Introduction

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Combining the richness of bacon with the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar, this dish brings a unique twist to the classic appetizer.

These smoky sausages are enveloped in crispy bacon, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Perfect for parties, game days, or even holiday celebrations, they are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

1 pound bacon
Bacon is the star of this recipe, providing rich, smoky flavors and a crispy texture once cooked. It wraps around the sausages, adding indulgence and helping to hold the dish together.
2 packages (14 ounces each) cocktail smokies
These small sausages are convenient and flavorful, making them a perfect bite-sized addition. They soak up the flavors of the bacon and brown sugar, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
1 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelization to the dish. When baked, it melts and creates a delicious sticky glaze on the outside of the bacon, helping to balance the saltiness of the pork.
1 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper introduces a subtle heat and depth of flavor, contrasting the sweetness of the brown sugar and elevating the overall taste profile of the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder lends a savory note to the dish, enhancing the umami flavors. It complements the smokiness of the bacon and the richness of the sausages.
1 teaspoon onion powder
Onion powder contributes a sweet and savory profile that rounds out the flavors. It works alongside the garlic powder to create a well-balanced seasoning mix.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven is crucial as it ensures that the bacon begins to crisp up properly once the smokies are added. An adequately heated oven allows for even cooking and prevents sogginess, giving you a beautifully baked dish.

Step 2: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack on top.

Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier, while the wire rack elevates the smokies, allowing fat to drip away during cooking. This technique results in crispier bacon, as it can heat evenly around the sausages.

Step 3: Cut each bacon strip into thirds.

Cutting the bacon appropriately ensures that each piece can wrap easily around the cocktail smokies, providing the right proportion of bacon to sausage. This step is vital for achieving the perfect bite of flavor in each smokie.

Step 4: Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Wrapping each smokie tightly with bacon not only infuses the sausage with flavor but also keeps them moist. Securing the bacon with a toothpick ensures that it stays in place during cooking, giving a neat appearance when serving.

Step 5: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Combining the spices and brown sugar creates a flavorful coating for the smokies. This mixture will caramelize during baking, enhancing the dish’s sweetness and making the bacon even more appetizing.

Step 6: Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies.

Evenly distributing the brown sugar mixture ensures that every bacon-wrapped smokie gets coated. This step is crucial for achieving the right balance of sweetness and smokiness in each bite.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.

Baking at the correct temperature allows the bacon to render fat and crisp up while the sugar caramelizes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning, as each oven can vary.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Letting the smokies cool for a few minutes allows the bacon to set and the brown sugar glaze to thicken slightly. This step also prevents burns when biting into these delicious treats.

Elevating Flavor Profiles

Drizzling a touch of balsamic reduction or maple syrup over the finished smokies adds another layer of flavor complexity. These additions can enhance the sweetness while introducing acidity or an extra touch of elegance, appealing to sophisticated palates.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies can shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese. Serve them alongside a fresh veggie platter for balance, or create a dipping bar with various sauces to suit everyone’s tastes.

Making Them Your Own

Feel free to experiment with different spices or add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. You could even wrap them in prosciutto instead of bacon for a more gourmet version. The versatility of this dish allows for personal touches while maintaining that beloved sweet and savory balance.

FAQs

What can I do if the brown sugar mixture clumps while mixing?

If the brown sugar is lumpy, try loosening it by breaking it apart with your fingers or using a fork. Making sure the sugar is packed correctly can also help prevent clumping.

What if my bacon doesn’t cook through but the smokies burst?

If the bacon is undercooked, consider pre-cooking the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the smokies for a head start. This way, both components can finish cooking together without the risk of bursting.

How can I make these smokies less sweet?

To decrease sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in your mixture or adjust the seasoning by adding more spices. Incorporating savory herbs can lend depth and balance the sweetness.

What can I substitute for cocktail smokies?

You can substitute cocktail smokies with other types of sausages, such as Little Smokies or even chicken sausage. Just ensure that whatever you choose is fully cooked to maintain safety.

Why does the bacon not get crispy enough during baking?

If the bacon isn’t crispy, it may be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or insufficient cooking time. Arrange the smokies in a single layer with space between them and extend cooking time if necessary.

Can I use a different kind of sugar?

Yes, you can swap brown sugar for granulated sugar, but it won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Consider mixing in some maple sugar or coconut sugar for a unique twist while retaining sweetness.

Conclusion

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are more than just a simple appetizer; they’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to become a crowd favorite. Preparing them is an enjoyable process that leads to a delicious outcome.

Whether you serve them at your next event or enjoy them as a cozy snack at home, these smokies will undoubtedly satisfy. Embrace the savory and sweet harmony, and watch them disappear from the platter!

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