If you’re looking for a fun holiday appetizer, make these Crispy Bacon Wrapped Smokies at home. They’re a great party appetizer that’s sure to be a favorite.
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Crispy Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are simply amazing because they’re wrapped in crispy bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar, and served in bite-sized pieces with smoky sausage in homes across America, at parties, potlucks, game nights, and holiday gatherings.
It strikes a wonderful balance of salty, earthy flavors, along with a sweet and smoky flavor, so you’ll be able to make this recipe at home very easily.
A step-by-step guide to making these crispy bacon-wrapped smokies is provided, detailing everything from ingredients to preparation and cooking methods, all explained in simple terms. Finally, we’ll cover storage and answer some questions to help you understand how to correct mistakes. So let’s get started.
Why are crispy bacon-wrapped smokies so popular in America?
- This recipe is quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
- It’s a great choice for a crowded gathering, whether it’s football seasoning, New Year’s Eve, or a family barbecue.
- You can customize it by simply making it ahead with brown sugar and bacon.
- The recipe is great for busy days because you can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving.
Ingredients:
You can make 42 to 45 bacon-wrapped smokies from the ingredients listed. You can adjust the ingredients to make more.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 pound bacon, thinly sliced is best for crispiness.
- 1 small packet of smokies, mini hot dogs, or cocktail sausages
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional for salty flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional for extra flavor.
- Toothpicks to secure the bacon.
Important tip – Use thinly sliced bacon, which gives it the best crispiness. If you use thicker-cut bacon, lightly cook it first and then wrap it.
Step-by-step instructions for making crispy bacon-wrapped smokies:
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and have it ready.
- Use a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top, so the bacon cooks evenly and the fat drains off.
2. Preparing the Bacon
- Now cut each strip of bacon into thirds.
- Nothing too small, just a small piece, enough to wrap around each side of the smokie.
3. Wrapping the Smokies
- Use a piece of bacon to lightly coat all sides of the smokies and wrap tightly.
- Secure with a toothpick to prevent them from opening during baking.
- Repeat until you’ve wrapped all the smokies.
4. Applying Brown Sugar
- Place all the wrapped smokies on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly all over them.
- In the prepared oven, the sugar caramelizes nicely, creating a sweet, sticky sheen.
5. Baking
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and well-caramelized.
- For a more crispy finish, you can broil for an additional 3 minutes.
- Your crispy bacon-wrapped smokies are now ready. Serve and enjoy.
Serving:
- Now, use a serving plate and transfer them to the table, then let them cool slightly at room temperature.
- Use a toothpick for easier handling.
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe: Try these ingredients to add a twist to your crunchy bacon-wrapped smokies:
For a richer, more flavorful twist, try using these ingredients:
- Use a maple glaze for a richer flavor, and for a caramel flavor, use maple syrup, but skip the brown sugar.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle with cayenne pepper or hot sauce before baking.
- For Everything Bangles Seasoning: Sprinkle with this when you need a boost of flavor and crunch.
- For barbecue lovers, drizzle with barbecue sauce 10 minutes before baking.
- For cheese-stuffed smokies, add a small piece of cheddar or cream cheese to the smokies, then wrap them in bacon.
Some Serving Suggestions –
As an Appetizer – Great for holiday parties or game day.
As a Snack – Serve with a savory combo and a sweet fried egg, pancakes, or waffles for a flavorful and protein-packed accompaniment.
Serve with Dipping Sauces – For a more fun and tasty twist, try honey mustard, ranch, Sriracha, mayo, or barbecue sauce.
To Garnish – For a classic look, use finger foods like deviled eggs, sliders, or cheese cubes as garnishes.
To Make Ahead –
If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the smokies first, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate for 24 hours, and then bake.
To Store –
Store leftover crispy bacon-wrapped smokies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating –
To reheat the bacon, preheat the oven to 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes.
Freezing –
- For long-term storage, use unbaked smokies, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Then bake directly from frozen, allowing about 6 to 8 minutes.
A few tips for best results –
- Don’t leave the bacon on the baking sheet for too long. Leave space to ensure an even crispiness.
- If your bacon gets soggy on the bottom layer, be sure to use a wire rack.
- It’s important to lightly cook thick bacon before using it in wrapping.
- Serve immediately after cooking for a great texture and amazing flavor.
Nutrition, estimated per smokie from Crunchy Bacon Wrapped Smokies:
- 3 grams protein
- 6 grams fat
- 85 grams calories
- 2 grams sugar
- 3 grams carbohydrates
FAQ, Crispy Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Q. Can bacon-wrapped smokies be made in an air fryer?
Yes! Place them in the air fryer basket at 375°F for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will ensure a crispier finish.
Q. How many smokies should you make per person at a party?
When serving a variety of appetizers, use 4, 5, or even 6 smokies per person for a better result.
Q. Can turkey bacon be used in this recipe?
Yes! Turkey bacon is also fine, but pork bacon gives a better crispness and requires broiling first for maximum crispiness.
Q. What if you don’t have brown sugar?
You can use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey in place of the brown sugar, but the taste may be slightly different.
Q. Are bacon-wrapped smokies served hot or cold?
If you prefer a more crispy bite, serve them fresh out of the oven, hot. The crispiness is maintained, and the sugary coating stays sticky while still warm, enhancing the flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a great appetizer that disappears as soon as they’re placed on the table. They’re so affordable, simple, and full of zesty flavor that everyone loves.
If you’re preparing them for a family gathering, party, holiday, or game day snack, this recipe fulfills all your needs, making it a favorite.
The next time you’re planning a get-together, skip the complicated appetizers. This recipe remains a favorite in America, as the crisp bacon, sweet brown sugar, and succulent smoke pair so well. So, this dish is so delicious, it’s sure to be addictive.
The following article provides all the simple information you need to know, making it perfect for beginners to master. Rest assured, beginners won’t be disappointed.