These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty! Wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in brown sugar, they are simply irresistible.
These little bites are a huge hit at parties! I love making them because they disappear faster than I can put them on a plate. Who can resist bacon, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These are the heart of the dish! If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using beef or turkey little smokies. They all work well, giving a slight twist to the taste.
Bacon: I recommend using regular-cut bacon, as it cooks evenly. If you’re after a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, but it won’t be as crispy or flavorful.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is my favorite for balancing sweetness, but dark brown sugar adds deeper flavor too. If you need a sugar alternative, brown sugar substitute or coconut sugar will work fine!
Toothpicks: I find toothpicks help keep everything wrapped together, making serving easier. If you don’t have them, feel free to skip this step.
How Do You Get the Bacon Perfectly Crispy?
Getting bacon just right can be a little tricky. By following these tips, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture:
- Cut the bacon into smaller pieces, which allows for quicker cooking.
- Preheat the oven properly and bake the smokies until the bacon looks golden brown; this usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
- If needed, broil for a minute or two at the end to add extra crispness, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
By keeping an eye on the bacon as it cooks, you’ll end up with a deliciously crunchy treat that’s hard to resist! Enjoy whipping these up at your next gathering!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 ounces) little smokies sausages
- 10-12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- Optional: Toothpicks for securing bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your smokies cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup later—trust me, it makes a difference!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take your bacon slices and cut them into thirds or halves, depending on how much you want to wrap around each little smokie. The goal is to have enough bacon to fully wrap each smokie. Set it aside for the next step!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now, it’s time to wrap! Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie. If you want, you can secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place, but it’s optional. Just make sure it’s snug and well-covered.
4. Arrange the Wrapped Smokies:
Place all your bacon-wrapped smokies onto the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, so they can cook evenly.
5. Add the Brown Sugar:
Grab that delicious brown sugar! Sprinkle it generously over each bacon-wrapped smokie, pressing it lightly to help it stick for that lovely caramelized finish.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the bacon to be crispy and the brown sugar to caramelize beautifully. If you’d like, you can broil them on high for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end to unlock that extra crunch; just watch closely to prevent burning!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re nice and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, this is the time to remove them. Don’t let them cool too much; serve them warm for the best flavor!
8. Enjoy!
These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them as an appetizer at your party, or keep them as a tasty snack just for you. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Enjoy the sweet and salty combination of these bites—perfect for parties or any snack time! 😋
Can I Use Regular Sausages Instead of Little Smokies?
Yes, you can! While little smokies are traditional, you can use regular cocktail sausages or even cut larger sausages into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the bacon becomes crispy and the sausage is heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon molasses for every cup of white sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can work, though it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through for the best results.
Can I Prepare Them in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the smokies a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold. Enjoy your hassle-free party prep!
