Enjoy Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies at Your Next Party
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. These bite-sized sausages, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet and savory glaze, are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a holiday party, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing snack, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
To make this irresistible appetizer, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 package (approximately 14 ounces) of Little Smokies sausages
- 1 pound of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
The Little Smokies provide the savory sausage base, while the bacon wraps them in a crispy, smoky layer. The brown sugar creates a delectable glaze that caramelizes during baking, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the bacon. The optional spices of black pepper and garlic powder can be added to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Equipment Needed for Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
To prepare this dish, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Baking sheet or rimmed baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- Toothpicks
- Oven (or air fryer, if desired)
The baking sheet or pan will be used to bake the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies, while the aluminum foil or parchment paper helps with easy cleanup. Toothpicks are essential for securing the bacon around the sausages. And if you have an air fryer, you can opt to cook the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies in it for a delightfully crispy result.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wrap each Little Smokie sausage with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the wrapped sausages, coating them evenly.
- If desired, lightly sprinkle the black pepper and garlic powder over the top.
- Bake the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are heated through.
- For an air fryer option: Cook the wrapped sausages in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Keep a close eye on the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies during the baking process to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn. The key is to achieve that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy, flavorful sausages.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
To ensure your Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Crispy Bacon: To achieve the ultimate crispy bacon, make sure to bake the wrapped sausages on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with 1 cup and add more if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Preventing Bacon Curl: To prevent the bacon from curling up during baking, make sure to wrap it tightly around the sausages and secure it with toothpicks.
- Serving and Presentation: Arrange the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies on a platter or in a serving dish, and provide toothpicks or small forks for easy handling. Consider garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations of Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
While the classic Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing favorite, you can also try these delicious variations:
- Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Add a kick of heat by wrapping the sausages in spicy or jalapeño-infused bacon, and sprinkle with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Brush the wrapped sausages with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking for a tangy and smoky flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Insert a small cube of your favorite cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or cream cheese) into the center of each sausage before wrapping in bacon.
- Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: For a healthier twist, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Vegetarian Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Substitute the sausages with vegan or vegetarian alternatives and use plant-based bacon for a meatless option.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect party appetizer, but they also make a great addition to game day snacks, holiday hors d’oeuvres, or even a fun family dinner. Consider serving them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. For a complete spread, pair the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies with other finger foods like deviled eggs, mini quiches, or veggie-packed dips.
These bite-sized treats also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside an ice-cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. The smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies will complement a range of drink options, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
FAQs About Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Can I use different types of sausages for Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of sausages for your Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies. While the classic recipe uses Little Smokies, you can substitute them with other mini sausages, such as cocktail sausages or even mini bratwursts. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different sausages may require slight adjustments to ensure they are heated through and the bacon is crispy.
How can I make Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies gluten-free?
To make Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies gluten-free, ensure that the sausages you use are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten in their ingredients. Additionally, if you choose to add spices or seasonings, check that they are gluten-free as well. Most bacon is gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to read the labels to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I cook Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies on a grill instead of in the oven?
Absolutely! Cooking Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies on a grill adds a delicious smoky flavor. To do this, preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the sausages in bacon and secure them with toothpicks. Place them on the grill, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are heated through, usually about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and enjoy the grilled goodness!
What can I do if my bacon isn’t crisping up while cooking?
If your bacon isn’t crisping up as desired, there are a few tips to consider. First, ensure that the bacon is spread out evenly on the baking sheet without overcrowding; this allows for better airflow and crisping. You can also increase the oven temperature slightly or broil them for the last few minutes of cooking, but be sure to watch closely to prevent burning. Additionally, using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet can help the fat drip away, resulting in crispier bacon.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate party pleaser, combining the irresistible flavors of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and a sweet, caramelized glaze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these bite-sized bites are sure to satisfy. With their easy preparation and endless variation possibilities, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are a must-try recipe that will have your guests coming back for more. So go ahead, indulge in the ultimate bacon-wrapped goodness and enjoy the praises of your family and friends!
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Enjoy Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies at Your Next Party
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. These bite-sized sausages, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet and savory glaze, are the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
1 package (14 ounce) Little Smokies sausages
1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. 3. Wrap each Little Smokie sausage with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
4. 4. Arrange the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
5. 5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the wrapped sausages, coating them evenly.
6. 6. If desired, lightly sprinkle the black pepper and garlic powder over the top.
7. 7. Bake the Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are heated through.
8. 8. For an air fryer option: Cook the wrapped sausages in the air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
To achieve crispy bacon, bake the wrapped sausages on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Wrap the bacon tightly around the sausages to prevent curling.
Serve on a platter with toothpicks or small forks for easy handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Bacon-Wrapped, Little Smokies, Appetizer
