Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Introduction

Looking for a simple, delicious, and guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next party or gathering? Look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. This classic appetizer is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. The little smokies are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, creating an addictive bite that’s impossible to resist. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

  • Simple to Make: You only need three ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.
  • Addictively Delicious: The combination of sweet brown sugar, salty bacon, and savory sausage is a perfect harmony of flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This appetizer is always the first to disappear at parties.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble them in advance and bake them just before guests arrive.
  • Perfectly Crispy: Baking on a wire rack ensures the bacon gets crispy all around, not just on the top.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz / 400g) package of little smokies (smoked sausage links)
  • 1 (12 oz / 340g) package of regular-cut bacon
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar

Equipment You’ll Need:

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack that fits inside the baking sheet
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Smokies

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
  • Cut the Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds.
  • Wrap the Smokies: Take one little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it. Secure it with a toothpick if you wish, though it’s not strictly necessary.
  • Coat with Sugar: Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar, making sure the sugar adheres to the bacon.
  • Arrange on the Rack: Place the smokies on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each one to allow air to circulate.

Part 2: Bake to Perfection

  • Bake: Place the baking sheet with the smokies in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has melted into a bubbly, caramelized glaze.
  • Flip (Optional): For extra crispy bacon, you can flip them halfway through the baking time.
  • Cool Slightly: Let the smokies cool for a few minutes on the rack before serving. This allows the caramelized sugar to set.

Part 3: Serve

  • Serve Warm: These are best served warm. You can transfer them to a serving platter and serve immediately.

Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

  • Use Regular-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon will not get as crispy and may not cook through in the same amount of time. Regular-cut is best for this recipe.
  • The Wire Rack is Key: Baking on a wire rack allows the hot air to circulate all around the bacon, ensuring a crispier result without the smokies sitting in rendered fat.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the smokies are not touching each other on the rack, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. You may need to use two baking sheets.
  • Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. They are best served fresh, though.
  • Make-Ahead: You can wrap the smokies and place them on the baking sheet in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Wait to add the brown sugar until just before baking.

Share Your Creation!

Did you make a batch of these irresistible Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies? We’d love to see it! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieFlow and use the hashtag #LittleSmokies.

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