These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a perfect balance of savory bacon and sweet, caramelized brown sugar, making them an irresistible treat. The crisp, smoky bacon wrapping around the juicy little smokies creates the ideal bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion, from parties to game days.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of bacon, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic and mustard elevates these smokies to new heights. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, they’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Little Smokies (about 12 ounces)
- 1/2 pound of bacon (cut into thirds)
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each strip of bacon into thirds. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies in a baking dish and pour the brown sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Snack
If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent appetizer that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies. These little bites of heaven are made by wrapping smoky little sausages in crispy bacon and drizzling them with a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. The result is a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that are sure to leave your guests coming back for more. Whether it’s for a party, game day, or just a fun snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
The reason Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are so popular is their incredible combination of flavors. Bacon, known for its smoky and salty qualities, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of brown sugar. The contrast in flavors is the secret to their addictive taste. The little smokies themselves are juicy and flavorful, adding a satisfying texture to every bite. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it becomes the perfect vehicle for delivering both savory and sweet elements in each mouthful.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing intricate dishes. This is the type of recipe that’s quick to assemble, easy to bake, and incredibly impressive. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe can be pulled off with minimal effort but yields maximum flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons these bacon-wrapped little smokies are so popular is their versatility. They are ideal for just about any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal events. You can serve them as an appetizer at a cocktail party, add them to a buffet spread, or even serve them as the main attraction during a game night. These bacon-wrapped little smokies are great for holiday parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. The blend of smoky bacon, savory sausage, and sweet glaze makes them a universal favorite.
These little smokies also make an excellent addition to any charcuterie board. If you’re hosting a gathering, place them alongside cheeses, crackers, and other finger foods to create a spread that everyone can enjoy. Their bite-sized nature means they’re easy to grab and eat while mingling, making them the perfect snack for a busy event.
Customizing the Recipe
While the classic version of Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies is delicious on its own, the recipe is also highly customizable. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar glaze. This will give the dish an extra kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness of the bacon.
If you prefer a tangy touch, you can experiment with adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the brown sugar mixture. This will cut through the sweetness and provide a bit of acidity, balancing out the flavors even further.
For those who want to make this recipe even more indulgent, you can try topping each little smokie with a small slice of cheese before wrapping it in bacon. This adds a creamy element to the dish and further elevates the taste.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
When serving Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies, presentation is key. These little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon are already visually appealing, but you can take it to the next level by placing them on a nice platter and garnishing them with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also add a drizzle of extra brown sugar sauce for an added touch of sweetness.
These little smokies can be served hot or warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. This makes them an ideal option for events where food might be sitting out for a while, like a buffet or potluck. Just make sure to offer toothpicks or small skewers for easy eating. The finger-food nature of this dish makes it perfect for guests to grab and go without the need for plates or utensils.
How to Make Ahead and Store
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it’s simple to prepare in advance. You can assemble the bacon-wrapped little smokies and place them in the baking dish, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake them, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as instructed.
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely with such a delicious dish!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, leftover little smokies can still be quite tasty.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Bacon: Since bacon is the star of this recipe, make sure to use good-quality bacon. Look for thick-cut bacon, as it will crisp up nicely and add extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When baking the little smokies, be sure not to overcrowd the baking dish. This will help the bacon crisp up evenly and ensure that each smokie gets that delicious caramelized glaze.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overcooked very quickly, so keep an eye on them in the oven. You want the bacon to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
- Use Toothpicks: Toothpicks are key for keeping the bacon in place and ensuring that each smokie stays wrapped tightly. Be sure to remove them before serving.
- Try Different Sauces: The brown sugar sauce is delicious, but feel free to experiment with different sauces for drizzling. A honey mustard or barbecue sauce could work really well with this recipe.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a delightful combination of savory and sweet, offering the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. The simplicity of the dish, combined with its bold flavors, makes it a standout at any party, and the customization options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether served as an appetizer at a holiday dinner, a tailgate snack, or just a treat for family and friends, these bacon-wrapped little smokies will be a hit every time. So the next time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish, reach for this easy yet indulgent recipe—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.