These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect bite-sized treats! With juicy sausages wrapped in crisp bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar, they’re super tasty and so easy to make.
They make the best party snack, and let’s be real, who can resist that smoky-bacon goodness? When I make these, they’re usually gone before I can even grab one! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are the heart of the dish. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with sliced hot dogs, or any pre-cooked sausage. Just slice them into smaller pieces.
Bacon: Traditional bacon adds a delicious crunch. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon. Or, if you love a smoky flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon for extra chewiness.
Brown Sugar: I love using light brown sugar for a subtle sweetness, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, honey or maple syrup can work, although they will change the texture a bit.
How Do You Make Sure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
To achieve crispy bacon, a few key tips can make all the difference. First, preheating your oven is crucial as it cooks the bacon evenly. The wire rack is also important; it keeps the bacon off the baking sheet so the grease can drip away, allowing it to become crispy.
- Make sure your bacon is not overlapping too much when wrapped around the smokie; this ensures even cooking.
- Baking and then broiling at the end helps caramelize the sugar quickly, but remember to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb little smokies sausages
- 8-10 slices of bacon (thin or regular cut)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- Toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10-15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time. Perfect for a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the sausages and bacon cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drippings, and place a wire rack on top. The rack will help the bacon crisp up better as it cooks.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take your slices of bacon and cut each one into thirds or halves. The size will depend on how long the bacon is; you want enough bacon to wrap snugly around each smokie.
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now comes the fun part! Take a little smokie and wrap it tightly in one piece of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, going through the center of the wrapped smokie. This will hold everything together while baking.
4. Arrange on Baking Rack:
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the wire rack, making sure to space them apart nicely. This will help them cook evenly and get that lovely crispiness.
5. Add the Brown Sugar:
Time to sweeten things up! Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each bacon-wrapped smokie. Press down lightly with your fingers to help the sugar stick to the bacon. This will create a sweet, caramelized layer while baking!
6. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be nice and crispy, and the sugar to be bubbly and caramelized. If you want extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Let the smokies cool for a few minutes; this allows the caramelized sugar to set a bit, making them easier to eat. They will be super tempting, but patience is key!
8. Enjoy Your Treat:
Serve these warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack at parties. They’re sure to disappear quickly, so be ready to make more!
Enjoy the perfect combo of smoky, sweet, and savory bites!
Can I Use Regular Hot Dogs Instead of Little Smokies?
Absolutely! Regular hot dogs can be a great substitute. Just cut them into smaller pieces, about the same size as the little smokies, and follow the same wrapping and baking instructions.
What Should I Do If I Want to Make These Spicy?
If you’re looking to spice things up, consider using spicy bacon or adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!
How Can I Store Leftover Little Smokies?
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 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the bacon.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time! Assemble the bacon-wrapped smokies, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through!
