These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are a fun and tasty treat! Cocktail sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in sweet brown sugar. What’s not to love?
You’ll find these little bites disappear fast at parties! I like to serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking. Who can resist that sweet and salty combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These cocktail sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, you can use any small sausages like kielbasa or cocktail franks. Just keep the baking time in mind since they may vary.
Bacon: Regular bacon works well, but thick-cut bacon adds a lovely crunch! If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon can also be used. It will have a different texture, but still tasty.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a nice sweetness, but dark brown sugar adds more depth and a bit of molasses flavor. If you’re looking for healthier options, coconut sugar or maple syrup can be fun substitutes!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is optional but adds a beautiful color contrast. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use other herbs like chives for a hint of flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Bacon is Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon without undercooking the smokies is key to this recipe. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking; this helps the bacon render fat from the start.
- Arrange the smokies in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This ensures hot air circulates around each piece.
- Turning the smokies halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly for that crispy edge we all love.
- You can broil them for the last couple of minutes for added crispiness, just keep an eye so they don’t burn!
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 12 slices bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon and serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, for a total of about 45 minutes. Get ready to enjoy these bite-sized treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze later!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Next, take your bacon slices and cut each one in half. You’ll end up with 24 halves, which is perfect for wrapping around the little smokies.
3. Wrap the Little Smokies:
Now for the fun part! Take each little smokie and wrap it tightly with a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place so it doesn’t unravel while cooking.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Add the Brown Sugar:
Sprinkle the brown sugar generously over the bacon-wrapped smokies. This will give them that delicious sweet and sticky coating!
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn them halfway through if you want them crispy all around. They should be golden brown and caramelized by the end!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The brown sugar will set a little as they cool. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these little smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun appetizer anytime!
Enjoy your sweet and savory bites of goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While little smokies are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with any small sausage like kielbasa or even mini bratwurst. Just ensure they’re cooked through, and adjust the baking time as necessary.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing white sugar with some molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar. Alternatively, granulated sugar can be used, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies in advance, cover, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just note that if they sit too long, the bacon might lose some crispiness. Try baking them fresh for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the bacon before serving again.
