These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a sweet and salty treat that’s hard to resist! Juicy little sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sugary glaze.
Honestly, they disappear faster than I can put them on the table at parties! Perfect for game day or any gathering, they bring a crowd-pleasing crunch that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These tiny sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, try using cocktail sausages or kielbasa cut into small pieces for a similar effect.
Bacon: Regular bacon is great, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon works here too! It won’t be as crispy, but it still adds that nice smoky flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze. For a twist, brown sugar substitute might also work, but it won’t have the same rich flavor. Honey or maple syrup could be a fun alternative, turned into a glaze.
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
Getting bacon crispy can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll succeed! First, make sure your bacon slices are not too thick; regular thickness is best. Also, wrapping them snugly without overlap helps ensure even cooking.
- During baking, turn the pan halfway. This helps everything cook evenly.
- Keep an eye towards the end of baking. If the bacon is not quite crispy, let it bake a few more minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon (regular thickness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- Optional: toothpicks for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for 20-25 minutes. So in total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes for these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always best to get that oven nice and warm while you prep the ingredients. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Next, grab your bacon and cut each slice into thirds. This will allow each piece to wrap perfectly around the little smokie. You want the pieces to be just right—enough to cover the sausage without showing too much space!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie. If it needs it, secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it tight. Repeat this for all the little smokies until they’re all dressed in bacon!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Lay the bacon-wrapped little smokies on your lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between each one. This allows the air to circulate and helps them crisp up nicely.
5. Add the Sweet Glaze:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the brown sugar on top! Evenly distribute the brown sugar over each bacon-wrapped smokie, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the bacon. This will create that delicious caramelized crust.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want that bacon to be perfectly crisp, and the brown sugar should bubble and caramelize. To ensure even cooking, it’s a good idea to rotate the pan halfway through baking.
7. Cool and Serve:
When they’re done, take the smokies out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, you can remove them now. Serve these little bites warm as a fantastic appetizer or snack at your next gathering!
Enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet caramelized brown sugar with savory bacon and smoky little sausages!
Can I Use Low-Sodium Bacon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-sodium bacon is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake. Just keep in mind that using this type of bacon may decrease the overall flavor, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning to make up for it.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Find Little Smokies?
No problem! If little smokies aren’t available, you can substitute them with cocktail sausages or cut up kielbasa. Both options will work well and provide similar flavors!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can wrap the smokies in bacon and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight before baking. Just make sure to sprinkle the brown sugar on right before baking to ensure it caramelizes nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help maintain their crispiness. Enjoy!