Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a tasty party treat that’s super easy to make! Juicy little sausages wrapped in sweet bacon and coated with brown sugar make a mouth-watering combo.
Everyone loves these little bites! They disappear fast at my gatherings. Just pop them in the oven, and before you know it, your home smells amazing. Don’t forget to grab a few for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These sausages are crucial for this recipe. If you can’t find them, you can use other cocktail sausages or even cut-up hot dogs as a substitute. Both options will still taste great!
Bacon: I recommend using regular or thick-cut bacon for a nice crispy texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey bacon or even prosciutto can work, but they may alter the final flavor. I’d stick with regular bacon for the best taste.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives that sweet, caramelized flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or even maple syrup, though that will be a bit more liquidy.
Parsley: This is just for garnish, so feel free to skip it if you don’t have any on hand. Chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a nice touch!
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting your bacon crispy while wrapping those little smokies can be a bit tricky, but here are my tips:
- Choose bacon that is not too thick, as this allows it to get crispy without overcooking the sausage inside.
- Roll the bacon tightly around each smokie to ensure it cooks evenly. If using toothpicks, secure firmly but not so tight that the bacon won’t crisp.
- Rotate the baking sheet midway through baking to get even heat distribution, ensuring all sides of the bacon get crispy.
- Set the oven to broil for a couple of minutes at the end for extra crispiness, but be vigilant—you don’t want them to burn!
Perfectly crispy bacon will make these bites even more irresistible!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) little smokies sausages
- 8-10 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut), cut in half
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley for serving
- Optional pinch of coarse sea salt or flaky salt for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 25-30 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll be ready to serve these delicious bites in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, get your oven heated to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure that your little smokies will cook evenly. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make your clean-up process much easier once you’re done!
2. Wrap the Sausages:
Take each little smokie sausage and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. The key is to cover as much of the sausage as you can. If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, use a toothpick to secure it. This keeps the bacon wrapped snugly around the smokie during cooking.
3. Arrange the Wrapped Smokies:
Place all the bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other too much. This allows the bacon to crisp up nicely during cooking.
4. Add the Sweet Touch:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the brown sugar! Take your packed brown sugar and generously sprinkle it over all the wrapped smokies. This not only adds sweetness but also that delicious caramelized flavor. Gently press the sugar down to help it stick to the bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let them bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to check them halfway through and rotate the pan so they cook evenly. Keep an eye out for when the bacon is golden and crispy, and the sugar is bubbling up.
6. Optional Broiling Step:
If you want that perfect crisp on top, you can finish off by broiling the smokies for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to watch them closely to avoid any burning!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are crispy and bubbly, carefully take them out of the oven! Let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle a little flaky salt and chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are best enjoyed warm! Serve them on a platter at your next gathering or as a tasty snack for yourself. They are sure to disappear quickly!
Enjoy the perfect sweet and savory bite of Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative! Just keep in mind that turkey bacon might not crisp up as well as regular bacon, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the smokies by wrapping them with bacon and sprinkling with brown sugar, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are going into the oven cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve These With?
These little smokies pair perfectly with toothpicks for easy snacking! You can also serve them with barbecue sauce, ranch, or mustard as dipping sauces for added flavor. They’re a hit at parties!
