Introduction
Gather ’round, home cooks! Few appetizers spark joy and disappear faster than perfectly cooked Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. These bite-sized delights are the epitome of sweet and savory indulgence, offering a harmonious blend of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze that’s utterly addictive. Whether hosting a game night, holiday gathering, or simply craving an impressive snack, these little gems will be the star of your spread. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to please, let’s create this irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Crafting these culinary marvels requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients:
* 2 packages (14 ounces each) little smokies cocktail sausages, drained
* 1 pound thin-cut bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
* ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
* Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing these savory-sweet bites is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil for easy cleanup.
2. Wrap & Arrange: Take one piece of cut bacon and snugly wrap it around each little smokie. Secure with a toothpick if desired. Arrange in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
3. Sweeten the Deal: Evenly sprinkle the packed brown sugar over all the wrapped smokies. If adding spice, sprinkle now.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and brown sugar has melted into a rich, sticky glaze. Watch closely during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Cool & Serve: Remove from oven. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This allows the caramelized sugar to set. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Achieving bacon-wrapped bliss is all about the details. Here are a few insider tips from our test kitchen:
* Bacon Choice Matters: Opt for thin-cut bacon. It crisps beautifully and wraps easily. Thick-cut takes longer and might not get uniformly crisp.
* Don’t Overcrowd: Give your smokies space. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* The Power of Parchment: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly simple, especially with caramelized sugar.
* Drain Excess Fat: Gently blot excessive pooling fat with a paper towel halfway through baking. This prevents soggy bottoms.
* Make Ahead Magic: Wrap smokies and sprinkle with brown sugar up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake – a fantastic time-saver!
Variations
While the classic version is delicious, these smokies are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment:
* Spice It Up: For heat, mix a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce into the brown sugar. Chipotle powder adds a smoky kick.
* Glaze Enhancements: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a hint of bourbon to the brown sugar mixture for extra complexity and a richer glaze.
* Herbaceous Twist: Before baking, tuck a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme under the bacon for an aromatic touch.
* Different Sausages: Explore beyond traditional little smokies. Try chicken apple sausages (cut into bite-sized pieces) or vegetarian cocktail wieners.
Conclusion
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Smokies that promises to elevate any occasion. From the first tantalizing aroma to the last bite of sweet, savory, and crispy perfection, these appetizers are a testament to how simple ingredients create extraordinary flavor. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and impress your family and friends with this timeless, utterly irresistible treat. Happy cooking!
