Let me paint a picture for you. I can tell you from experience, when the snacks start to come out, that’s when the fun really begins. One of my go-to crowd-pleasers is none other than spicy brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies.
These flavorful bites are a hit at every gathering, whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in.
What Are Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Now, you might be wondering what in the world I’m talking about. Spicy brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies are simply cocktail sausages wrapped snugly in delightful strips of bacon, coated with a sweet and spicy mixture that brings a burst of flavor with every bite.
The combination of sweet brown sugar, a kick of cayenne, and the savory goodness of bacon provides a mouthwatering taste experience. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and simply irresistible. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why they’re life’s little pleasures.You Might Also Like These Recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s get real for a moment: who doesn’t love bacon?
The crispiness, the flavor—it’s a culinary gift. When you wrap it around the little smokies and bake them to perfection, you get a snack that brings everyone together.
And it doesn’t hurt that these bites are easy to make. Here’s why you’ll want to dive right in:
1. Flavor Explosion: Sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite. You get a delightful medley of flavors that’s hard to resist.
2. Quick to Prepare: You only need about 30 minutes to whip these up, meaning less time cooking and more time enjoying the party.
3. Flexibility: This dish is versatile. You can modify it to suit various palates and dietary preferences.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves finger food, and these bites disappear faster than you can even set them out.
5. Easy Storage: Need leftovers? We’ve got you covered. You can store them in the fridge and reheat them later.
The Ingredients
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a handful of surprisingly simple ingredients:
- 3/4 cup packed golden brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cayenne
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Dash of freshly cracked black pepper
- 16 oz pack of cocktail smoked sausages
- 15 strips of bacon, each sliced into three equal pieces
These ingredients combine in a way that will tantalize your taste buds. And guess what? Most of them might already be lurking in your pantry!
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s jump right into the fun part. Prepare to get your hands a little sticky as we dive into the cooking process.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that when you pop your little smokies in, they’ll get that lovely crisp texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The last thing we want is a messy kitchen after all this deliciousness.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet and Spicy Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates your sweet and spicy dust. It’s a delightful little mixture that will cling to your bacon-wrapped sausages.
Step 4: Wrap the Little Smokies
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie. You want to cover as much of the sausage as possible. Then, dip the bacon-wrapped smokie into the bowl of the sweet and spicy mixture, coating it well.
Place the wrapped smokie seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process until all sausages are wrapped and placed on the tray.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Halfway through, give them a check. A little turn helps everything cook evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take them out and let them cool for just a few moments. These little bites are best served warm, garnished with your favorite dipping sauce if desired. Now, dig in and enjoy the delightful chaos of flavors!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
– Don’t Rush the Cool Down: Let them cool slightly before serving. They’re hot and can burn your mouth!
– Use Thicker Bacon: Thicker bacon will hold up better during cooking while providing extra flavor.
– Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, dial back on the cayenne or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.
– Make Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies the night before, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator. Simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
– Create a Dipping Bar: Pair them with a variety of dips like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot mustard for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Nutrition Facts
Can I Store Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Absolutely! If you find yourself with some leftovers (which is a rarity), let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to devour them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
These little delicacies pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Vegetable Platter: A fresh veggie platter for balance.
- Potato Skins: Crispy potato skins topped with cheese and sour cream.
- Pasta Salad: Something light and refreshing will complement the richness.
- Chips and Salsa: Always a winner for any gathering.
- Beer Flight: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not serve with a selection of local brews?
Variations of Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
If you’re feeling adventurous, these variations can elevate the experience:
- Hot Honey Variation: Drizzle hot honey over the finished smokies for a sweet heat that’s downright irresistible.
- BBQ Glaze: Before baking, brush on some BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
- Sriracha Aioli Dip: Serve with a side of zesty Sriracha aioli for a creamy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Combine Italian herbs like basil and oregano into the sugar mix to give a Mediterranean flair.
- Jalapeño Addition: For the brave, wrap a slice of jalapeño inside the bacon with the smokie for an extra spicy surprise.
Conclusion
There you have it! Spicy brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies are a whimsical way to add joy to any gathering. Their delightful flavors, simplicity, and versatility make them one of my favorite snacks.
Each bite is a celebration of sweet and salty goodness. Whether you whip these up for a football party or a relaxed evening, I promise they will impress.
So grab those ingredients and let the festivities begin. Your friends won’t believe how easy they are to fall in love with these little nuggets of joy. Happy cooking!
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Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Description
Let me paint a picture for you. I can tell you from experience, when the snacks start to come out, that's when the fun really begins. One of my go-to crowd-pleasers is none other than spicy brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Let’s jump right into the fun part. Prepare to get your hands a little sticky as we dive into the cooking process.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
-
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that when you pop your little smokies in, they’ll get that lovely crisp texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
-
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The last thing we want is a messy kitchen after all this deliciousness.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet and Spicy Coating
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates your sweet and spicy dust. It’s a delightful little mixture that will cling to your bacon-wrapped sausages.
Step 4: Wrap the Little Smokies
-
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie. You want to cover as much of the sausage as possible. Then, dip the bacon-wrapped smokie into the bowl of the sweet and spicy mixture, coating it well.
-
Place the wrapped smokie seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process until all sausages are wrapped and placed on the tray.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
-
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Halfway through, give them a check. A little turn helps everything cook evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
-
Once done, take them out and let them cool for just a few moments. These little bites are best served warm, garnished with your favorite dipping sauce if desired. Now, dig in and enjoy the delightful chaos of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 412kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26g40%
- Saturated Fat 11.6g58%
- Sodium 294mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 41g14%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 34g
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Don’t Rush the Cool Down: Let them cool slightly before serving. They’re hot and can burn your mouth!
- Use Thicker Bacon: Thicker bacon will hold up better during cooking while providing extra flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, dial back on the cayenne or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies the night before, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator. Simply pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve.
- Create a Dipping Bar: Pair them with a variety of dips like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot mustard for extra flavor.
