Little Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and smothered in sticky brown sugar are the ultimate party appetizer! These Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. With a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, they are sure to impress your guests. This easy-to-make dish requires just three ingredients and brings a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, this recipe is super simple and takes little time to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These little bites are irresistible, making them a favorite at any gathering or party.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish for casual meals.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and simply bake them when ready to serve.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Glass 13×9 dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Glass 13×9 dish: This size is perfect for baking all the little smokies evenly while allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for the bacon, making wrapping easier.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface to cut and prepare your ingredients.
- Oven: Essential for achieving that crispy bacon texture while caramelizing the brown sugar.
Ingredients
Little Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and smothered in sticky brown sugar. An easy 3-ingredient party appetizer!
For the Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- 1 pound bacon (NOT thick sliced)
- 14 oz little smoked sausages (1 package)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Step 1: Cut the Bacon
- Take your pound of bacon and cut it into thirds. This will provide the perfect size to wrap around each sausage.
Step 2: Wrap the Sausages
- Tightly wrap one piece of bacon around one little sausage.
- Place the wrapped sausage seam side down in a glass 13×9 dish.
- Repeat the wrapping process with all remaining little smokies until they are all assembled in the dish.
Step 3: Add Brown Sugar
- Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over all the wrapped little smokies.
- Ensure there is a thin layer covering all pieces.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Bake the Little Smokies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once preheated, uncover the little smokies and place them in the oven.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is deeply caramelized.
Enjoy these tasty bites fresh from your oven! Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own!
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance their appeal at your next event.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy dip that perfectly complements the savory bacon flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky BBQ sauce adds a bold taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch offers a cool contrast to the hot, crispy smokies.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Celery Sticks: Crisp celery provides a refreshing crunch to balance out the rich flavors.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet, crunchy carrots add a nice touch and can be dipped into sauces as well.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes bring a burst of freshness alongside these savory bites.
Create a Party Platter
- Cheese Cubes: Add a variety of cheese cubes for guests to enjoy alongside the smokies.
- Crackers: Include an assortment of crackers for easy snacking and pairing with cheese or dips.
- Mixed Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts offers a salty snack option that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
How to Perfect Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold bacon choice: Use standard-cut bacon instead of thick-cut. This ensures an even crispiness throughout.
- Bold uniform wraps: Wrap each sausage tightly but not too tightly; it should allow space for the bacon to crisp up during cooking.
- Bold refrigeration time: Allowing the wrapped sausages to chill in the fridge before baking helps set the shape and flavors.
- Bold check doneness: Keep an eye on them while baking. If needed, increase cooking time slightly to ensure crispy bacon.
- Bold caramelization note: Look for deep caramelization on the sugar topping, which enhances both flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Serving side dishes alongside Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies can elevate your appetizer spread. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the smokies.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a hearty accompaniment perfect for dipping.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs add protein and creaminess, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness and freshness that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins offer comforting texture and sweetness that complements smoky tastes.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa create an easy-to-eat side option that guests love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, small errors can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to dodge:
- Overcooking the Bacon – If you cook the bacon too long, it can become overly crispy and dry. Keep an eye on your little smokies to achieve the perfect texture.
- Not Prepping Ahead – Skipping the refrigeration step leads to uneven sugar caramelization. Always refrigerate your wrapped sausages for at least one hour before baking.
- Using Thick Sliced Bacon – Thick sliced bacon may not wrap around little smokies properly and can affect cooking time. Stick with regular sliced bacon for optimal results.
- Skipping the Sugar – Brown sugar is key for that delicious sticky glaze. Do not forget to sprinkle a generous layer over all the little smokies before baking.
- Crowding the Dish – Overcrowding your baking dish prevents even cooking and crisping of the bacon. Ensure there’s enough space between each little smokie for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies:
How do I make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies healthier?
You can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative while still enjoying the flavors of this appetizer.
Can I use other types of sausages?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages, like chicken or beef varieties, for a unique twist.
How long do Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies last?
They last about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wrap them and refrigerate them a day prior to baking.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are an irresistible appetizer that combines sweetness with savory flavors, making them perfect for any gathering. With easy customization options, you can tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give them a try at your next event; they might just become the star of the show!
Turkey Wrapped Little Smokies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 24 pieces (12 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in delicious Turkey Wrapped Little Smokies! This easy three-ingredient recipe is perfect for parties. Try it today!
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey bacon (regular cut)
- 14 oz little smoked sausages (1 package)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut turkey bacon into thirds and tightly wrap each piece around a little sausage.
- Place wrapped sausages seam-side down in a glass 13×9 dish.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over all the wrapped sausages.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces (60g)
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
Keywords: For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages like chicken or beef for added variety.