to a “warm” setting. To prevent them from drying out, make sure to drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid (the caramelized brown sugar sauce) over the smokies. This keeps them moist and ensures that guests can enjoy them at their optimal temperature, preserving their delightful flavor and texture for hours. A chafing dish can also work well if you’re serving a larger crowd.
Yes, absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent alternative for making these bacon-wrapped little smokies, especially if you want a quicker cook time or an extra crispy finish on the bacon. Air frying can help achieve a perfect crisp without excessive oil. While the general preparation steps remain similar, the cooking time and temperature will vary slightly. You can find specific instructions and tips for preparing Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies here to guide you through the process for perfectly cooked, crispy bites.
Leftover Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s crucial to include any leftover caramelized sauce with the smokies, as this liquid helps keep them moist and flavorful. When reheating, you have several options: the microwave for a quick warm-up, a stovetop over low heat, or the oven for a more even reheat. Regardless of the method, I highly recommend heating them up with any saved sauce to prevent them from drying out and to revive that delicious glaze.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies:
Crafting these delightful sweet and savory bites requires just a few readily available ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the irresistible flavor and texture that makes this appetizer a perennial favorite.
- Bacon: Regular cut is key for optimal crispiness and ease of wrapping.
- Little Smokies: Cocktail sausages, preferably beef, pork, or turkey, and not the cheddar-filled variety.
- Light Brown Sugar: This is the star of the show, creating that wonderfully sweet, caramelized glaze.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic depth and savory base to the sweet coating.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a subtle kick of heat that beautifully balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of these mouthwatering appetizers that will be the star of any party. Precision in preparation ensures perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Bacon and Smokies: Begin by taking your package of regular-cut bacon and slicing each strip into thirds. This ensures the perfect length for wrapping the small cocktail sausages. Next, pat your little smokies thoroughly dry with a paper towel. This crucial step helps the bacon adhere better and promotes crispier results. Carefully wrap one piece of bacon around each little smokie, securing the seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Continue this process until all smokies are wrapped. You might find you have a few slices of bacon leftover, depending on the package sizes.
- Craft the Sweet & Spicy Coating: In a small, separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Use a spoon or whisk to stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well-mixed and uniform. This spice blend provides the signature sweet and subtly spicy flavor profile that makes these smokies so beloved.
- Season and Chill: Evenly sprinkle the prepared brown sugar mixture over all the bacon-wrapped smokies arranged in the baking dish. Ensure a good coating on each piece. Once coated, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place the covered dish in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour. This chilling period is vital as it allows the brown sugar to slightly melt and adhere to the bacon, preventing it from burning in the oven and ensuring a delicious, caramelized glaze.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. During this time, the bacon will start to cook, and the brown sugar will melt into a sticky, bubbly sauce. After 45 minutes, check the brown sugar; if it hasn’t mostly dissolved and caramelized, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Achieve Crispy Glaze and Serve: For that irresistible crispiness and perfectly caramelized glaze, turn your oven’s broiler to high. Uncover the baking dish (if you used foil) and carefully place it under the broiler. Broil for just 2-5 minutes, watching closely, until the bacon is lightly golden brown and perfectly crisp, and the sugar glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Be extremely careful during this step, as sugar can burn very quickly under the broiler. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
The meticulous wrapping of each little smokie with a third of a bacon strip ensures that every bite delivers the perfect ratio of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. Placing them seam-side down helps prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking, resulting in a neater, more appealing appetizer.
The simple yet potent blend of light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper creates a dynamic coating. The brown sugar provides the irresistible sweetness and aids in caramelization, while the garlic and onion powders add savory depth. The cayenne pepper offers a subtle warmth that cuts through the richness, preventing the dish from being overly sweet and adding a delightful complexity.
Sprinkling the mixture generously ensures every part of the bacon gets coated in the flavorful blend. The crucial hour of refrigeration is not just a suggestion; it’s a vital step for chemical and textural perfection. This cooling period allows the sugar to begin dissolving into the bacon fat, setting the stage for a smooth, even caramelization during baking. Without this step, the brown sugar might just melt and slide off or burn prematurely.
The baking process is designed to slowly render the bacon fat and melt the sugar, allowing them to meld into a rich, flavorful glaze. The initial 45 minutes at 350°F cooks the bacon and smokies gently. The additional 10 minutes covered with foil (if needed) helps ensure all the brown sugar fully dissolves without burning. Finally, a quick stint under the broiler is the secret to achieving that irresistible crispy bacon and a beautifully browned, sticky glaze, adding the perfect finishing touch to these delectable bites.
Serve these hot, fresh from the oven, allowing the sweet aromas to entice your guests. The optional parsley garnish not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors.
Enjoy these spectacular Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, a true testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors!
Explore More Delicious Bacon-Wrapped and Easy Appetizer Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the irresistible combination of bacon and savory ingredients, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other crowd-pleasing recipes that feature the magic of bacon, along with other simple and delicious appetizers perfect for any occasion. Expand your party menu with these fantastic options:
- Bacon Wrapped Potatoes
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
- Glazed Pigs in a Blanket
- Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops
- Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)
- Bacon Ranch Crackers
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
- Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
These Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are an absolutely delightful and incredibly easy appetizer, perfect for any party, game day, or family gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a truly memorable dish that combines the irresistible flavors of sweet caramelized brown sugar, savory crispy bacon, and juicy cocktail sausages. This recipe consistently wins over crowds and is always the first to disappear!
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Pin
Rate
15 minutes
1 hour
1 hour
2 hours
15 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
-
16
ounces
bacon
-
14
ounces
little smokies -
1
cup
light brown sugar
-
1
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1
teaspoon
onion powder -
¼
teaspoon
cayenne pepper -
fresh chopped parsley for garnish
optional
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into thirds. Pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel. Wrap a little smokie with a piece of bacon and place it into a 9×13 baking dish seam side down. Repeat with all the smokies, you may have a few slices of bacon left.
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne until combined.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the wrapped smokies. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. If the brown sugar is not mostly dissolved and caramelized, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Turn the broiler to high, uncover, and broil until lightly golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately with an optional parsley garnish.
Notes
- You can use beef, pork, or turkey little smokies. Choose your favorite!
- It is essential to refrigerate these before baking. This step helps the brown sugar adhere and caramelize properly without burning.
- For the best crispiness and even cooking, I do not recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Regular-cut bacon works best.
- For easy cleanup, you can line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil before arranging the smokies.
- To add a smoky depth, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the brown sugar mixture.
Appetizer
American
Nutrition
Calories:
657
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
39
g
|
Protein:
18
g
|
Fat:
48
g
|
Sodium:
1187
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
37
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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