Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Appetizer (Print Version)

Mini cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Party favorite!

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 24 mini cocktail sausages, approximately 12 ounces
02 - 12 slices bacon, approximately 8 ounces, cut in half crosswise

→ Glaze

03 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
05 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to create 24 half-slices.
03 - Wrap each cocktail sausage with one half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick to hold in place.
04 - Place bacon-wrapped smokies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
05 - In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper if using.
06 - Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over smokies. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired for enhanced caramelization.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bacon is crisp and glaze bubbles. For additional crispness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
08 - Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with toothpicks for easy consumption.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Three ingredients create something that tastes like you fussed for hours.
  • The edges get crispy and caramelized in a way that makes people stand around the oven waiting.
  • They work for game day, holiday parties, or any time you need to feed a crowd without stress.
  • You can prep them ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't skip lining the pan because the sugar will harden like glass and you'll be scrubbing for days.
  • If your bacon isn't crisping, your oven might run cool; bump the temp to 425°F or give them an extra five minutes.
  • Let them rest before serving or the toothpicks will be too hot to handle and the glaze will slide right off.
03 -
  • Use a wire rack set inside the baking sheet if you want the bacon extra crispy all around, though cleanup takes longer.
  • If the sugar starts to burn before the bacon crisps, tent the pan loosely with foil and lower the heat to 375°F.
  • Save any leftover glaze drippings from the pan and brush them over the smokies right before serving for an extra glossy finish.
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