There’s something utterly delightful about a snack that combines salty, smoky, and sweet all in one bite. For me, Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are not just a dish; they’re a memory. I remember the first time I made them for a gathering, and the laughter and happy chatter grew louder with each batch that came out of the oven. As friends and family dove in, I realized these little bites are more than just food—they’re a celebration of good company and shared moments.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Now, let’s get to the heart of it. Why should you whip up a batch of Bacon-Wrapped Smokies for your next gathering, or even just a quiet night at home? These bites are incredibly versatile. They elevate any occasion, from game day to holiday parties, and even casual family dinners. Imagine biting into that crispy bacon, with the juicy smokie inside, all coated in a caramelized glaze of brown sugar and chili. It’s a flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds!
Even better, these little gems are so easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to impressing your guests—or indulging yourself. Plus, they’re highly adaptable. Want more heat? Throw in some cayenne pepper! Prefer a smoky flavor? A dash of liquid smoke goes a long way. The appeal of these Smokies is truly limitless.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s assemble your arsenal of flavors!
- Bacon (1 pound): The star of the show! Choose thick-cut bacon for a crispy, chewy texture. It’s the kind of indulgence that will have your mouth watering.
- Cocktail Sausages (1 package): Grab a package of smokies; the kind that comes pre-cooked will save you time. They’re easy to find in your local grocery store and come in various flavors (pork, turkey, chicken).
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): This is where the magic happens! The brown sugar will caramelize beautifully, creating that sweet outer layer that juxtaposes the savory bacon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using coconut sugar for a twist!
- Chili Powder (1 tablespoon): This spice adds depth and a mild kick. If you prefer a smokier flavor, smoked paprika or even chipotle powder could be interesting substitutes to consider.
- Toothpicks: You’ll need these for securing the bacon around the smokies. Meanwhile, a fun idea: use colorful cocktail picks to amp up your presentation!
Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Time to bring this savory vision to life!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your bacon will get crispy.
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds. This makes them the perfect size to wrap around your cocktail sausages—and it’s a great job for kids to help with!
- Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Think of it like a delicious little present, each wrapped snugly and ready to bake.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and chili powder. Trust me, this blend is your secret weapon!
- Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture. Get in there! Make sure every inch is coated for maximum flavor.
- Place the wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment will help with cleanup later, so don’t skip it!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. The aroma that will fill your kitchen? Pure bliss.
- Serve warm and enjoy! Take a moment to appreciate how something so simple can bring so much joy.
Best way to enjoy it
When it comes to serving these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies, think fun and relaxed. Lay them out on a large platter and let folks help themselves. They’re wonderful on their own, but if you want to switch things up, serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like barbecue or honey mustard.
For a complete snack spread, pair these smoky delights with fresh veggie sticks and a creamy ranch dip, or some crispy chips. And don’t forget napkins; these bites can get a little sticky!
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to crisp them back up.
You can also freeze them before baking. Just secure the bacon with toothpicks, and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Extra tips and advice
For the best results, use high-quality bacon; it makes a noticeable difference. Also, if you want to save time, consider buying pre-cooked bacon, although I find the fresh stuff has a more delicious flavor. Don’t hesitate to play with spices or even glaze them after baking with a bit of maple syrup for a sweet finish!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a slice of jalapeño or a dab of cream cheese under the bacon wrap for an extra kick. Or swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for an even sweeter experience. You could also experiment with different meats, like chicken sausages, for a lighter twist!
Ingredients list
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1 package of cocktail sausages (smokies)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- Toothpicks
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds.
- Wrap each smokie with bacon; secure with a toothpick.
- Mix brown sugar and chili powder in a bowl.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the sugar mixture.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and sugar caramelized.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to prepare? Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes 20-25 minutes. Total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes.
- Can I prepare these in advance? Definitely! Assemble them ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- What can I serve with these? They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces or as part of a larger spread with veggies and chips.
- How spicy can I make these? You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or incorporating other spices.
- Are these gluten-free? Yes, if you choose gluten-free bacon and check your sausage choice!
You’ve made it this far! I hope you’re as excited as I am to give these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies a try. They’re not just food; they’re an invitation to indulge, make some memories, and share laughs with the ones you love. So fire up that oven and get to cooking—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are delightful bites that combine salty, smoky, and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Preparation Steps
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).This ensures your bacon will get crispy. -
Cut the bacon
Cut the bacon strips into thirds.This makes them the perfect size to wrap around your cocktail sausages. -
Wrap the sausages
Wrap each smokie with bacon and secure it with a toothpick. -
Mix the sugar and chili powder
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and chili powder.This blend is your secret weapon! -
Coat the wrapped smokies
Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture.Make sure every inch is coated for maximum flavor. -
Prepare for baking
Place the wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.The parchment will help with cleanup later. -
Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.You'll know they're done by the aroma in your kitchen. -
Serve
Serve warm and enjoy!They're best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 2 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 0 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
