Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are the quintessential party appetizer, universally loved and incredibly simple to prepare with just three core ingredients. These bite-sized delights promise to be the star of any gathering, offering an irresistible blend of savory and sweet that appeals to everyone, from the youngest guests to adults. All you need for this crowd-pleasing recipe is a package of miniature smoked sausages, a pack of quality bacon, and pure maple syrup. Prepare to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
These savory-sweet morsels are notoriously addictive, often disappearing from the appetizer platter faster than you can say “more please!” The magic lies in their perfect combination: tender, smoked sausages enveloped in crispy bacon, all glazed with a hint of sweet maple syrup. It’s a flavor profile that truly sings, proving that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most outstanding results. Forget complex concoctions; this three-ingredient wonder stands out as a testament to culinary harmony.
When selecting your ingredients, the quality and type of each component can significantly enhance the final dish. For the little smokies, you’ll find varieties made from all-beef or a pork and chicken blend. Both options work wonderfully and will deliver a delightful experience when encased in crispy bacon. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, the bacon selection is paramount for achieving that perfect texture and taste.
For optimal results, it’s crucial to steer clear of thick-cut bacon, as it tends to cook unevenly and often leaves behind unrendered, chewy fat. Nobody wants to encounter fatty pieces when biting into a perfectly crisp appetizer. Similarly, avoid center-cut bacon, which is typically too narrow to cut into three sufficient strips needed to properly wrap each little sausage. Instead, opt for regular-cut bacon. Its consistent thickness allows for even cooking and guarantees beautifully rendered, crispy strips around every smokie.
For an extra layer of flavor that complements the maple syrup glaze, consider using maple-flavored bacon. The subtle sweetness infused in the bacon itself creates a harmonious echo with the syrup, elevating the overall taste experience. This thoughtful ingredient choice transforms a simple appetizer into something truly special, making it an unforgettable addition to your party spread.
Despite appearing gourmet, this appetizer is remarkably easy to prepare. While the process of wrapping each individual sausage in bacon takes a few minutes, the convenience of being able to assemble them ahead of time makes it a stress-free option for entertaining. Simply prepare them the night before, keep them refrigerated, and pop them into the oven when you’re ready to bake. This make-ahead capability is a lifesaver for hosts and hostesses looking to minimize last-minute kitchen hustle.
Crafting Your Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Making these delightful bacon-wrapped little smokies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of appetizers that will disappear faster than you can make them.
Preparation Steps for Success
Begin by preheating your oven to a crisp 425°F (218°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This simple step is your secret weapon for an effortless cleanup after baking, as it catches any drips of maple syrup or rendered bacon fat. Next, gather a bowl of water and place a handful of toothpicks inside to soak for approximately 10-15 minutes. Soaking prevents the toothpicks from burning in the oven, ensuring they securely hold your appetizers together without charring.
Assembling Your Appetizers
Unpack your little smokies sausages and the bacon. Pour the pure maple syrup into a small, shallow bowl – this will be your dipping station. Now, for the bacon: lay the entire stack of bacon slices flat and use a sharp knife to cut the stack into three even portions crosswise. This method ensures each individual bacon slice is perfectly sized into three strips, ideal for wrapping the small sausages. Take one little smokie, dip it lightly into the maple syrup, ensuring it’s coated but not drenched. Then, carefully wrap one of your pre-cut bacon strips around the syrup-coated sausage. Secure the bacon firmly with a soaked toothpick, pushing it through both ends of the bacon and the sausage to hold everything in place. Repeat this process for all your sausages, arranging them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart to allow for even cooking and optimal crisping.
Baking for Perfection
Once all your bacon-wrapped little smokies are assembled and arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake them for an initial 13 minutes. This allows the bacon to start rendering and crisping. After 13 minutes, carefully remove the tray from the oven and, using tongs, flip each bacon-wrapped smokie to its other side. This ensures both sides of the bacon achieve a beautiful, even crispness. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 10-13 minutes. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your bacon and your oven’s calibration. You’re looking for golden-brown, crispy bacon and fully heated sausages. Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly awaiting a taste!
Achieving Crispy Bacon Perfection
The hallmark of a truly great Bacon Wrapped Little Smokie is undoubtedly the crispy bacon. To ensure your bacon achieves that coveted golden-brown, crunchy texture, here are a few expert tips. First, ensure your bacon is not thick-cut; regular or thin-cut bacon crisps up much better and more evenly. Second, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give each smokie enough space (at least 1 inch apart) so that air can circulate around them, promoting even cooking and crisping. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, resulting in soggy bacon. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Lastly, for an extra touch of crispiness, especially if your bacon isn’t as crunchy as you’d like after the initial bake, you can briefly place the tray under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them, as bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a flash!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present small challenges. If your bacon isn’t getting crispy, ensure you’re not using thick-cut bacon, which requires more time and often drains more fat. Also, check your oven temperature; an accurate oven is key. If your smokies are drying out, it might be due to overbaking or using too high a temperature for too long. The recommended 425°F is optimal for crisping bacon while heating the sausages through without drying them out. If the maple syrup is burning, it’s usually because too much was applied. A light dip is all you need to impart flavor and create a glaze without risking charring. By following these tips and the recipe instructions closely, you’ll consistently achieve perfectly crispy and delicious Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies.
Recipe FAQs
How long to cook bacon wrapped little smokies?
At an oven temperature of 425°F (218°C), these delightful appetizers will typically take about 25-28 minutes to bake to perfection. The cooking time can slightly vary by 2-3 minutes based on the exact thickness of your bacon. Thinner bacon will crisp faster, while slightly thicker cuts might need an extra minute or two. It’s important to allow sufficient cooking time, as the little smokies also need to heat through thoroughly, not just the bacon to crisp. Resist the urge to par-bake the bacon separately, as this can affect the overall texture and moisture balance of the finished dish.
What is the best way to serve these little smokies?
While delicious straight from the oven, bacon-wrapped little smokies truly shine when served with a dipping sauce. The classic, and perhaps surprisingly perfect, accompaniment is a small bowl of pure maple syrup. The beautiful contrast between the savory, salty bacon and sausage and the sweet maple syrup creates an explosion of flavors that is incredibly satisfying. A little dip is all you need, as the sausages themselves are quite juicy and flavorful. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, consider adding a dash of freshly ground black pepper over the wrapped sausages before baking; it adds a subtle warmth. If you’re feeling adventurous and love a kick, create a spicy dipping sauce by mixing sriracha with honey or sriracha with maple syrup. This sweet-and-spicy combination is a fantastic way to elevate the appetizer and offer a unique flavor experience to your guests.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Stress-Free Entertaining
One of the best features of Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies is their versatility as a make-ahead appetizer, perfect for reducing stress on the day of your event. To prepare them in advance, simply follow the wrapping instructions in the recipe. Arrange the raw, bacon-wrapped sausages on your baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Once all are assembled, tightly cover the entire baking sheet with plastic wrap, making sure it’s as air-tight as possible to prevent drying. You can then refrigerate the tray for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to bake, remove the sheet from the refrigerator, discard the plastic wrap, and preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake them according to the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from cold, to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and crispy. This method allows you to enjoy your guests without being tethered to the kitchen!
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies, proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious. Allow the cooked appetizers to cool completely before transferring them to an air-tight food storage container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the stovetop method is recommended to help restore some of their original crispness. Preheat a cooking pan over medium heat. Place the leftover smokies into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cover the pan with a lid to trap some heat and moisture, then reheat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even heating and to encourage the bacon to crisp up again. They will be hot and ready to enjoy, almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes To Try
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, you’re in for a treat! Expanding your repertoire of easy and crowd-pleasing appetizers is a fantastic way to make entertaining more enjoyable. Here are a few more irresistible recipes that are just as simple to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering:
- BBQ Little Smokies: A classic alternative, simmered in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce.
- Everything Bagel Cheese Ball: Creamy, savory, and coated in delicious everything bagel seasoning.
- Baked Chicken Wings: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a flavorful dry rub.
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with a rich sausage and herb mixture.
- Mushroom Cheese Puffs: Light, airy, and bursting with cheesy mushroom flavor.
Each of these recipes offers unique flavors and textures, ensuring you always have a go-to option for any occasion, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated!
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Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Little Smokies wrapped in bacon make the best party appetizer and so easy with only 3 ingredients.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)
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Course: Appetizer |
Cuisine: American |
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 23 minutes |
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 16 (Makes 30-35 pieces) |
Calories: 206kcal |
Author: Lyuba Brooke
Ingredients
- 14 oz little smokies sausages (some come in 12 oz packages)
- 16 oz maple bacon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- More maple syrup for baking (optional, for brushing or dipping)
Instructions
- Place toothpicks into a bowl with water to soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Take sausages and bacon out of the package and pour maple syrup into a small bowl. Cut the whole stack of bacon into 3 even portions, so each slice is cut into 3 strips.
- Dip a sausage in maple syrup and wrap it with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a soaked toothpick.
- Place wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake bacon-wrapped smokies for 13 minutes, then flip each one onto the other side. Bake for another 10-13 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon, until crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately with some additional maple syrup for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Bacon Notes: Ensure you use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut or center-cut. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to crisp and may leave fatty pieces, while center-cut may be too small to properly wrap the sausages. Maple bacon is highly recommended for an enhanced flavor profile that complements the maple syrup glaze.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bacon-wrapped sausages on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap (ensuring it’s air-tight), and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, discard plastic wrap, preheat oven to 425°F (218°C), and bake as directed.
- Dipping Options: Beyond the suggested maple syrup, consider a sprinkle of black pepper before baking for an extra savory kick. For a spicy-sweet option, mix sriracha with honey or sriracha with maple syrup for an exciting dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 206kcal |
Carbohydrates: 4g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 35mg |
Sodium: 442mg |
Potassium: 110mg |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 10IU |
Calcium: 10mg |
Iron: 1mg
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Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in December 2019.