These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect party snack! Juicy sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon, making them super tasty and fun to eat.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of bacon? I love to serve these at gatherings, and they’re always the first to disappear. They’re easy to make, too—just wrap, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These sausages are the star of the show. If you can’t find them, you can replace them with other cocktail sausages or even sliced hot dogs for a similar effect. Just ensure they’re cooked through for the best flavor!
Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon works well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute, although it may not get as crispy. I personally love the extra thickness from thick-cut bacon!
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar adds a sweet touch that balances the savory bacon. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup can work just as well. Just adjust the amount to taste for a different sweet twist.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a lovely garnish. You could also use chives or even crushed red pepper for a little heat. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Bacon on Your Little Smokies?
Getting that bacon nice and crispy is key! Here are some tips:
- **Use a Wire Rack:** Placing the sausages on a wire rack lined with foil helps air circulate, making the bacon crispier. It also allows excess fat to drip away.
- **Preheat Your Oven:** Starting with a hot oven ensures the bacon cooks quickly and evenly, giving you the best texture.
- **Watch the Time:** Don’t skip turning them halfway through baking. This helps both sides crisp up nicely.
- **Let Them Rest:** Allowing the wraps to cool slightly after baking helps them crisp up a bit more. Enjoy warm but not too hot!
Using these tips, you can achieve that perfect crunch every time! Enjoy your delicious Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies at your next gathering.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound (about 24) Little Smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for a sweet glaze)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook. Total time: approximately 40 minutes. Perfect for whipping up a tasty snack or appetizer in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper (this makes clean-up a breeze!). Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet—this helps the bacon get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take a cutting board and cut each slice of bacon in half. This gives you about 24 strips of bacon, just the right amount to wrap around your Little Smokies.
3. Wrap the Little Smokies:
Start wrapping! Take one Little Smokie and wrap it with a strip of bacon, beginning at one end and working your way around until the entire sausage is covered. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place.
4. Add the Sweet Glaze (Optional):
If you’re feeling a little sweet, take the brown sugar and sprinkle or press it onto the bacon-wrapped sausages. This creates a lovely sweet crust as they bake!
5. Arrange for Baking:
Place the bacon-wrapped sausages on the wire rack you set up earlier, ensuring they have some space between them for even cooking.
6. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a little turn to make sure both sides get crispy and delicious!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, take the Little Smokies out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks if you used them! If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These bite-sized treats are best served warm. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or at your next gathering. Everyone will love these crispy, smoky bites!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Little Smokies, you can use other cocktail sausages or even cut-up hot dogs. Just ensure they’re fully cooked for the best taste!
How Do I Keep the Bacon from Getting Chewy?
To prevent chewy bacon, make sure you’re using a wire rack while baking, as it allows grease to drip off, helping the bacon crisp up nicely. Also, bake at the right temperature and time to achieve that perfect crunch!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but for the crispiest results, the oven is best!