These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a tasty treat! Made with mini sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar, they’re perfect for any gathering.
Trust me, when these little bites come out of the oven, they’ll disappear fast! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re just so fun to eat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star of the dish! If you can’t find them, you can use cocktail sausages or make your own with ground sausage, but the flavor will vary.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is best because it crisps up nicely and wraps easily. You could try turkey bacon for a lighter option, but keep in mind that it may not get as crispy as pork bacon.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelization. Light brown sugar works great, but if you’re out, you can use dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor, or even white sugar in a pinch, though it won’t have the same richness.
How Can I Ensure the Bacon is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon wrapped around your Little Smokies is all about the baking process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to preheat your oven; this helps to start the cooking process quickly. A hotter oven will render the fat from the bacon efficiently.
- Using a wire rack raises the wrapped sausages above the baking sheet, allowing fat to drip off and promoting even crispness.
- To ensure even cooking, space out the sausages on the rack or baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; this helps them crisp evenly without steaming.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking—bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) package of Little Smokies mini sausages
- 12-15 slices of bacon (thin-cut works best)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Toothpicks for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy appetizer. Allow a few minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy these tasty bites in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for crafting that delicious crispy bacon. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help with cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it over the baking sheet to help the fat drip off while baking.
2. Preparing the Bacon:
Next, cut each slice of bacon into thirds. This size will allow them to wrap nicely around the Little Smokies. It’s best to work with thin-cut bacon as it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
3. Wrapping the Little Smokies:
Now comes the fun part! Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each Little Smokie. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Make sure to wrap it snugly for the best flavor and texture, as this ensures the bacon stays wrapped while cooking.
4. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Once you’ve wrapped all the sausages, place them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. This positioning helps keep the bacon in place and allows for even cooking.
5. Adding the Sweetness:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each of the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies. Press the brown sugar down slightly to help it stick to the bacon. This step is what gives these bites their delicious glaze and sweetness!
6. Baking Time:
It’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and let them cook for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want the bacon to become crispy and the brown sugar to melt into a sticky glaze.
7. Cooling & Serving:
Once they are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling period allows the sugar to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
8. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve the Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies warm. It’s great to provide toothpicks for easy snacking. These delightful bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a tasty appetizer during game day!
Enjoy the crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors packed in each bite!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option! However, keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as well as pork bacon, so adjust your baking time slightly if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Little Smokies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven for even cooking.
What Can I Serve With Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
These bite-sized treats pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Consider serving them alongside a veggie platter or chips for a well-rounded party spread!
