When the weekend rolls around, I find myself craving something that feels like a celebration, even in the comfort of my own kitchen. Recently, while hosting friends for a casual gathering, I wanted to whip up an appetizer that would engage everyone’s taste buds without trying too hard. That’s when I stumbled upon the divine combination of Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter.
The moment you wrap a savory sausage in crispy bacon and drizzle it with melted butter and sweet brown sugar, it feels like pure magic. With each bite, the smoky, sweet flavors blend effortlessly, turning a simple ingredient list into something utterly irresistible. These little bites not only elevate your snacking game but are also sure to impress even your most discerning guests. Ready to dive into this effortless recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Why Love Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any home cook.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet brown sugar perfectly balances the savory bacon, creating a delightful taste sensation.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a game day, party, or family gathering, these treats will have everyone coming back for more!
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish with your favorite sides.
Quick Cooking: With just 20-25 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy these delicious bites in no time!
Elevate your next gathering with this easy yet impressive dish that all will love!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ingredients
For the Smokies
• 1 lb Lit’l Smokies – These little sausages are the star, delivering that perfect filling taste with every bite.
• 1 lb bacon – Choose thick-cut bacon for an extra crispy texture that beautifully complements the sweetness.
For the Sauce
• 1 stick butter – Adds richness and a buttery flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• 2 cups light brown sugar – This key ingredient creates a delicious caramelized layer over the bacon wrapped Smokies.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
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Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 375°F. This will ensure that your Smokies cook evenly and get that perfect texture.
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Prepare Bacon: Cut your bacon strips into thirds.Wrap each little smokie snugly in a piece of bacon, and arrange them in a single layer on a baking dish. They should not overlap for even cooking.
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Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add half of the light brown sugar, stirring until fully combined. This mixture will create a beautiful glaze for your Smokies.
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Coat the Smokies: Pour that luscious butter and brown sugar blend evenly over the bacon-wrapped Smokies, ensuring each one is well-coated. Your kitchen will begin to smell divine!
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Sprinkle Sugar: Take the remaining brown sugar and sprinkle it generously over the top of the bacon-wrapped delights. This will create a caramelized crust as they bake.
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Bake: Place your baking dish in the oven and bake the Bacon Wrapped Smokies for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be bubbly and golden brown when ready!
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Crisp Them Up: For that extra crunch, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll love the crispy edges!
Optional: Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at your next gathering.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter?
Looking to create the perfect spread for your gathering? Let’s elevate those savory bites with delightful complementary dishes!
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Crispy Potato Wedges: The satisfying crunch of perfectly baked potato wedges contrasts beautifully with the sweet and smoky flavors of the smokies. They make an excellent side for dipping!
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Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing dish adds a tangy crunch, balancing out the richness of the bacon and butter. A great way to include some fresh veggies on the plate!
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Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Soft, pillowy breadsticks slathered in garlic butter invite everyone to indulge. They are perfect for mopping up any leftover sweetness from the smokies.
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Sweet Corn Salad: Bursting with fresh flavors, sweet corn salad provides a light, colorful contrast. The hint of lime in the dressing enhances the overall taste experience.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy and cheesy, this dip rounds out your appetizer table beautifully. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful blend of flavors.
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Mango Salsa: Add a tropical flair with this sweet and spicy salsa. Its bright flavor profile refreshes your palate after each rich bite of the smokies.
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Sparkling Lemonade: An effervescent drink perched beside your appetizers adds a cheerful touch. It’s refreshing, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, these warm, gooey cookies will finish the meal on a sweet note, contrasting with the savory treats served earlier. The nostalgia of cookies will surely delight your guests!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a delightful heat that amps up the flavor.
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Maple Syrup Twist: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, unique sweetness that will surprise your guests.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the melted butter for a fragrant twist that complements the smoky bacon.
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Applewood Bacon: Use applewood-smoked bacon instead of regular bacon for an extra layer of flavor that’s both sweet and savory, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
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Cheesy Surprise: Insert a cube of cream cheese or cheddar cheese inside each Lit’l Smokie before wrapping them in bacon for a delightful gooey center.
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Glazed Pineapple: Add small chunks of glazed pineapple between the smokies in the baking dish for a fruity burst that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
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Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a lovely crunch that takes the textural experience to the next level.
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
Fridge: Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Reheating: For optimal taste, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. This will keep the bacon crispy and delicious.
Making Ahead: Assemble the smokies and drizzle with the butter mixture, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Smokies
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Bacon Choice: Use thick-cut bacon for an extra crispy texture. Thin bacon cooks too quickly and can become rubbery.
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Even Coating: Ensure each smokie is completely wrapped in bacon and coated in the butter mixture. This helps achieve that delectable glaze and prevents uneven cooking.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer without overlaps. This ensures proper airflow and even browning during baking for the best flavor.
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Watch the Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake; ovens vary. You want them bubbly and golden, so timing can make all the difference.
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Serve Fresh: These Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are best enjoyed right after baking. They lose their crispy texture as they cool.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can wrap the Lit’l Smokies in bacon and arrange them in a baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture over the top and bake them straight from the fridge. For crispy edges, increase the heat to 400°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This makes entertaining a breeze and allows you to serve up delicious bites with minimal effort!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using thick-cut bacon for wrapping your little smokies. This not only helps in achieving that perfect crispy texture, but also ensures that the bacon doesn’t get rubbery during the cooking process. Thin bacon can cook too quickly and might not give you the satisfying bite you crave.
How do I store leftover Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method will help restore some of that lovely crispness that makes them so delightful!
Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter?
Yes, indeed! To freeze these delicious bites, spread the cooked smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you want to indulge, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Why are my Smokies not getting crispy?
If your Bacon Wrapped Smokies aren’t achieving that crispy perfection, make sure you’re using thick-cut bacon and that you’re not overcrowding them in the baking dish. Overlapping can result in steam instead of that coveted crisp! Additionally, ensure that you’re baking them at the right temperatures—start at 375°F and finish at 400°F for those last few crunchy minutes.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Definitely! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, you can look for turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon alternatives to accommodate different diets. However, be aware that the cooking time and texture may vary. Additionally, if anyone has a specific allergy to these ingredients, be sure to have alternatives prepared.
Sweet and Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Bacon: Cut your bacon strips into thirds and wrap each little smokie snugly in a piece of bacon.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in half of the light brown sugar.
- Coat the Smokies: Pour the butter and brown sugar blend evenly over the bacon-wrapped Smokies.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Take the remaining brown sugar and sprinkle it generously over the top.
- Bake: Place your baking dish in the oven and bake the Smokies for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Crisp Them Up: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.