These tasty cocktail smokies wrapped in bacon and drizzled with sweet maple glaze are perfect for any gathering! They’re a fun finger food that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist bacon and maple? I always have to keep an eye on these little bites because they disappear fast! They make any party way more fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Smokies: These mini sausages are the heart of the dish. You can use turkey or chicken smokies for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based sausages.
Bacon: Traditional bacon adds a deliciously smoky flavor. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon works too, though it might not get as crispy. For a meat-free choice, try coconut bacon for a sweet and smoky taste.
Pure Maple Syrup: This is key for that sweet glaze. If you don’t have maple syrup, agave syrup or honey can be used, but the flavor will vary slightly. Remember, the best taste comes from real maple syrup!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice zing to the glaze. If you want something milder, yellow mustard will work, or you can skip it altogether for a sweeter sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s optional, but it adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes.
How Can You Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting bacon crispy around the smokies is essential for the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure crispy bacon:
- Use a Wire Rack: This allows the fat to drip off, preventing sogginess. It also promotes even cooking.
- Cook at a Higher Temperature: Baking at 375°F is good, but if you want extra crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes.
- Brush Generously with Glaze: The maple glaze caramelizes the bacon while adding flavor. Just be careful not to over-saturate the bacon, as it can make it soggy.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your smokies in the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning while achieving that perfect crispy finish.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy bacon-wrapped cocktail smokies that everyone will love!
Maple Glazed Cocktail Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smokies:
- 1 package (14 oz) cocktail smokies (mini sausages)
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
For the Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 tsp chili powder or smoked paprika (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake, making it a quick option for your next gathering! You’ll want to allow a few minutes for them to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top to help the bacon crisp up nicely.
2. Wrap the Smokies:
Take each cocktail smokie and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. Secure it in place with a toothpick so it stays wrapped during baking. This makes them easy to eat later on!
3. Arrange on the Rack:
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This allows heat to circulate and cooks them evenly.
4. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (if you’re using it for that tangy twist), and the chili powder or smoked paprika (if you want a bit of heat). This glaze is where the magic happens!
5. Brush with Glaze:
Generously brush the smokies with your sweet maple glaze, making sure each one gets a good coating. This will infuse them with flavor as they bake.
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake the smokies in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that time, brush them again with the glaze, then bake for another 15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t burn!
7. Season and Cool:
Once they’re nicely browned, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt while they are still warm. This enhances their flavor beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the smokies cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack. Get ready for a tasty treat that everyone will love!
This recipe perfectly balances the smoky, savory bacon with the sweet, sticky maple glaze, making irresistible bite-sized treats you’ll want to make again and again!
Can I Use Different Sausages for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cocktail smokies are traditional, you can use any mini sausages, such as turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider plant-based sausages!
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
No worries! You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or honey, but keep in mind the sweetness and flavor will differ slightly. Pure maple syrup gives the best taste, though!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just brush on the glaze just before baking for the best flavor!
What Should I Serve with Cocktail Smokies?
These smokies pair well with a variety of dips like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking at your next party!