These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are pure joy! Wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar, they make a perfect party treat.
They’re super easy to make, and who doesn’t love a dish that tastes amazing and disappears fast? I just pop them in the oven and enjoy the sweet, salty smell wafting through my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are essential for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage will work well.
Bacon: Regular cut bacon gives the right amount of crispy texture. If you prefer less fat, turkey bacon is a good substitute, but it may take a bit longer to cook.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar adds sweetness, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Both options will make the bacon extra sticky and delicious!
How Do You Wrap the Smokies Easily?
Wrapping the Little Smokies can seem tricky, but here’s how to make it a breeze:
- Start by cutting bacon slices into manageable pieces – thirds usually work best.
- Hold the sausage at one end and lay the bacon across it, rolling tightly around the sausage.
- Secure with a toothpick if the bacon doesn’t stay put. This keeps everything together while baking.
Don’t stress if they’re not perfect! Each piece will still taste great once cooked. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Little Smokies sausages
- 8 slices bacon (regular cut)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- Optional: toothpicks for securing bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you can have these tasty treats ready in about 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to make the bacon crispy and the brown sugar nicely caramelized. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to catch any drippings and allow heat to circulate for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take your bacon and cut each slice into thirds or halves. You want each piece to be just right—big enough to wrap around the Little Smokies without too much excess. Think snug but not too tight!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now, grab a Little Smokie and wrap it carefully with a piece of bacon. If you’re having trouble keeping the bacon in place, feel free to secure it with a toothpick. It helps to keep everything together while baking.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Place each bacon-wrapped smokie on your wire rack with the seam side down. This will help ensure the bacon stays wrapped as it cooks and crisps up beautifully.
5. Add the Sweet Touch:
Generously sprinkle brown sugar over each wrapped smokie. Press it down gently so it sticks well to the bacon. As it bakes, this will melt and form a delicious glaze.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, so they don’t burn. You want the bacon crispy and the brown sugar caramelized.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the sugar to set a little more and makes them easier to handle. The result? A sweet, caramelized crust over smoky, savory sausages!
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a party snack. Get ready for compliments because these little bites of goodness will disappear fast!
Enjoy the perfect bite of sweet, smoky, savory goodness!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon if you’re looking for a lighter option! Just keep in mind that it may not get as crispy as regular bacon, so you might need to bake it a bit longer.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Just drizzle it over the wrapped smokies before baking, but note that it may result in a slightly stickier finish.
Can I Make Them in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wrapped Little Smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them (without baking) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before putting them in the oven for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture, or microwave them if you’re in a hurry!
