Are you looking for the ultimate party snack that’s sure to leave your guests begging for more? Look no further than Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies! This mouthwatering appetizer combines smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a sweet glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a holiday party, these Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are sure to steal the spotlight.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of this delicious and easy-to-make recipe, giving you all the tips and tricks to ensure your bacon-wrapped delights are a success. Let’s get started and create a party snack everyone will rave about!
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the ingredients necessary to make these delectable snacks. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 1 package (12 oz) bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Each of these ingredients is simple, yet they come together to create a rich and satisfying snack. If you’re planning for a big crowd, you can always scale up the recipe to suit your needs!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s break it down step-by-step for an easy-to-follow guide that will have your guests eagerly waiting for the first bite.
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step is simple—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the bacon to crispy perfection while allowing the little smokies to heat through evenly. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The wire rack allows excess grease to drip off, leaving you with a healthier snack and an easier cleanup afterward.
2. Wrap the Little Smokies
Now, take your little smokies sausages and wrap each one with a piece of bacon, using one-third of a slice per smokie. Ensure that the bacon covers the sausage completely, and secure it with a toothpick. This step is crucial because it holds the bacon in place while it crisps up in the oven.
Tip: When wrapping, make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the sausages to avoid any bacon unraveling during cooking. If you have any extra toothpicks left over after wrapping, use them to keep the bacon in place more securely.
3. Prepare the Glaze
While you’re wrapping the sausages, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they form a smooth, uniform mixture.
The sweetness of the brown sugar pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon, while the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika give the dish that extra kick. This glaze is what truly makes these little smokies irresistible!
4. Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Once your sausages are wrapped, it’s time to coat them in the flavorful glaze. Place your bacon-wrapped little smokies on the prepared wire rack. Use a spoon or your fingers to sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the sausages, ensuring every piece gets a good coating.
The glaze will not only add a burst of flavor but will also caramelize during baking, creating a sweet, sticky coating that will have your guests coming back for more.
5. Bake the Little Smokies
Now for the fun part baking! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the little smokies for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is crispy and golden, and the brown sugar has caramelized into a sweet, sticky glaze.
Halfway through the baking time, be sure to flip the little smokies for an even crispiness. This will help both sides of the bacon cook evenly and give the dish that perfect crispy texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy
After baking, remove the sausages from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. The bacon is crispy, the sausages are juicy, and the caramelized glaze adds the perfect sweet-savory touch.
Serve them up as an appetizer at your next party or game day event, and watch them disappear as soon as your guests get their first bite!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional value of these delectable snacks? Here’s a breakdown of the key info:
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a tasty, yet reasonably light snack. With only 200 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
As with any recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can make your Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies even better. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Bacon
For the best flavor and texture, choose thick-cut bacon for this recipe. It will hold its shape better during the baking process and offer a more satisfying crunch. If you prefer a leaner option, you can always use turkey bacon, though it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon.
Use a Wire Rack
A wire rack is a must-have when making Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies. It allows excess grease to drain off, which keeps the bacon crispy and reduces the mess. Plus, it ensures that all sides of the bacon cook evenly.
Add a Sweet or Spicy Kick
If you love bold flavors, you can experiment with different seasonings or ingredients in the glaze. Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Freeze
If you’re prepping for a party, consider making these little smokies ahead of time. You can wrap them in bacon, prepare the glaze, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions, and you’ll have a warm, delicious snack in no time. You can also freeze the wrapped smokies before baking and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although this recipe is simple to follow, there are a few mistakes to watch out for to ensure your bacon-wrapped snacks turn out perfectly:
- Overcrowding the pan: Don’t overcrowd the little smokies on the wire rack. Leave enough space between them so the heat can circulate and cook the bacon evenly.
- Not flipping halfway: Flipping the smokies halfway through ensures both sides of the bacon crisp up nicely. If you skip this step, one side may be soggy while the other is crispy.
- Using undercooked bacon: Ensure that your bacon is fully crispy before removing the little smokies from the oven. This gives you that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy sausage.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While little smokies are the traditional choice, you can also use regular cocktail sausages or even homemade sausages. Just make sure they are bite-sized for easy eating.
How can I make these even spicier?
If you like things hot, try adding a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy twist. You can also serve these with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the little smokies and wrap them in bacon the day before. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it easy to entertain without all the last-minute prep.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect party snack that everyone will love. With a combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for game days, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
For more delicious recipes like this, check out these other irresistible ideas:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Nachos – The Ultimate Party Snack
- Sizzling Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip – Irresistible Cheesy Goodness
- Loaded Bacon Mac Attack BBQ Wrap – A Delicious Twist
These recipes are sure to make your next meal even more delicious. So, grab your bacon and little smokies and start cooking! Your guests will thank you.
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Party Snack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect party snack! With a crispy bacon exterior and a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, these little bites of heaven are sure to steal the show at your next gathering. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this irresistible appetizer is a must-try for your next game day or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 1 package (12 oz) bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for easy cleanup.
- Wrap the Little Smokies: Take each little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it. Secure with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Place the bacon-wrapped sausages on the prepared wire rack. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped little smokies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. You may want to flip the little smokies halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect appetizer for your next party or game day!
Notes
- For an extra touch, drizzle with barbecue sauce before serving for even more flavor.
- Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn, especially if you choose to flip them.
- Toothpicks can be removed before serving to make them easier to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bacon-wrapped sausages
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Bacon-wrapped little smokies, little smokies recipe, party snacks, easy appetizers, savory bacon snacks, game day appetizers, sweet and savory appetizers, bacon sausage snacks, bacon wrapped appetizers.