Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delightful combination of savory goodness and sweet heat that makes them impossible to resist. Picture this: juicy little smokies enveloped in crispy bacon and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, punctuated by a dash of heat from cayenne pepper. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them during a cozy night in, these tasty bites are sure to leave your guests clamoring for more.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Smokies

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering where appetizers were all the rage. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! These Bacon Wrapped Smokies came out so delicious that I made them my signature dish. They are not just easy to prepare; they are also budget-friendly, making them a go-to recipe for gatherings of all sizes. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the fun.
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and a kick of cayenne will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They look so cute arranged on a platter, making them the perfect centerpiece for any snack table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game days, parties, or as a fun finger food at family gatherings; there’s never a wrong time for these!
Diet-Friendly Options: If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey bacon and plant-based sausages can easily be used.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb sliced bacon, cut into thirds: Provides the salty, crunchy outer layer. Look for thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.
1 lb little smokies: These savory sausages are the heart of the dish. Beef or pork versions work best, but chicken smokies can also be a lighter option.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds a delightful sweetness that caramelizes as the dish bakes. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark brings a richer flavor.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle heat that will elevate every bite. Adjust to your heat preference or exclude it entirely for a milder option.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky undertone to complement the bacon and sausages, adding color and flavor. Smoked paprika can deepen the smoky profile.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Just a dash to enhance the overall flavor, but feel free to add more for an extra kick.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This low and slow heat will help crisp the bacon while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil for easy cleanup. A light coating of cooking spray on the foil will ensure that the smokies don’t stick, making them easy to remove once cooked.

Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. This mixture is what makes your Bacon Wrapped Smokies truly special, with that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Wrap the Smokies: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each little smoky, securing it with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped pieces on your prepared tray. The tight wrapping traps the flavors and juices inside as they cook.

Add the Sweetness: Sprinkle half of your brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies. This will melt beautifully, creating a glaze that enhances the flavor of the dish.

Bake: Pop the tray in the oven for 15 minutes. You want the bacon to begin rendering its fat and getting golden. Flip each smoky over carefully, then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top. Bake for another 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. They should be bubbly and fragrant when done!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours but refrigerate for longer storage. Keep them in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you’d like to save them for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. They may lose a bit of their crispy texture, but a quick broil can help revive that delicious crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overlap the bacon when wrapping the smokies, as it may prevent even cooking.
For a crispier skin, you can place them directly on a wire rack over the baking tray.
Room temperature bacon wraps better than cold bacon, as it’s more pliable.
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to make them kid-friendly or spice them up for adult gatherings.
These can be prepped ahead of time. Wrap the smokies in bacon, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.

These Bacon Wrapped Smokies pack all the elements that make a snack irresistible: sweet, savory, crispy, and a touch of heat. Their versatility shines whether you serve them at holiday parties, game nights, or simply as a delicious treat for yourself. Experiment with the spices, and make this dish truly your own. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon will lower the fat content but still provide a good amount of flavor. Be aware that turkey bacon may not crisp up as nicely, so keep an eye on the cooking time.

How do I know when the bacon is done?

The bacon is fully cooked and crispy when it reaches a deep golden brown color, and the sugar mixture is bubbling around the edges. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies in advance. Simply wrap them and place them in the fridge, then bake them right before serving. This way, you can have them hot and fresh without much hassle!

What dipping sauce pairs well with Bacon Wrapped Smokies?

Barbecue sauce is a classic favorite, but you can also try a sweet and spicy mustard or a creamy ranch dressing to balance the smokiness. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with your dips!

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, featuring juicy little smokies coated in crispy bacon, sure to be a hit at your gatherings or as a quick, satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large rimmed baking tray by lining it with foil and lightly coating it with cooking spray.
Combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each little smoky and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped smokies onto the prepared baking tray.
Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip each smoky, top with the remaining brown sugar mixture, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs or spices to the brown sugar mixture.
Make sure the bacon is crispy for the best texture and flavor.
These smokies are great for parties and can be made in advance.