Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a simple yet irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. Smoky little sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar, making them the ultimate combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. This crowd-pleasing dish is easy to prepare and always a hit!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 pound bacon (cut into thirds)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the bacon cook evenly and allows the grease to drain.
Step 2: Wrap the Little Smokies
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped Smokies on the wire rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching.
Step 3: Coat with Brown Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped Smokies, making sure each one is well coated.
Step 4: Bake the Smokies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- Let the Smokies cool for a few minutes before serving, as the sugar coating will be very hot.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the Smokies to a serving platter and enjoy them warm. These bites are perfect served with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Cooking Notes
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and may not crisp up as well.
- Wire Rack: Using a wire rack helps the bacon cook evenly and prevents the Little Smokies from sitting in the grease, but you can also place them directly on the foil-lined baking sheet if you don’t have a wire rack.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
Variations
Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for extra spice, or drizzle with a bit of hot honey before serving.
Maple Bacon Smokies
- Substitute half of the brown sugar with 1/4 cup of maple syrup for a sweet maple flavor that pairs well with the smoky sausages.
Garlic Parmesan Bacon Smokies
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder over the Smokies during the last 5 minutes of baking for a savory twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wrap the Smokies in bacon and secure them with toothpicks up to a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the brown sugar just before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon, but keep in mind that it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With the combination of smoky sausages, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar, these bite-sized treats are irresistibly delicious. Customize them with different seasonings or sauces to suit your taste, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every sweet, smoky bite of these delicious Little Smokies!
