Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar

Description:

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are a sweet and savory appetizer that combines the richness of crispy bacon, the smokiness of cocktail sausages, and the sweetness of brown sugar. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any party or holiday gathering and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The bacon becomes perfectly crispy while the brown sugar caramelizes, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating.

Origin:

This appetizer is a popular choice for parties and gatherings in the United States, especially during the holiday season. Bacon-wrapped sausages are a well-loved combination that has been adapted into many variations. The use of brown sugar in the recipe adds a sweet contrast to the salty, smoky bacon, making it a fan favorite at both casual and festive events.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

• Cocktail smokies: 1 package (14 oz)
• Bacon: 12 slices (cut into thirds)
• Brown sugar: ¾ cup (packed)
• Garlic powder: ½ tsp (optional)
• Black pepper: ¼ tsp (optional)
• Toothpicks: For securing bacon

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Smokies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the bacon slices into thirds, making them the perfect size to wrap around the cocktail smokies.
3. Wrap each cocktail sausage with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Step 2: Coat with Brown Sugar

1. Place the brown sugar in a shallow dish or bowl.
2. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar, ensuring that the bacon is evenly coated with sugar on all sides.

Step 3: Bake the Smokies

1. Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil (to catch any drips).
2. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has caramelized. You may want to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped smokies cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Transfer them to a serving platter, remove the toothpicks, and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Crispy Bacon: If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, you can bake the smokies for an additional 5 minutes or broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end to get that crispy texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness with a bit of heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies up to 24 hours in advance, store them in the fridge, and then bake them just before your event.

Recommendations:

• Serving Suggestions: These bacon-wrapped smokies are perfect as a party appetizer, served alongside dips like ranch dressing or spicy mustard. They also pair well with a cold beer or a sweet iced tea.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a crunchy salad to balance the richness of the bacon and brown sugar.

Nutrition (Per Serving, 2 pieces):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are an irresistible treat that will disappear quickly at any gathering. The combination of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and smoky sausage is a winning flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.