17 Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes: Your Guide to Outrageously Delicious Bites

Hey there, fellow food lover! Let me take you back to my childhood for a moment. Picture a cozy kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon filling the air, and the sound of laughter echoing through the house. That was Nana Betty’s kitchen, my grandma, the queen of comfort food. Every Sunday, without fail, Nana Betty would whip up a batch of her amazing bacon wrapped smokies. These weren’t just any breakfast treat; they were tiny bites of pure joy, little packages of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet goodness that had everyone, from the pickiest kids to the most discerning adults, reaching for more.

Today, I’m thrilled to share Nana Betty’s legendary recipe and so much more with you! We’re going way beyond just one recipe. We’re talking about a complete guide to mastering the art of bacon wrapped smokies. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast for game day, a crowd-pleasing snack for your next party, or just a fun and easy breakfast treat, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to discover incredible variations, secret tips, and foolproof methods to make bacon wrapped smokies that will have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!). Let’s get cooking!

Why Bacon Wrapped Smokies Are the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Seriously, what’s not to love about perfectly bacon wrapped smokies? They’re the ultimate party food for so many reasons. Let’s break down why these little bites are always a hit, no matter the occasion:

• Flavor Explosion: You get the salty, smoky goodness of bacon combined with the savory, slightly sweet taste of little smokies. It’s a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. According to a study by the National Pork Board, bacon is consumed in 94% of American households. That’s a whole lot of bacon love, and bacon wrapped smokies tap right into that!

• Quick and Easy to Make: Honestly, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you can nail this recipe. We’re talking minimal prep time and simple cooking methods. In fact, a survey by the Food Marketing Institute found that 63% of Americans look for quick and easy meal solutions. Bacon wrapped smokies definitely fit the bill!

• Versatile for Any Occasion: Game day? Check. Holiday party? Check. Casual get-together? Check. Bacon wrapped smokies are amazing for any event. They’re also perfect as a fun breakfast treat or a satisfying snack any time of day.

• Budget-Friendly: Compared to fancy breakfasts, bacon wrapped smokies are incredibly affordable. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. In a recent report by the USDA, food prices at home increased by 11.3% in 2022, making budget-friendly recipes more important than ever.

• Customizable: Want them sweet? Spicy? Savory? You can easily customize bacon wrapped smokies to your liking with different glazes, seasonings, and cooking methods. We’ll explore some fantastic variations later!

Essentially, bacon wrapped smokies are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and crowd-appeal. They’re a guaranteed win every time!

The Best Ever Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter Recipe

Okay, let’s get to the star of the show: Nana Betty’s famous bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter. This recipe is seriously addictive. The brown sugar and butter glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a glorious, sticky, sweet, and savory coating that takes these little smokies to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12-14 ounces) little smokies sausages

• 1 pound bacon, cut in half

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted

(Table for Ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Wrap each smokie with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if desired, especially if using thinner bacon.

3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and melted butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.

4. Dip each bacon wrapped smokie into the brown sugar mixture, coating generously. Alternatively, you can brush the mixture over the smokies.

5. Arrange the coated smokies on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy, and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Be careful, they will be hot! Remove toothpicks before serving if used.

(Table for Instructions)

Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

• Use good quality bacon: The flavor of the bacon really shines through, so choose a bacon you love. Thicker cut bacon will take longer to cook.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in soggy bacon.

• Watch them closely towards the end: The brown sugar glaze can burn easily, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.

• Serve warm: These are best enjoyed warm when the bacon is crispy and the glaze is gooey.

These bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter are seriously addictive. Prepare to be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such an incredible flavor!

Effortless Bacon Wrapped Smokies Crockpot Recipes for Game Day and Parties

Want to make bacon wrapped smokies even easier and more hands-off? Enter the amazing crockpot! Using a crockpot, or slow cooker, is a fantastic way to prepare these breakfasts, especially when you’re feeding a large crowd or want to free up oven space. Bacon wrapped smokies crockpot recipes are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any time you want delicious food with minimal effort.

Why Use a Crockpot for Bacon Wrapped Smokies?

• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! The crockpot does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other things. According to Statista, 83% of US households own a slow cooker. Clearly, people love the convenience!

• Keeps Smokies Warm: The crockpot keeps the bacon wrapped smokies warm for serving throughout your party, so they’re always ready to grab and go.

• Great for Large Batches: Crockpots are perfect for making large quantities, ideal for feeding a crowd.

• Tender Smokies, Crispy-ish Bacon: While the bacon won’t get super crispy in the crockpot, it will become wonderfully tender and flavorful, infusing the smokies with smoky goodness.

Basic Bacon Wrapped Smokies Crockpot Recipe:

This recipe is incredibly simple and adaptable. You can add your favorite BBQ sauce, honey, or brown sugar for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12-14 ounces) little smokies sausages

• 1 pound bacon, cut in half

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (or your favorite glaze)

(Table for Crockpot Ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Wrap each smokie with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if desired.

2. Place the bacon wrapped smokies in the crockpot. Arrange in a single layer if possible, or layer them gently.

3. Pour BBQ sauce (or glaze) over the smokies. Ensure they are evenly coated.

4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until bacon is cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot.

5. Serve directly from the crockpot, keeping them warm for your guests. Remove toothpicks before serving.

(Table for Crockpot Instructions)

Tips for Amazing Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

• Use a liner for easy cleanup: Crockpot liners are a lifesaver for quick and easy cleanup.

• Don’t add water: The smokies and bacon will release enough moisture during cooking.

• For crispier bacon (optional): After crockpot cooking, you can broil the bacon wrapped smokies for a few minutes in the oven to crisp up the bacon. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

• Experiment with glazes: BBQ sauce is classic, but try honey mustard, teriyaki, or even a spicy sriracha glaze for different flavor profiles.

Bacon wrapped smokies crockpot recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy this classic breakfast with minimal effort. They’re perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Breakfast.

Let’s talk more about the magic of the slow cooker bacon wrapped smokies. « Slow cooker » and « crockpot » are often used interchangeably, and for good reason – they both refer to the same amazing kitchen appliance that makes cooking so much easier. Slow cooker bacon wrapped smokies are the epitome of a set-it-and-forget-it breakfast, perfect for busy hosts and anyone who wants delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why « Slow Cooker » is Synonymous with « Convenience » for Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

• Maximum Flavor with Minimum Effort: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The smoky bacon infuses the smokies, and any glaze you use becomes rich and deep.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prep your slow cooker bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time and let them cook while you get ready for your party or event.

• Stress-Free Entertaining: No need to babysit the oven or stovetop. The slow cooker handles everything, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, slow cookers are among the most commonly used small kitchen appliances in the US.

• Ideal for Potlucks and Tailgates: Slow cookers are easy to transport and keep food warm, making them perfect for potlucks, tailgates, and other events where you need to bring a dish.

Spicy Honey Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe:

Let’s kick things up a notch with a deliciously spicy and sweet glaze! This slow cooker bacon wrapped smokies recipe adds a touch of heat to the classic combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12-14 ounces) little smokies sausages

• 1 pound bacon, cut in half

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

(Table for Spicy Honey Ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Wrap each smokie with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if desired.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

3. Place bacon wrapped smokies in the slow cooker.

4. Pour the honey-sriracha glaze over the smokies. Toss gently to coat evenly.

5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until bacon is cooked through and glaze has thickened slightly.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if using) before serving. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker. Remove toothpicks before serving.

(Table for Spicy Honey Instructions)

Tips for Sensational Spicy Honey Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

• Adjust the spice level: Add more or less sriracha to control the heat. You can also use other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce or gochujang.

• Add ginger and garlic: For even more flavor complexity, add a teaspoon of grated ginger and a clove of minced garlic to the glaze.

• Serve with dipping sauce: These are amazing on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Slow cooker bacon wrapped smokies, especially with this spicy honey glaze, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re effortless to make and packed with flavor!

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Dipping Sauces for Bacon Wrapped Smokies.

Bacon wrapped smokies are amazing on their own, but the right dipping sauce can elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions and dipping sauce ideas to complement your smokies:

Serving Suggestions:

• Party Breakfast Treat: Arrange bacon wrapped smokies on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve them warm and alongside a variety of dipping sauces.

• Game Day Snack: Bacon wrapped smokies are perfect for game day! Serve them in a slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the game.

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them as a savory breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or pancakes.

• Potluck Dish: Bacon wrapped smokies are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks.

• Holiday Breakfast Treat: They’re a festive and delicious breakfast treat for holiday gatherings.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Classic BBQ Sauce: A classic pairing! Use your favorite BBQ sauce – sweet, smoky, or spicy.

• Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy ranch dressing is always a hit with breakfasts.

• Honey Mustard: Tangy and sweet honey mustard compliments the smoky bacon perfectly.

• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy and spicy dipping sauce.

• Blue Cheese Dressing: For a bolder flavor, try blue cheese dressing.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and a little heat.

• Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re making teriyaki glazed smokies, serve extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

• Cheese Sauce: A warm cheese sauce, like nacho cheese or beer cheese, is incredibly indulgent.

• Pineapple Salsa: A fresh pineapple salsa adds a tropical twist and beautiful balance to the richness of the bacon.

(Table of Dipping Sauce Pairings)

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces! Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect pairings for bacon wrapped smokies.

FAQ About Bacon Wrapped Smokies: Your Burning Questions Answered!

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about bacon wrapped smokies to ensure you have all the info you need to make them perfectly every time.

How do you keep bacon wrapped smokies from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy bacon wrapped smokies, ensure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or crockpot. Overcrowding steams the bacon instead of baking it, leading to sogginess. Baking at a slightly higher temperature can also help crisp up the bacon. If using a crockpot, you can broil them briefly in the oven at the end for extra crispiness.

What kind of little smokies should I use?

You can use any type of little smokies you prefer! Pork, beef, or even chicken smokies all work well. The classic pork smokies are a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.

How long do bacon wrapped smokies last in the fridge?

Cooked bacon wrapped smokies will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until heated through. However, they are best enjoyed fresh! According to the USDA, cooked sausages are safe to eat for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Earthy Savor Lab

Little smokies, the heart of our delightful breakfast treat, are pre-cooked sausages known for their smoky flavor and convenient bite-size. These miniature sausages are typically made from pork or beef and are seasoned to deliver a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the salty bacon. Scientifically, the smoking process infuses the meat with compounds like phenols and aldehydes, which contribute to their distinctive smoky aroma and flavor profile. The pre-cooked nature of little smokies makes them an essential ingredient in this recipe, as they cook quickly and beautifully within the bacon wrap, ensuring a delicious and safe breakfast treat every time.