Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Crispy little smokies wrapped in savory brown sugar bacon create an irresistible appetizer that sparks instant excitement at any gathering.

Salty and sweet flavors dance together in this crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat.

Guests always devour these miniature sausages faster than you can plate them.

Small bites pack massive flavor with minimal preparation time.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum deliciousness for your next party or game day spread.

Weekend snacking reaches new heights when these smoky, caramelized morsels emerge from the oven.

Prepare to wow everyone with this simple yet spectacular recipe that guarantees smiles and empty platters.

Little Smokies Wrapped in Brown Sugar Bacon Goodness

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these delectable treats in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Party Perfect Finger Food: Easily transportable and perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend get-togethers where people want delicious, hassle-free snacks.
• Customizable Comfort Bites: Adjust the glaze's sweetness or spiciness to match your taste preferences, making these Little Smokies adaptable for different palates and dietary desires.

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Ingredients

• Little Smokies: Small sausages with a smoky flavor, perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
• Bacon: Thin, crispy meat that adds richness and salty notes to the dish, choose thick-cut for better texture.

• Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Sweet and tangy combination that creates a sticky, flavorful coating.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste, use freshly ground pepper for more intense flavor.

• Toothpicks: Essential for securing bacon and easy serving, wooden picks work best.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple, use non-stick variety.

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Party Steps

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for super easy cleanup later.

This will prevent sticky messes and make washing up a breeze.

Step 2: Wrap Sausages In Bacon

Take each Little Smokie and carefully wrap it with a half slice of bacon.

Secure the bacon ends with a toothpick to keep everything neat and tidy.

The bacon will create a delicious crispy exterior around the sausage.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until you have a rich, glossy glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Coat And Prepare Smokies

Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet.

Generously drizzle the brown sugar glaze over each wrapped sausage, ensuring every bite will be packed with sweet and savory goodness.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the bacon to turn crispy and the sugar to caramelize into a beautiful golden-brown glaze.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the Little Smokies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm with toothpicks so guests can easily grab and enjoy these irresistible appetizers.

Flavor Ideas For Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies

• Use thick-cut bacon and place the wrapped smokies on a wire rack over the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispy edges without burning.
• Experiment with adding bourbon, sriracha, or maple syrup to the brown sugar glaze for unique flavor variations that will surprise your guests.
• Prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to save time during parties.
• Pat the bacon dry before wrapping to minimize excess grease and help the bacon crisp up more effectively during baking.
• Keep the appetizers warm in a slow cooker after baking to maintain their temperature and delicious sticky glaze during gatherings or potlucks.

Save Bacon Smokies for Another Bite

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread Little Smokies on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Bacon Smokie Side Picks

• Pair Perfectly with Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
• Sip Bold Bourbon Cocktails: Smooth, caramel-noted bourbon complements the sweet and savory bacon-wrapped sausages, enhancing the rich glaze with its warm undertones.
• Match with Crisp Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet-salty smokies, balancing the dish's intense flavors with bright, cool textures.
• Serve with Craft Beer Selection: Hoppy IPAs or malty amber ales cut through the richness of the bacon, creating a delightful flavor harmony that elevates the appetizer experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Prosecco: Light, bubbly prosecco cleanses the palate between bites, its effervescence cutting through the caramelized sugar and crispy bacon for a delightful taste sensation.

Bacon Little Smokies Recipe Spins

• Spicy Glazed Smokies: Replace brown sugar with honey and add sriracha or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Maple Bourbon Smokies: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and mix in a splash of bourbon for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Wraps: Use plant-based sausages and tempeh bacon for a meat-free alternative that still delivers incredible taste.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and use sugar-free bacon for a low-carb option.

FAQs

• Can I prepare these Little Smokies in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped sausages and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

• What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thin-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps up nicely and wraps easily around the Little Smokies. Avoid thick-cut bacon which may not cook as evenly.

• How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends when wrapping each Little Smokie. This helps the bacon stay in place during baking and creates a neat presentation.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar glaze if you want to give the dish a spicy kick. The heat will complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling brown sugar bacon little smokies dance with sweet and savory perfection, promising a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will delight guests. Crispy, caramelized bites deliver irresistible flavor that keeps hands reaching back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 package (14 ounces / 397 grams) Little Smokies sausages
• 12 slices of bacon

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Serving Accessory:

• Toothpicks, for securing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining a rimmed sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375°F, ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
2. Carefully encase each compact sausage with a half strip of bacon, anchoring the meat wrap securely using toothpicks to maintain structural integrity.
3. Craft a rich glaze by thoroughly blending brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl until the ingredients form a cohesive, glossy mixture.
4. Methodically arrange the bacon-bundled sausages on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even heat circulation.
5. Generously drizzle the prepared brown sugar glaze over each wrapped morsel, coating them completely to create a sweet and savory exterior.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 22-27 minutes, watching for the bacon to transform into a crisp, caramelized shell and the sugars to develop a deep, amber-colored glaze.
7. Once cooked, extract the tray from the oven and allow the appetizers to rest momentarily, permitting the glaze to set and intensify in flavor.
8. Serve immediately while warm, providing toothpicks for convenient, mess-free enjoyment of these decadent bite-sized treats.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon to create a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers incredible flavor and crispiness.
• Prevent soggy bacon by using thick-cut bacon and patting each slice dry before wrapping the Little Smokies to ensure maximum crispness.
• Customize the glaze by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick, transforming the appetizer into a more complex flavor experience.
• Make these ahead of time by preparing and wrapping the Little Smokies up to a day in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving to save time during party preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg