Bacon-wrapped smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, offering a perfect blend of smoky, savory, sweet flavors. These bite-sized delights are incredibly easy to prepare and make an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. Whether it’s game night or a fancy cocktail party, these smokies impress your guests with their rich flavor and delightful texture.
Smokies, or little Smokies, are a type of miniature cocktail sausage fully cooked and ready to eat straight out of the package. These bite-sized delights, typically made from beef or pork, are incredibly versatile and can shine when dressed up in creative ways.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Sliced bacon: Bacon provides a crispy, savory wrapping that contrasts beautifully with the tender smokies. For a leaner option, use turkey bacon. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try wrapping the smokies in thin strips of zucchini or eggplant seasoned with smoked paprika.
- Miniature smoked sausage links: These little cocktail sausages bring a smoky, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon. You can use mini chicken, beef, or vegetarian sausages depending on your preference.Â
- Packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness that enhances the smokiness of the sausages and bacon. For a less sweet version, use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a sprinkle of maple syrup.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the bacon
Cut each bacon strip in half widthwise. This size is perfect for wrapping around the miniature sausages. Cutting the bacon into smaller pieces makes handling easier and ensures an even cook.
Step 2: Wrap the sausages
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wrap a piece of bacon around each sausage and secure it with a toothpick if needed.Â
Step 3: Arrange in pan
Place the wrapped sausages in a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the wrapped sausages. The sugar will melt and caramelize during baking, creating a delicious glaze on the bacon.
Editor’s Tip: Lining the pan with aluminum foil will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the sugar from sticking to it. Â
Step 4: Bake
Bake the sausages uncovered, at 400°, until the bacon is crisp and the sausage is heated through. This should take 30 to 40 minutes.Â
Editor’s Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Step 5: Serve warm
Once they are ready and out of the oven, let the smokies cool slightly before serving. These bacon-wrapped smokies are best enjoyed warm.Â
Recipe Variations for Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
- Serve with sauces: Enjoy each lil smokie wrapped in bacon topped with various sauces! Try a dollop of mustard, barbecue sauce or spicy aioli.
- Add a spicy kick: Add a sprinkle of chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the brown sugar for a spicy twist.
- Make it a cheesy delight: Place a small piece of cheese between the sausage and bacon before wrapping for a gooey surprise.
- Brush with maple syrup: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the bacon with a bit of maple syrup before wrapping it around the sausages.
How to Store Bacon Wrapped Little SmokiesÂ
Like other bacon-wrapped recipes, you’ll want to let the smokies cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How do you reheat bacon-wrapped smokies?
Reheat the smokies in a 350° oven until the bacon crisps and the sausage is warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Can you make bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and wrap the sausages, then keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This can be done up to a day in advance. You can also make them ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can you freeze bacon-wrapped smokies?
Bacon-wrapped smokies freeze well. First, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent the little pieces from sticking together. To keep them from getting freezer burn, transfer them from the sheet to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage. They should maintain their quality for up to three months. Thaw the bacon-wrapped smokies in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.Â
Recipe Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Little SmokiesÂ
How do you serve bacon-wrapped smokies?
Bacon-wrapped smokies are one of our best bacon recipes because of their rich flavor and fun, poppable size. They’re perfect as a toothpick cocktail snack or one-bite appetizer at a tailgating party, especially when paired with a spicy aioli or a cooling dip like ranch.
How do you keep bacon-wrapped smokies warm?
To keep bacon-wrapped smokies warm, place them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or in an oven at the lowest temperature.
Are bacon-wrapped smokies gluten-free?
Bacon-wrapped smokies are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the ingredients of the sausages and bacon to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
Are little smokies wrapped in bacon the same as pigs in a blanket?
While bacon-wrapped smokies and pigs in a blanket are popular appetizers, they offer different flavor profiles. Pigs in a blanket uses pastry dough for a soft, flaky exterior, while bacon-wrapped smokies use crispy bacon for a savory, smoky taste.
