Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: The Best Bite-Sized Snack for Any Occasion
Are you ready to take your appetizer game to the next level? Because this Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies is the best snack that’s crispy, sweet, savory, and downright irresistible. These little bites of heaven are perfect for parties, game days, family gatherings, or whenever you want something deliciously indulgent. It’s like magic happens when you wrap bacon around a sausage and sprinkle it with some sugar. Seriously, who can resist that combo?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What's not to love about smokey dogs wrapped in sweet, crispy bacon? These treats are so simple to make that it almost feels like cheating, but every bite is full of flavor. Also, let's be honest: bacon makes everything better. They're easy to make, can be changed to fit your needs, and are always the first to go at a party. There are also two ways to cook them: bake them in the oven or use an air fryer to make them crispy.
What Makes Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies So Irresistible?
- Bacon: Need we say more? Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokies.
- Smokies: These little sausages are the perfect size and have a great smoky flavor that stands out even when wrapped in bacon.
- Brown Sugar: The secret ingredient that takes these snacks to the next level. It caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sticky, sweet, and savory coating that’s out of this world.
- Ease: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a platter of these crowd-pleasers ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pack of small smoked sausages (Little Smokies)
- 14 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for air fryer method)
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe?
(Oven Method)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or aluminum foil for easy cleanup—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when that caramelized sugar wipes right off!
Step 2: Cut and Wrap the Bacon
Grab your bacon slices and cut each one into thirds. This makes the perfect size piece to wrap around each Little Smokie. Take one sausage, wrap it up snugly with a bacon strip, and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat this until all your smokies are wrapped up like little bacon presents.
Step 3: Arrange and Sweeten Things Up
Place your bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space in between so they can crisp up nicely. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of each one, then add a pinch of black pepper for that extra little kick. The sugar will melt down and caramelize into sweet, sticky goodness that pairs perfectly with the salty bacon.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has transformed into a golden, sticky glaze. Keep an eye on them toward the end—everyone’s oven is a bit different, and you want that bacon to be just right.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the smokies from the oven and let them cool for a minute (if you can wait that long). Then, plate them up and serve! These little bites are best enjoyed warm, when the bacon is crispy and the sugar is perfectly caramelized.
(Air Fryer Method)
Step 1: Wrap the Smokies
Just like with the oven method, start by cutting your bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Step 2: Season
Sprinkle the wrapped smokies with brown sugar and a pinch of black pepper, making sure each one is coated evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place the smokies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. You want the bacon crispy and the sugar perfectly melted.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Once done, carefully remove the smokies from the air fryer (hot sugar can be tricky!) and serve immediately. They’re crispy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
Tips for Making the Best Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
- Use Thin Bacon: Thick-cut bacon might not crisp up as well, so stick to thin or regular slices for the best results.
- Toothpick Trick: Use plain wooden toothpicks to secure the bacon—avoid colored ones, as the dye can sometimes transfer during cooking.
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with brown sugar for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Make Ahead: These can be assembled and stored in the fridge until you can bake or air fry them. Perfect for when you want to prep ahead for a party!
Zulay's Final Thoughts: Perfect for Every Occasion
We can all agree that Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the best thing to eat on game day, at a party, or just because you want to treat yourself. They're easy, tasty, and impossible to stop eating. You'll know why these are the best snacks for groups as soon as you take a bite of the crispy bacon, sweet caramelized sugar, and smokey sausage!
Let Us Know What You Think!
Did you love this recipe as much as we do? Or maybe you’ve got a little twist you like to add—like a different spice or dipping sauce? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts! We love hearing how these little bites of deliciousness are rocking your gatherings. And hey, if you have any other appetizer ideas you’d like us to tackle, let us know!
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Looking for more tasty treats? Check out our other irresistible recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next get-together!
Know Someone Who Should Read This?
Don’t keep all the deliciousness to yourself—share this recipe with friends and family! Tag us @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to spread the love. Because, let’s be real, the world could always use a little more bacon-wrapped goodness.
