Few appetizers bring the level of satisfaction that Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies do. The combination of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and the sweet heat of brown sugar and spices creates a flavor explosion in every bite. These bites are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual game nights.
The best part? They’re incredibly simple to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet and savory treat, these bacon-wrapped delights will always hit the spot. Customize the spice level to your liking, and watch as they disappear off the tray in no time!
Full Recipe:
- 1 package (14 oz) of Little Smokies
- 1 lb bacon, cut into thirds
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Roll the bacon-wrapped Smokies in the sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange them on the prepared rack and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 180 per serving | Servings: 10 servings
A Party Favorite: Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the epitome of easy, delicious appetizers that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or a laid-back game day with friends. Their universal appeal lies in the irresistible combination of smoky sausages, crispy bacon, and the sweet and spicy glaze that coats each piece. Once you set a tray of these on the table, you’ll watch them disappear faster than you can say “bacon-wrapped.”
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the basic recipe is a winner on its own, it also serves as a blank canvas for culinary creativity. You can adjust the spice level, swap out the sausages, or even experiment with different glazes to suit your preferences or the event’s theme. No matter how you customize them, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies never fail to impress.
A Brief History of the Dish
While bacon-wrapped appetizers have been a staple in American cuisine for decades, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are relatively modern. These snacks emerged as a popular finger food in the mid-20th century when convenience foods like pre-cooked sausages became widely available. Over time, they evolved from a quick appetizer into a party classic, often appearing at potlucks, tailgates, and holiday feasts.
The combination of bacon and sausage has always been a crowd-pleaser, but the addition of brown sugar and spices takes these little bites to a whole new level. The glaze caramelizes during baking, creating a sweet and savory crust that complements the salty richness of the bacon and the smoky flavor of the sausages.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Are So Popular
- Universal Appeal
These little bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They combine the savory, smoky flavor of sausage with the rich, crispy goodness of bacon. Add a touch of sweetness and spice, and you have a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Kids love them, adults rave about them, and they fit perfectly into any occasion, from formal dinners to casual gatherings. - Ease of Preparation
One of the main reasons for their popularity is how simple they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes them ideal for busy hosts who want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. - Customizable Flavors
Whether you like your snacks sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies can be tailored to suit your taste. The basic recipe is easy to modify by adjusting the glaze or adding extra spices, making it versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. - Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday parties to Super Bowl gatherings, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are always a hit. They’re portable, easy to serve, and don’t require utensils, making them ideal for social settings where people prefer grab-and-go snacks.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
- Choose the Right Bacon
Thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it crisps up nicely without overpowering the smokies. Thick-cut bacon may not cook evenly, leaving you with chewy, undercooked bites. - Pre-Cook Bacon for Extra Crispiness
If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can partially cook it before wrapping the sausages. This step ensures that the bacon gets a head start, especially if you’re working with thick-cut slices. - Don’t Skip the Glaze
The glaze is what elevates this dish from good to great. Whether you use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup as a base, make sure it coats each piece evenly. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, adding a delicious layer of flavor that balances the richness of the bacon. - Use a Wire Rack
Baking the smokies on a wire rack allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that the bacon crisps up on all sides. It also prevents the bites from sitting in grease, making them less soggy and more appealing. - Experiment with Add-Ons
While the basic recipe is fantastic, you can add extra flair with toppings like sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish look more visually appealing.
Creative Variations to Try
- Sweet and Spicy
Add a drizzle of honey and a dash of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who love a little heat with their sweetness. - Barbecue Style
Swap out the brown sugar glaze for your favorite barbecue sauce. This smoky, tangy variation is a hit at summer cookouts and tailgate parties. - Cheese-Stuffed Smokies
For an indulgent twist, stuff the Little Smokies with cheese before wrapping them in bacon. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. - Maple Bacon
Use maple syrup as the glaze for a sweet, breakfast-inspired version. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage and crispy bacon. - Herb and Garlic
Sprinkle the bites with minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking. This sophisticated variation is perfect for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are best served hot, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a platter with a side of toothpicks for easy serving. If you’re hosting a party, consider pairing them with complementary dips like honey mustard, spicy aioli, or barbecue sauce. They also work well alongside other appetizers, such as vegetable platters, cheese boards, or mini sliders.
For a more substantial spread, you can serve them as part of a brunch buffet. Pair them with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent start to the day. Their sweet and savory profile makes them a versatile addition to any meal.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, there are a few tweaks you can make without sacrificing flavor:
- Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Chicken Sausages: Use mini chicken sausages instead of traditional Little Smokies for a lower-fat alternative.
- Sugar Substitutes: Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative to reduce the calorie count.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Recipe for Your Repertoire
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are more than just an appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves a lasting impression. Their perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors makes them an irresistible treat that people of all ages will enjoy. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and suitable for any occasion, this dish is a must-have for every home cook’s recipe collection.
Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday dinner, a casual game-day gathering, or simply want to indulge in a delicious snack, Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are always a winning choice. With so many variations to try, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this classic appetizer.