Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances savory and sweet, you’ve struck gold with Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies. I stumbled upon this delightful dish during a family gathering, and it quickly became our star of the show. Imagine little smoked sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, coated with a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or simply a cozy night in, these bite-sized treats are sure to be devoured in no time!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are many reasons to whip up Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies in your kitchen. First off, they are incredibly easy to make and can be prepped in a blink. Just wrap, coat, and bake! They make for a fantastic party appetizer or game day snack that will leave your guests raving. Plus, with minimal ingredients, they are budget-friendly and perfect for whipping up on a weeknight when you want something simple yet delicious.
“These are always a hit at parties! The combination of sweet and salty is just perfect.” – Sarah, a happy home cook.
Preparing Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Making this dish is a breeze! You’ll start by gathering your ingredients. This recipe is all about assembling simple components and letting them work their magic in the oven. In just a few steps, you’ll have a tray full of these little delights that are perfect for sharing (or not!).
What you’ll need
- A package of Little Smokies mini smoked sausages – the star of the show!
- One package of regular-cut bacon, cut in half to wrap each sausage.
- A cup of brown sugar for that sweet caramelized glaze.
- Black pepper (optional) to add a hint of heat and balance the sweetness.
Feel free to experiment with flavors by swapping out bacon types (perhaps turkey bacon for a lighter choice) or using different sugars, like coconut sugar for a subtle twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your ingredients.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to ensure an easy cleanup.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half. This size is just right for wrapping around the smokies.
- Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around a Little Smokie, securing it with a toothpick.
- Place the brown sugar in a zip-top bag, add several wrapped smokies, and give it a gentle shake to coat them.
- Arrange the coated smokies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer.
- Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar on top and, if desired, a dash of black pepper for some extra depth.
- Bake them in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized beautifully.
- For an added crunch, you can broil them for a minute or two—but keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Best ways to enjoy it
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a variety of dips. A tangy barbecue sauce or a creamy ranch dressing could be perfect companions. You might also consider setting out a platter of fresh veggies or crispy chips to create a full spread that guests can enjoy.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Freezing is also an option! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer, although the texture may not be quite as crispy upon reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
For the crispiest bacon, try using a baking rack on your sheet. This allows the drippings to escape, leading to that golden, crunchy perfection. If you want to add an aromatic twist, consider sprinkling in some smoked paprika or garlic powder while mixing the brown sugar.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to mix it up:
- Use flavored bacon, like maple or peppered varieties, to enhance the flavor profile.
- Try adding a spicy twist with jalapeño slices between the bacon and smokies for a jalapeño popper-inspired version.
- For a sweet touch, drizzle a bit of honey over the finished product right before serving.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time around 35-40 minutes, so you can have these ready in under an hour!
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative while still delivering that savory flavor.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven for the best results!
Enjoy your adventure in the kitchen with Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies! You’ll find they are not only simple to make, but they also bring immense joy to everyone who gets to savor them.
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Little Smokies mini smoked sausages The star of the dish.
- 1 package regular-cut bacon, cut in half To wrap each sausage.
- 1 cup brown sugar For the sweet caramelized glaze.
- to taste dash black pepper Optional, for added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your ingredients.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half for wrapping around the smokies.
- Wrap a half slice of bacon around each Little Smokie, securing it with a toothpick.
- Place the brown sugar in a zip-top bag, add several wrapped smokies, and shake gently to coat them.
- Arrange the coated smokies on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar on top and optionally a dash of black pepper.
Baking
- Bake the smokies in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- For extra crunch, broil for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
