Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe for Your Next Party

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer that never fails to impress! Imagine the delightful combination of savory bacon enveloping juicy little sausages, creating a mouthwatering bite that’s both crispy and tender. This dish has its roots in American gatherings, often gracing tables at tailgates, holiday parties, and family reunions. The rich flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the smokiness of the sausages, making it a beloved choice for many. What I love most about Bacon Wrapped Smokies is their convenience; they are easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, ensuring that there’s plenty to go around. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night in, these delectable bites are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14 oz) of cocktail sausages (smokies)
• 1 pound of bacon (thick-cut works best)
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bacon-wrapped smokies will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. 2. **Prepare the Bacon**: While the oven is heating, take your bacon and cut each strip into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping around the smokies. If you prefer a little more bacon on each smokie, you can cut them in half instead. 3. **Season the Brown Sugar**: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix these ingredients well until they are evenly combined. This will create a sweet and savory coating for your smokies. 4. **Wrap the Smokies**: Take a cocktail sausage and wrap a piece of bacon around it, ensuring that the bacon overlaps slightly. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Repeat this process until all the sausages are wrapped. You can place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cooking Process

5. **Coat the Wrapped Smokies**: Once all the smokies are wrapped and secured, take the bowl of seasoned brown sugar and sprinkle it generously over the bacon-wrapped sausages. Make sure to coat them evenly, as this will caramelize during baking and create a delicious glaze. 6. **Arrange on Baking Sheet**: Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This allows the heat to circulate around them, ensuring they cook properly and the bacon crisps up nicely. 7. **Bake in the Oven**: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, I like to turn the smokies over to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time; you want the bacon to be crispy and the sugar to be caramelized but not burnt. 8. **Check for Doneness**: After 25-30 minutes, check the smokies. The bacon should be crispy and the sugar should have formed a nice glaze. If they need a little more time, feel free to leave them in for an additional 5-10 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Assembling and Serving

9. **Remove from Oven**: Once the bacon-wrapped smokies are done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes; they will be very hot! 10. **Serve**: Transfer the smokies to a serving platter. You can remove the toothpicks if you prefer, but I like to leave them in for easy serving. These little bites are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack at home. 11. **Optional Dipping Sauce**: If you want to elevate your bacon-wrapped smokies even further, consider serving them with a dipping sauce. A simple mixture of barbecue sauce and honey or a spicy mustard can complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

12. **Choosing the Right Bacon**: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. It holds up better during cooking and provides a nice crispy texture. If you use regular bacon, keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may cook faster. 13. **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to get creative with the seasonings! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or even some maple syrup to the brown sugar for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! 14. **Make Ahead**: If you’re preparing for a party, you can wrap the smokies in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to coat them with the brown sugar mixture right before baking. 15. **Leftovers**: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re

Conclusion:

In summary, this Bacon Wrapped Smokies recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply indulge in a delicious snack. The combination of savory bacon and sweet, smoky sausages creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delightful bites with a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty mustard dip to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet twist or wrapping them in different types of bacon, like maple or peppered, to suit your taste preferences. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these Bacon Wrapped Smokies are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out for you! Happy cooking! Print