These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect treat for any party! Sweet and savory, they combine juicy little sausages and crispy bacon, all coated in a yummy brown sugar glaze.
Who can resist that crispy, sweet bite? I love serving them warm, and I often find myself sneaking a few before the guests arrive. They really do disappear fast! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These tiny sausages are the star of the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausages will work well too and will still give you a tasty result.
Bacon: I suggest using regular or thick-cut bacon for a nice crispy texture. If you want a leaner option, turkey bacon is a great substitution, though it may not crisp up as nicely.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that sweet, caramel flavor. If you’re short on brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses into 1 cup of white sugar) as a quick fix!
Fresh Parsley: I love adding a touch of green for color. If you don’t have parsley, chopped chives or cilantro could also work as a fresh garnish.
How Do I Get My Bacon Crispy Without Burning It?
Getting your bacon perfectly crispy while keeping the brown sugar from burning can be tricky, but here’s how to do it:
- Start with a preheated oven. This helps the bacon start cooking right away.
- If using the broiler for extra crispiness, keep a close eye on it! Broiling can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
- Since every oven is different, check for doneness a few minutes early if you’re unsure.
- Letting the Little Smokies cool slightly after baking helps the bacon firm up and makes them easier to handle.
By watching the cooking time and using quality ingredients, your Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies will turn out delicious every time!
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 oz) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 pound bacon strips, cut in half
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in about 40-45 minutes total, you’ll have yummy Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze later on!
2. Wrap the Little Smokies:
Take each Little Smokies sausage and wrap it tightly with half a strip of bacon. Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on the baking sheet. That way, they stay wrapped up nicely while cooking!
3. Add the Brown Sugar:
Pile on the packed brown sugar! Generously sprinkle it over each bacon-wrapped sausage, lightly pressing it down to help it stick. This is what gives those smoky sausages their sweet, sticky goodness!
4. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the bacon to be crispy and the sugar to get all bubbly and caramelized. The smell will be amazing!
5. Crisp It Up:
If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can switch on the broiler for just 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—broiling can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
6. Let Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the sausages cool slightly before serving. This helps the bacon set up a bit, making them easier to handle.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a lovely touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Now, dig in and enjoy these sweet and savory bite-sized treats warm at your next gathering!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner option! Just keep in mind that it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon, so you might need to bake it a bit longer.
Can I Make These Little Smokies in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time, wrap the sausages in bacon, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausages?
Definitely! While Little Smokies are traditional, you can use any type of cocktail sausages or even kielbasa for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for larger or smaller sausages.
