Sweet and Savory Perfection: Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze
There's something undeniably irresistible about the combination of salty bacon, smoky sausage, and a sweet and sticky glaze. This recipe for bacon-wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter takes that classic appetizer to a whole new level. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (makes a delicious serving for 4-6 people):
- The Savory Base:
- 1 pound bacon – choose a good quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon works particularly well.
- 1 pound Lil' Smokies (small sausages) – these bite-sized sausages are perfect for wrapping in bacon
- The Sweet and Sticky Glaze:
- 1 stick butter – unsalted butter is preferred
- 2 cups packed brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference. Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.
Instructions:
- Prep the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the smokies cook through while the bacon crisps up beautifully. Cut the bacon strips into thirds.
- Wrapping the Smokies: Take each piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around a Lil' Smokie. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if desired, but it's not always necessary.
- Arranging the Smokies: Place all the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. Leave a little space between each smokie to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Creating the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the brown sugar until well combined. This creates a rich and flavorful glaze for the smokies.
- Coating the Smokies: Pour the brown sugar glaze over the bacon-wrapped smokies in the baking dish. Make sure all the smokies are evenly coated.
- Adding a Sweet Crunch: Sprinkle the remaining cup of brown sugar over the top of the glazed smokies. This adds a delightful textural contrast – a sweet and crunchy topping to the savory bacon and sausage.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake the bacon-wrapped smokies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and the glaze is bubbly.
- Serving Up Sweet and Savory Goodness: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the smokies cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to set slightly and prevents burning mouths. Serve them warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and watch them disappear in a flash!
Tips:
- Lighter Option: For a slightly less sweet glaze, use only 1.5 cups of brown sugar total.
- Brown Sugar Variations: You can substitute a cup of honey for one of the brown sugar cups for a different flavor twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper over the smokies before baking.
- Party Appetizer Perfection: These bacon-wrapped smokies are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. They're easy to make ahead of time, can be served at room temperature, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
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