Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon

by

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate around the bacon, making it crispier.

  2. Prepare the Bacon: Slice the entire package of bacon into thirds. If your bacon strips are shorter, you may only need to cut them in half. The goal is to have a piece of bacon just long enough to wrap around one sausage once.

  3. Wrap the Smokies: Pat the Lit’l Smokies dry with a paper towel (this helps the bacon stick). Wrap one piece of bacon around each sausage and secure it with a toothpick. Place each wrapped sausage on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.

  4. Make the Seasoning Rub: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well. If you’re using any optional add-ins like maple syrup or cayenne, mix them in now.

  5. Coat the Smokies: Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped sausages. Use your hands to gently press the seasoning onto the bacon to make sure it sticks. Alternatively, you can roll each wrapped smokie in the mixture before placing it on the pan.

  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Bake until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy and the sugar has melted into a glossy glaze.

  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes (the glaze will be extremely hot). Serve warm directly from the pan or place them on a serving platter.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped smokies the night before. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the brown sugar topping right before baking.

  • Slow Cooker Method: Assemble the wrapped smokies and place them in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours, until the bacon is cooked through. They won’t be crispy but will still be delicious.

  • The Air Fryer Option: This is a great method for a smaller batch! Arrange wrapped smokies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (185°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

  • Different Flavors:

    • Spicy & Sweet: Add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mix.

    • Honey BBQ: Substitute the brown sugar with ¼ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with 2 tablespoons of honey.

    • Savory Herb: Skip the brown sugar. Brush the wrapped smokies with olive oil and sprinkle with dried rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious, retro appetizer! They are always the first to disappear at any party.

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