Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to party appetizers, there are some recipes that just never fail. They’re a little sweet, a little salty, and completely addictive. These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are my absolute favorite for that very reason. It’s a genius combination of savory little sausages, crispy, smoky bacon, and a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This is the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter in minutes, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be making them for every get-together.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of sweet and savory. The salty bacon and the smoky sausage are a classic combination, but the addition of the brown sugar creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze that is simply irresistible. They bake up in the oven, which makes them a hands-off, low-mess appetizer that’s perfect for a party. This recipe is also a great way to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that they will be raving about for days.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) package little smoked sausages (Smokies)
- 1 lb bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Sausages: Little smoked sausages are the classic choice here, but you can also use mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best here, as it gets crispy more quickly. You can also use a thick-cut bacon, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar is a must for that classic caramel glaze.
- Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the bacon and brown sugar. Don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Wrap the Smokies: Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap one half slice of bacon around each little smoked sausage and secure it with a toothpick.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and crispy.
- Glaze and Finish: Remove the smokies from the oven. Brush the brown sugar glaze generously all over the smokies. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential here to hold the bacon in place.
- Cook Them on a Rack: Cooking the smokies on a wire rack allows the grease to drip away, which helps the bacon get crispy all around.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the smokies in a single layer with a little space between each one. This helps them cook evenly.
- Watch the Glaze: The brown sugar glaze can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on them during the final glazing step.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are a perfect party appetizer on their own. They’re so fun to eat and a true crowd-pleaser. For a full party spread, you could serve them alongside other great appetizers like a crockpot nacho dip, some totchos, or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These are best served fresh and hot. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Baked Brie Appetizer is my favorite effortless way to impress guests
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are a perfect example of a new classic. They’re a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic snack on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite go-to party appetizer? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 lb little smokies sausages
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bacon strips into thirds.
- Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Place the wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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