Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute go-to appetizers for any gathering: Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies. Now, I’ll be honest; there’s not much that bacon can’t improve, but adding a sweet and savory glaze takes these little sausages to a whole new level of deliciousness. I first made these tasty bites for a holiday party a few years back, and they were gone before I could even grab a second one! Since then, I’ve kept the recipe close and always pull it out when I want to impress friends or family.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need a handful of ingredients, and it’s practically foolproof! Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a cozy movie night, these little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet glaze will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because they fly off the platter!
What’s in Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
Little Smokies Sausages: These mini sausages are the star of the recipe! They have a juicy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon and the sweet glaze. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Bacon: Bacon is the ultimate wrapping for our little smokies. You can choose between regular or thick cut, depending on how much bacon goodness you want in each bite. I usually go for thick cut because, well, more bacon, more fun!
Brown Sugar: This sweet and rich sugar is what makes the glaze irresistible. It caramelizes in the oven and provides a lovely sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Adding umami to our glaze, soy sauce gives these bites an extra depth of flavor. I recommend going for a low-sodium option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Garlic Powder: Because let’s face it, garlic makes everything better! It adds a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
Black Pepper: A little season for some heat! This spice complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and brings the flavors together.
Paprika: This is optional, but if you like a bit of smokiness to your bites, add some paprika. It adds not only flavor but also a beautiful hint of color.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, of course! It adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that’s hard to resist.
Is Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect because all good food conversations should include it! While these little smokies wrapped in bacon are undeniably delicious, they’re more of an indulgent treat than a health food.
Brown Sugar: While it brings that sweet flavor we crave, it’s still sugar, so enjoy it in moderation!
Bacon: The star here can be high in saturated fat. If you’re looking to lighten up, turkey bacon is a great alternative. It can still crisp up nicely, but do keep in mind it won’t have that same rich flavor as traditional bacon.
Overall, these Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are perfect for special occasions or when you need a little something extra to brighten your day. Just remember that balance is key, so enjoy them alongside some healthier options too!
Ingredients
– 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
– 1 pound bacon (regular or thick cut)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Makes approximately 20-24 pieces.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
2. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. Wrap each little smokie sausage with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped sausages on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows the heat to circulate around them and the bacon to crisp up.
5. Drizzle or brush the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped sausages, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. If desired, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your sweet and savory Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies!
Serving Suggestions & Tips for Perfection
– You can make this recipe ahead of time by assembling everything and then popping them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge!
– Want to switch it up? Try adding some chopped jalapeños in the mix for a spicy kick!
– These little smokies pair wonderfully with toothpicks, making them perfect for parties. Impress your friends with a little serving platter, and watch them disappear!
I’m telling you, once you try these Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies, they’re going to become a regular at your gatherings! They’re simple, delicious, and sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. I can’t wait for you to give them a try, and I would absolutely love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy cooking!
