These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a tasty treat! Wrapped in crispy bacon and covered in sweet brown sugar, they make a perfect snack for any gathering.
Who can resist little sausages wrapped in bacon? I promise, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “delicious”! Grab a few for yourself before they’re all gone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star of the dish! If you can’t find them, you can use any small sausage or cocktail sausage as a substitute. Turkey or chicken sausages are great for a lighter option.
Bacon: Regular bacon works best for crispiness and flavor. If you prefer a healthier choice, use turkey bacon; just note it may not get as crispy. For a fun twist, try flavored bacon, like applewood smoked.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can mimic it well. For a sugar-free option, consider a sugar substitute that measures equally.
How Do You Ensure the Bacon Stays Crispy?
The key to getting the bacon perfectly crispy lies in the cooking method. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to preheat your oven before placing the sausages inside; this ensures they cook evenly.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch drippings and make for easy cleanup.
- Bake until the bacon is golden and crispy. Don’t rush the cooking time; let the brown sugar caramelize nicely.
- If you notice excess grease, you can drain them on a paper towel briefly to keep them crispy.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 Little Smokies (mini sausages)
- 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Optional: toothpicks for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then around 20 to 25 minutes for baking. So, you’ll have these tasty Little Smokies ready in about 35 minutes total! Perfect for a quick snack or party food.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the smokies cook evenly and the bacon gets crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make clean-up a breeze later on.
2. Wrap the Little Smokies:
Take each half slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around one Little Smokie sausage. If you want, you can secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during baking. Repeat this for all the sausages until they’re all wrapped up!
3. Coat with Brown Sugar:
In a shallow dish, pour in the brown sugar. Roll each bacon-wrapped Little Smokie in the brown sugar until it’s well coated. This will create a yummy sweet and savory glaze once baked! Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for that beautiful crispy and caramelized bacon. The brown sugar will melt and create a sweet glaze, so watch out for burning!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This also helps to prevent any burns. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or finger food that everyone will love!
Enjoy these savory and sweet Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Regular Sausages Instead of Little Smokies?
Yes, you can! If you can’t find Little Smokies, any small cocktail sausages or even sliced larger sausages would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the sausages are thicker.
How Do I Store Leftover Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers 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 about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the smokies and wrap them in bacon ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.
What Can I Serve with Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
These little bites are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for extra flavor. They also pair well with toothpicks for easy serving at parties!