As the sun began to dip below the horizon, teasing us with the promise of a perfect evening, I found myself searching for that ideal appetizer to kick off the gathering. That’s when I remembered my newfound favorite: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. The moment those crispy strips of bacon hit the baking sheet, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of savory goodness, pulling everyone into the heart of my home.
This easy-to-make treat blends sweet brown sugar and a well-spiced BBQ rub, wrapping the little sausages in a tantalizing embrace that’s truly hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game night or celebrating a special occasion, these crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to make an appearance at any gathering. They’ve quickly become my go-to recipe, offering that perfect balance of crunchy bacon and juicy sausage that keeps everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive in and make these scrumptious morsels that will have your friends and family raving!
Why Are Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Irresistible?
Simplicity at its finest: The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Sweet and savory bliss: The delightful blend of brown sugar and BBQ rub elevates the flavor, creating a memorable taste experience.
Perfect party starter: These bite-sized delights are always a hit at gatherings, ensuring your appetizers are the talk of the event.
Versatile variations: Feel free to customize the BBQ rub or dip options, allowing you to tailor them to your guests’ preferences.
Quick bake time: With just 40-45 minutes in the oven, you’ll have delicious treats ready in no time, making them an excellent choice for spontaneous gatherings.
Make sure to check out our tips on making-ahead appetizers to save time on busy days!
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Ingredients
• Get ready to discover what makes these bites irresistible!
For the Wrapping
- Bacon – This crispy layer brings rich flavor and texture to your dish.
- Little Smokies (1.5 lb/24 oz) – The flavorful base that pairs perfectly with bacon for a savory treat.
For the Glaze
- Brown Sugar (2/3 cup) – Adds a sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- BBQ Rub (1 tbsp) – Boosts the smokiness of the dish and adds just the right amount of zest.
Feel free to personalize these with your own favorite Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies tweaks!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures an easy cleanup after your delicious appetizers are done baking!
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Cut the bacon strips into thirds, allowing for the perfect size to wrap around the Little Smokies. Aim for a clean cut to keep the pieces uniform and easy to handle.
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Wrap each little smoky with a piece of bacon, placing them snugly in the prepared baking dish without overcrowding. This way, they’ll cook evenly and achieve that sought-after crispy texture during baking.
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Sprinkle the wrapped sausage links with brown sugar and BBQ rub evenly over the tops. This step adds a delightful sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, caramelizing beautifully in the oven.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure they reach that perfect level of crunch!
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Serve warm, enjoying the irresistible combination of crispy bacon and tender sausage, allowing everyone to savor each delicious bite together.
Optional: Serve with a side of ranch or spicy mustard for an added zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Variations
Dive into a world of flavors by customizing your Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies to match your mood and palate!
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Turkey Bacon: Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option without sacrificing much flavor. Enjoy the crispiness minus some guilt!
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Spicy Kick: Use a spicy BBQ rub instead of the regular one to elevate the heat level. You’ll tickle those taste buds while balancing out the sweetness of the glaze.
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Smoked Sausage: Replace Little Smokies with smoked sausage for a richer flavor profile. This adds depth and a delightful smokiness to the dish that is simply irresistible.
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Honey Glaze: Drizzle a bit of honey on top before baking for a lovely sweet twist. The caramelization creates a sticky, sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon.
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Maple Syrup: Instead of brown sugar, use maple syrup for a unique flavor burst. The result will be a delightful mix of sweet and savory that feels like a cozy breakfast in bite-sized form.
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Vegetarian Option: Utilize plant-based sausages and vegan bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version. Everyone can enjoy these tasty bites!
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Cheesy Surprise: Wrap a small piece of cheese inside the bacon around each sausage. As they bake, the cheese will melt and create a gooey surprise inside!
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Crispy Onion Topping: After baking, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top for an added crunch. This simple addition brings texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy days! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping the little smokies with bacon and placing them in a greased baking dish. Once wrapped, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For optimal results, sprinkle the brown sugar and BBQ rub just before baking to maintain the crunchy texture of the bacon. When ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, ensuring your appetizers are just as delicious as if made fresh! This make-ahead option guarantees you’ll have delightful treats ready for any gathering with minimal effort.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
The aroma of crispy bacon enveloping those savory little sausages calls for tantalizing accompaniments that elevate your snacking experience.
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Spicy Mustard: This zesty dip adds a tangy kick that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze.
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Creamy Ranch Dip: A cool ranch dip balances the smoky flavors, making each bite even more delightful.
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Fresh Veggie Platter: Slice up colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots for a fresh crunch that brightens the table and cleanses the palate.
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Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the smokies, adding a delightful texture to every bite.
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BBQ Sauce: Serve some tangy BBQ sauce on the side for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon and sweet glaze.
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Mini Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffins add a homespun touch, perfectly complementing the smoky, savory bites for a complete meal feel.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Enjoy a refreshing, bubbly lemonade to cut through the richness—its brightness makes for a lovely complement to both sweet and savory flavors.
Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
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Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for a thicker cut of bacon for better texture and flavor. Thin bacon can become overly crispy or burn before the sausages cook through.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to space out the bacon-wrapped smokies on your baking dish. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring each piece gets that desired crispy finish.
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Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. This still gives you a nice glaze without overwhelming sweetness in your Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies.
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BBQ Rub Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ rubs based on your flavor preferences. A spicy rub can add excitement, while a milder one keeps it classic.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cook time, as different ovens can vary. Look for crispy bacon and bubbling glaze to know your smokies are perfectly done!
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Fridge: Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked little smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, bake thawed bacon-wrapped smokies at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bacon is crispy again.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare these appetizers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This helps streamline your cooking when entertaining!
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best bacon for my Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Absolutely! Opt for a thicker cut of bacon for your Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, as it provides better texture and holds up against the heat. Thinner bacon may become overly crispy or burn before the sausages cook through, leaving you with chewy bites instead of a perfect balance of crispy and tender.
How should I store leftovers of Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
For sure! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Definitely! To freeze, lay the cooked Little Smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes after thawing.
What should I do if the bacon isn’t crispy when baking my Little Smokies?
Very good question! If your bacon isn’t getting crispy, try precooking the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the Little Smokies. This helps render some fat and kickstarts the crisping process. Also, ensure there’s enough space in your baking dish for air to circulate; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping!
Are there any dietary considerations for my guests when serving Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Yes, indeed! If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, consider using turkey bacon as a leaner option. Also, be conscious of allergies—if you’re using a commercial BBQ rub, check the ingredients for potential allergens, like gluten or nuts. Always a good idea to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions beforehand.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish generously with cooking spray.
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds, allowing for the perfect size to wrap around the Little Smokies.
- Wrap each little smoky with a piece of bacon and place them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the wrapped sausage links with brown sugar and BBQ rub evenly over the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve warm, enjoying the combination of crispy bacon and tender sausage.