I love a good appetizer, and bacon-wrapped snacks are always a hit. Today, I’m sharing two simple recipes that are perfect for any get-together or just a fun night in. These bacon-wrapped bites are easy to make and taste amazing.
Whether you’re a fan of little smokies or enjoy the crisp texture of water chestnuts, I have something for you. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these tasty bacon-wrapped appetizers.
Jump to Recipe:
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: A Quick Appetizer
These little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon are always the first to disappear. They have a sweet and salty glaze that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Bacon Type: Thinner bacon works best here. It gets crispy faster and wraps around the smokies easily.
- Brown Sugar Glaze: Don’t skip the brown sugar! It melts and caramelizes, creating that irresistible sweet and sticky coating.
- Toothpicks: Essential for keeping the bacon tight around the little smokies while they cook.
What You Need
- 1 (14-ounce) package little smokies
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Toothpicks
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 24 pieces
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Slice each bacon strip into thirds.
Step 2: Wrap Them Up
Take one little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Place the wrapped smokie seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all smokies are wrapped.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Sprinkle brown sugar generously over all the bacon-wrapped smokies. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has melted and caramelized. Let them cool slightly before serving.
📝 Final Note
You can prepare these ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the brown sugar right before baking.
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Crunchy water chestnuts get an upgrade when wrapped in bacon and baked with a flavorful sauce. This snack is unique and incredibly satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Canned Water Chestnuts: Make sure to drain them very well before using. Excess water can make them less crispy.
- Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar: This simple marinade adds a fantastic umami and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- Even Cooking: Lay them in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure each one gets perfectly crispy bacon.
What You Need
- 2 (8-ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Toothpicks
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 20-24 pieces
How to Make It
Step 1: Marinate
Drain the canned water chestnuts completely. In a medium bowl, toss the drained water chestnuts with soy sauce and brown sugar. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap one half-strip of bacon around each marinated water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Place the wrapped water chestnuts on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
📝 Final Note
For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.