These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a tasty treat that will have everyone smiling! Juicy little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar—what’s not to love?
Trust me, they’re super easy to make! I love serving these at parties because they’re gone in a flash. Plus, they make the kitchen smell amazing. Can you say yum? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star of the dish! You can use beef, pork, or turkey options, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
Bacon: I recommend regular cut bacon for better crispiness, but thick-cut bacon works too. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon can be a good swap, though it may not be as crispy.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that caramelized glaze. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 cup white sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses) for a similar flavor.
Toothpicks: These are handy for wrapping the bacon around the sausages. If you’re short on toothpicks, you can skip them, but wrapping the bacon tightly is key to keeping it in place.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Bacon on Little Smokies?
Getting the bacon crispy is crucial for this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate all around the bacon.
- Cook the bacon-wrapped sausages at a steady 375°F (190°C). Avoid lower temperatures, as this can lead to chewy bacon.
- Make sure the bacon pieces overlap slightly when wrapping. This helps create a great texture and keeps the smokies from drying out.
- Don’t rush! Let them bake until they turn golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, broil them for a minute or two at the end—just keep a close eye on them!
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) package of little smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon (regular cut or thick cut, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Optional: Toothpicks for securing the bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty treat ready for your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Then, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This setup helps the bacon get crispy while allowing excess fat to drip away.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take each slice of bacon and cut it in half crosswise. This makes the pieces easier to wrap around the little smokies without wasting any bacon.
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now, take one half slice of bacon and wrap it around each little smokies sausage snugly. If you want, you can secure the bacon with a toothpick, but make sure to remove them before serving!
4. Arrange on the Rack:
Place your bacon-wrapped little smokies neatly on the wire rack. Give them a little space to ensure even cooking. They’ll puff up a bit as they bake, so don’t crowd them!
5. Add the Brown Sugar:
Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped smokies. Press down lightly to help the sugar stick. This will create a wonderful sweet glaze as they cook.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the smokies bake for about 25-30 minutes. Watch them closely until the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has melted into a delicious glaze. You can turn them halfway through baking for even browning.
7. Cool and Serve:
When they’re ready, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the little smokies cool for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, now is the time to take them out. Then, serve the warm smokies on a platter and watch them disappear!
Enjoy this irresistible combination of sweet and smoky flavors wrapped in crispy bacon with good friends and family!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative! Keep in mind that it may not get as crispy as pork bacon, so adjust the cooking time as necessary, and consider broiling it for a minute or two at the end for extra crispiness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped little smokies a day in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to serve, just pop them in the oven as directed!
What Other Toppings Can I Use Besides Brown Sugar?
If you’re looking to mix it up, try adding a dash of spicy seasoning like cayenne pepper or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. You could also sprinkle some garlic powder or BBQ seasoning to give it a different twist!
