Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are fun and tasty bites that make any gathering special! Juicy sausage links are wrapped in crispy bacon and baked until golden brown.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These are the heart of the recipe. They’re juicy and flavored just right. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken smokies work well too!
Bacon: Regular bacon is great, but thin-cut bacon crisps up nicely without overcooking the sausages. If you want a healthier choice, consider turkey bacon! Just know it won’t get as crispy.
BBQ Sauce: This is optional but adds a tasty twist. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. For a different flavor, try honey mustard or spicy mustard as dipping sauces.
How Can I Ensure the Bacon is Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon on your little smokies is key for that perfect bite! Here are some tips:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before putting the sausages in.
- Arrange the wrapped smokies seam-side down. This helps them stay wrapped during baking.
- Give them space on the baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to soggy bacon.
- Turn them halfway through cooking for even crispness.
For extra flavor, you can brush the smokies with a little BBQ sauce or sprinkle brown sugar on top right before baking. Enjoy your crispy snacks!
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb little smokies sausages (cocktail-sized smoked sausages)
- 12 slices of bacon (regular or thin-cut, cut in half)
- Optional: BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the bacon gets nice and crispy. To make cleanup a breeze, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take each slice of bacon and cut it in half crosswise. This gives you about 24 bacon strips, which is just enough to wrap all those little smokies!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Grab one little smokie sausage and wrap it tightly with a half strip of bacon, starting from one end and spiraling around until most of the sausage is covered. If you want, you can secure the ends with a toothpick to help keep it in place.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out a little so they can cook evenly.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give the sausages a little turn to ensure that all sides get crispy and browned.
6. Optional Savory-Sweet Touch:
If you want to add a little sweet touch, you can brush the little smokies with some BBQ sauce or sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over them before baking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like BBQ sauce, ranch, or mustard. Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped little smokies!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you want a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may not get as crispy as regular pork bacon, but it will still taste delicious!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wrap the little smokies in bacon a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just bake them directly from the fridge and add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
