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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
If there’s one recipe that never fails to bring a smile to my face (and an impressive spread of deliciousness to the table), it’s Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma of smoky bacon mingling with sweet brown sugar filled the room, drawing everyone to the kitchen. I was practically a rock star in the family that day, and it’s all thanks to these little bites of heaven!
Now, what makes this recipe unique is the delightful contrast of flavors and textures—the savory smokiness of the sausage, the crispy bacon, and the sweet caramelization from the brown sugar. Trust me, these little gems are perfect for game day, a holiday gathering, or just when you want to treat yourself (because we all deserve a little indulgence sometimes, right?).
What’s in Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar?
- 1 pound (450g) little smokies sausages – These bite-sized sausages are the MVP of this dish. Their smokiness marries wonderfully with the bacon’s crunch.
- 1 pound (450g) bacon (about 12-14 slices) – Choose your favorite brand; I personally love using thick-cut bacon for the added richness.
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar – This is where the magic happens! Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup (optional, for drizzling) – If you really want to kick it up a notch, a bit of maple syrup drizzled on top takes these to flavor heaven!
- Toothpicks – Essential for keeping your bacon wrapped tightly around those smokies.
Is Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Good for You?
While we all love indulging in the tasty treats from time to time, it’s good to know what we’re getting into. Little smokies provide a quick protein boost, but keep an eye on the sodium content! Bacon delivers that savory crunch we adore, yet it can be high in saturated fats, so moderation is key. On the sweet side, brown sugar adds delicious flavor, but it’s also packed with calories. Balance is everything, and these are definitely best enjoyed in small servings, especially at parties. So, enjoy responsibly!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound (450g) little smokies sausages
- 1 pound (450g) bacon (about 12-14 slices)
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup (optional)
- Toothpicks
How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me; this step is crucial so we get that crispy bacon!
- Line a baking dish (9×13 inches) with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack inside the dish. This will help the heat circulate and crisp everything up nicely.
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds. You should have approximately 36 pieces of bacon, which is just enough to wrap each little smokie.
- Grab a little smokie sausage and wrap it with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat until all sausages are snugly wrapped.
- Place those adorable bacon-wrapped smokies on the wire rack in a single layer. Try not to eat them at this stage—though I totally understand the temptation!
- Evenly sprinkle brown sugar over the top of those sumptuous sausages.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some maple syrup over the smokies for an extra layer of sweetness. Yum!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. This is crucial unless you want to serve your guests toothpick surprises!
Snack Attack Tips!
- Serve these warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an addictive party snack. Seriously, they won’t last long!
- You can prepare these ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before serving—everyone will think you spent hours on them!
- If you’re feeling extra spicy, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a little kick!
So, why not give these Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar a try? I promise they’ll bring joy (and bacon-induced happiness) to your gatherings. Plus, I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Feel free to share your culinary adventures and any personal touches you added to this recipe. Happy cooking!
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