Crispy Bacon Brat Poppers

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating crowd-pleasing Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites! These delectable morsels offer a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. Imagine fully cooked, succulent sausages, lovingly embraced by crispy, smoked bacon, and finished with a delicate hint of brown sugar for that irresistible caramelization. This recipe promises not just a dish, but an experience that will have your guests reaching for more.

THE IRRESISTIBLE CHARM OF BITE-SIZED APPETIZERS

In the world of entertaining, bite-sized appetizers are the undisputed champions. They’re easy to eat, perfect for mingling, and allow guests to sample a variety of flavors without committing to a full plate. Our Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites perfectly fit this description, offering a burst of flavor in every convenient bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together with friends, or a holiday feast, these appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit. Their straightforward preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.

These were delicious – thank you so much! Will definitely be in my regular appetizer rotation!
– Caroline

UNDERSTANDING BRATWURST: A CULINARY JOURNEY

Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the star ingredient: bratwurst. Often simply called “brat” (pronounced “braht”), this flavorful sausage holds a special place in the hearts and on the grills of many, particularly in the Midwest and northern regions of the United States, areas with a rich heritage of Eastern European immigrants. Originating in Germany, bratwurst traditionally consists of finely minced pork, beef, or sometimes veal, seasoned with a blend of spices like ginger, nutmeg, coriander, and caraway. While fresh bratwurst is common, this recipe specifically calls for fully cooked smoked bratwurst, which significantly streamlines the preparation process and ensures a wonderfully smoky flavor from the start.

The smoky notes of the bratwurst provide a robust foundation that perfectly complements the salty crunch of the bacon and the sweet glaze of brown sugar. This harmonious trio creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. The convenience of using pre-cooked sausages means you can achieve a gourmet-tlevel appetizer with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy hosts.

VERSATILITY: CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SAUSAGE?

Absolutely! While smoked bratwurst brings a unique depth of flavor, the beauty of this bacon-wrapped concept lies in its adaptability. The fundamental principle is simple: almost anything wrapped in bacon tastes good! As long as you choose a fully cooked sausage, you have a wide array of options to explore. Here are some popular alternatives and considerations:

• Lit’l Smokies: These mini smoked sausages are a classic choice for bacon wrapping. Their smaller size means they cook even faster and are perfect for little hands at parties. You can follow a similar recipe with Lit’l Smokies for a slightly different, but equally delicious, outcome.
• Kielbasa: Another excellent smoked sausage option, kielbasa (Polish sausage) offers a distinct garlic and marjoram flavor. Cut it into bite-sized pieces just like the bratwurst.
• Pre-cooked Chicken or Turkey Sausage: For a lighter option, consider fully cooked chicken or turkey sausages. Ensure they are well-seasoned to maintain flavor.
• Hot Dogs or Frankfurters: While not traditional, sliced hot dogs wrapped in bacon can be a fun, kid-friendly alternative.
• Fresh Sausages: If you prefer to use fresh bratwurst or other raw sausages, you’ll need to par-cook them first to ensure they are fully cooked through before wrapping them in bacon and baking. This can be done by boiling, simmering, or pan-frying until cooked, then cooling, slicing, and proceeding with the recipe. However, using fully cooked sausages is highly recommended for ease and consistent results.

The key takeaway is that the sausage needs to be fully cooked to safe temperatures internally. The baking process focuses on crisping the bacon and caramelizing the brown sugar, not on cooking the sausage from raw. Experiment with different sausage varieties to find your personal favorite!

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR PERFECTION

This recipe shines with a short and sweet ingredient list, focusing on quality and flavor impact. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible taste and texture of these bacon-wrapped bites.

• Smoked (fully cooked) Brats: The foundation of our appetizer. Opt for a good quality smoked bratwurst for the best flavor. Since they are pre-cooked, they only need to be heated through, allowing the bacon to get perfectly crisp.
• Bacon: The hero that adds crispy texture and salty goodness. Regular-cut bacon works best, as thick-cut might take longer to crisp, and thin-cut might become too brittle.
• Light Brown Sugar: This provides the sweetness that balances the savory bacon and bratwurst. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, glaze-like coating that is truly addictive.
• Dry Mustard Powder: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and a hint of spice, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet. It enhances the overall savory profile without being overpowering.

HOW TO CRAFT BACON WRAPPED BRATWURST BITES: STEP-BY-STEP

Creating these delightful appetizers is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps to ensure perfect results every time.

Preparation is Key

1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting the bacon nice and crispy.
2. **Prepare Your Baking Sheet:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for cleanup, as these bites will release some grease as they cook. The parchment paper will catch the drippings, making post-party tidying a breeze.
3. **Mix the Sweet and Savory Coating:** In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with the dry mustard powder. Stir well until they are thoroughly mixed. This mixture will become a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that coats the bacon.

Assembling Your Bites

4. **Slice the Brats:** Take each fully cooked bratwurst and cut it into three approximately equal pieces. You can adjust the size slightly based on your preference for bite-sized or slightly larger appetizers. Ensure the cuts are relatively uniform for even cooking.

5. **Slice the Bacon:** Similarly, cut each slice of bacon into three pieces. This ensures that you have enough bacon to neatly wrap each bratwurst segment.
6. **Wrap and Roll:** Take one piece of sliced bratwurst and snugly wrap it with a piece of bacon. You don’t need toothpicks to secure them; the bacon will naturally adhere to itself as it warms up. Once wrapped, immediately roll each bacon-wrapped brat in the brown sugar and dry mustard mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. The sugar will stick easily to the raw bacon.

7. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the rolled, bacon-wrapped brats onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one to allow for even crisping. This recipe yields approximately 24 delightful bites.

Baking and Serving

8. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the brats for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and the brown sugar has caramelized into a sticky glaze. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
9. **Manage Excess Grease:** These delicious bites will produce some grease as the bacon cooks. If you prefer, after baking, you can carefully transfer the finished bacon-wrapped brats to a plate lined with paper towels for a minute or two. This will absorb any excess grease, making them even more enjoyable.
10. **Serve with Style:** To serve, simply insert a toothpick into each bite. This makes them easy for guests to pick up and enjoy. Offer a variety of mustards on the side – classic yellow, tangy honey mustard, or a bold spicy brown mustard – to cater to different tastes.

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites

• Don’t Skimp on Bacon: Use good quality bacon for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly thick-cut bacon, as it can take longer to crisp and may not wrap as easily.
• Even Slices: Cut your brats and bacon into roughly equal sizes to ensure uniform cooking and a visually appealing appetizer.
• Parchment Paper is a Must: Seriously, don’t skip this. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
• Space Them Out: Give each bite enough room on the baking sheet to allow the bacon to crisp rather than steam.
• Watch for Caramelization: The brown sugar glaze can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on the bites during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These bacon-wrapped bratwurst bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the bacon is at its crispiest. However, you can do some prep work in advance:

• Prep Ahead: You can cut the brats and bacon, and even mix the brown sugar coating, a day in advance. Store the sliced brats and bacon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine the sugar and mustard in another container. Assemble and bake just before serving.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bacon is crisp again. An air fryer can also work wonders for reheating, bringing back that crispy texture in minutes.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

If you loved these bacon-wrapped delights, you might enjoy these other flavorful recipes:

• Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
• Slow Cooker Brats
• Bacon Wrapped Potatoes
• Glazed Kielbasa Bites
• Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)
• Crock Pot Sausage Bites
• Cornbread Sausage Muffins
• Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
• Air Fryer Glazed Kielbasa
• Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken
• 100 Best Super Bowl Recipes

Originally published: January 2012
Updated photos & republished: December 2019

Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites

These Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites appetizers are fully cooked sausages wrapped in smoked bacon and sweetened with a bit of brown sugar.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (7 Reviews)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 24 bites

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 14 ounce package (fully cooked) smoked bratwurst
• 6 slices bacon
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with dry mustard.
3. Cut each bratwurst into three pieces (you can make them smaller if you like).
4. Cut each bacon slice into three pieces as well.
5. Wrap each brat piece with a slice of bacon.
6. Roll each bacon-wrapped brat in the brown sugar mixture. Then place on the baking sheet and continue with the rest.
7. Bake brats for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
8. These brats will produce some grease from the bacon. If desired, after baking, place the brats on paper towels to absorb any extra grease before serving.

Video

Notes

• To serve, simply insert toothpicks into each one. Serve with your favorite types of mustards: yellow, honey mustard, spicy brown, etc.
• This recipe also works well with Lit’l Smokies!

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 178mg | Sugar: 4g

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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