Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
Recipe Description
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter – a simple yet show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. These bite-sized treats combine smoky sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, all coated in a caramelized buttery brown sugar glaze. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe delivers big on flavor and leaves everyone asking for more. The balance of sweet and salty is pure comfort food bliss, making this a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients Overview
- Bacon (1 pound, cut into thirds): Opt for thin-cut bacon as it wraps around the sausages more easily and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it may not cook through properly.
- Lil’ Smokies (1 pound): These mini smoked sausages bring the perfect hint of smokiness and are a party favorite. You can use classic pork smokies or switch it up with turkey or beef varieties.
- Butter (1 stick): Butter adds richness to the glaze, helping the brown sugar melt smoothly and caramelize over the bacon and smokies.
- Brown Sugar (2 cups): This provides the sweet counterpart to the salty bacon, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness or dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking. A properly preheated oven is key to achieving that golden, caramelized finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Take your pound of bacon and slice each strip into thirds. Thin bacon works best as it cooks more quickly and crisps up evenly around the smokies.
Step 3: Wrap the Smokies
Wrap each Lil’ Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick if needed. This step ensures the bacon stays snug around the sausage during baking.
Step 4: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place the wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. Avoid overcrowding them to allow even heat distribution.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
In a saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until fully combined. The mixture should have a smooth, syrup-like consistency.
Step 6: Pour and Sprinkle
Pour the butter and brown sugar glaze evenly over the smokies and bacon. Then, take the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar and sprinkle it generously over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized to perfection.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and let the smokies cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and watch them disappear from the platter!
Tips for Culinary Perfection
- Tip #1: Line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Tip #2: Use a wire rack over the baking dish for extra crispy bacon, as it allows the fat to drip away.
- Tip #3: Chill the bacon for 15 minutes before cutting; this makes it easier to handle.
- Tip #4: For a spicy kick, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder over the smokies before baking.
- Tip #5: Add a drizzle of maple syrup to the glaze for a hint of maple sweetness.
- Tip #6: If you’re making a large batch, bake in multiple dishes to avoid overcrowding.
- Tip #7: Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Tip #8: Experiment with flavored smokies, such as cheese-filled or spicy varieties.
- Tip #9: Turn halfway through baking for even caramelization.
- Tip #10: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing and fewer sticky fingers.
- Tip #11: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Tip #12: Double the recipe for large parties—they’ll disappear fast!
- Tip #13: For a gourmet twist, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary or thyme over the top.
- Tip #14: Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue.
- Tip #15: Ensure the brown sugar is evenly distributed to avoid clumps.
- Tip #16: If the bacon isn’t crisping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Tip #17: Avoid overlapping smokies in the dish for consistent cooking.
- Tip #18: Let the glaze cool slightly to thicken before pouring it on.
- Tip #19: Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Tip #20: Test one smokie for doneness before serving to ensure they’re cooked perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Allow the smokies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the smokies on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the bacon may not stay as crispy.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked smokies in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the smokies up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. What’s the best way to crisp the bacon?
Bake on a wire rack to allow airflow around the bacon, or broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
3. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well, though it may not crisp as much as pork bacon.
4. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes, light brown sugar will work perfectly, providing a milder sweetness.
5. Are there vegetarian alternatives?
For a vegetarian option, wrap veggie sausages in plant-based bacon.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor, but margarine can be a substitute.
7. How can I make them spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
8. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
9. Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat until the bacon is cooked and caramelized.
10. Do I need to cover them while baking?
No, leave them uncovered to ensure the bacon crisps.
11. How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Avoid using too much sugar directly on the bacon and bake at the recommended temperature.
12. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, try brown sugar substitutes like Swerve for a low-sugar version.
13. What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy ranch are excellent choices.
14. How many smokies does this recipe make?
It depends on the size of the sausages, but typically around 40-50.
15. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Pre-cooked bacon is not recommended as it won’t wrap tightly or crisp up properly.
16. Should I flip them during baking?
It’s not necessary, but flipping ensures even caramelization.
17. Can I bake these on parchment paper?
Yes, parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
18. How long can leftovers sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature to ensure food safety
