These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a fun and sweet treat! They’re made with tiny sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and covered in brown sugar for an extra touch of yum.
Who can resist that combination? I love serving these at parties — they always disappear fast! Just pop them in the oven and let the magic happen. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These are the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken versions are available. They’re still tasty but with reduced fat.
Bacon: Regular bacon works best for this recipe, but you could also try turkey bacon for a lighter choice. Keep in mind turkey bacon won’t crisp up as much, but it still adds flavor!
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut sugar or honey, but the texture will change a bit. Maple syrup is another tasty option, although it will be a little runnier.
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
Getting that bacon nice and crispy is key to this recipe. Here are some tips that really help:
- Use thin bacon slices to make sure they crisp up well. Thick slices can take longer and might not cook through properly.
- Make sure to place the bacon-wrapped sausages seam side down on the baking sheet. This keeps the bacon in place while cooking.
- Don’t rush the baking! Let them bake for the full time; if needed, add a few more minutes for extra crispiness.
- Flipping halfway through helps all sides get nice and golden.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 14 oz) Little Smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: dipping sauce such as barbecue sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup — you’ll be glad you did later!
2. Cut the Bacon:
Next, take your slices of bacon and cut each one in half. This will create shorter strips that fit nicely around the Little Smokies.
3. Wrap the Sausages:
Grab a Little Smokie and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Make sure to place the seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep the bacon in place as it cooks.
4. Add the Sweetness:
Now it’s time to sprinkle your brown sugar over all the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies. Gently press the sugar down a bit so it sticks well to the bacon.
5. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through baking so they crisp up evenly. You want that bacon to be nice and crunchy!
6. Cool & Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle. If you’d like, garnish your Little Smokies with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
7. Dipping Sauce (Optional):
Serve these tasty bites with your favorite dipping sauce, like barbecue sauce, for an extra flavor kick. They’re perfect as an appetizer or party treat!
Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of these Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies — they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Yes, absolutely! While the recipe calls for Little Smokies, you can use other types of small sausages like cocktail sausages or even mini bratwursts. Just adjust the cooking time if they are larger to ensure they heat through properly.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies a day in advance. Just cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook them, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their crispiness.
What Can I Serve With These?
These Little Smokies are great on their own, but you can elevate your spread by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. They also pair well with a fresh veggie platter and some crunchy chips!