Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Treats

This bacon wrapped smokies recipe has been my secret weapon for parties for years, guaranteeing empty plates and recipe requests every single time. The perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears faster than I can serve them.

I first made these for a Super Bowl party five years ago, and they've become mandatory at every gathering since. My brother in law once ate nearly half the batch before dinner was even served.

Ingredients

• Little Smokies this recipe uses a 14oz package which gives you about 36 pieces that perfectly balance the smoky meat flavor with the sweet glaze
• Bacon choose a medium thickness for the best results thin bacon can burn while thick cut might not crisp properly
• Brown Sugar creates that beautiful caramelization and sweet base for the glaze
• BBQ Sauce adds tangy depth and creates the sticky glaze that makes these irresistible look for one with a good balance of sweet and smoky notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F until fully heated. Line a baking dish with foil or parchment for easier cleanup. The proper temperature ensures the bacon renders its fat and crisps beautifully while the smokies heat through.

Wrap the Smokies

Cut each bacon slice into thirds using sharp kitchen scissors. This creates the perfect sized piece to wrap around each little smokie. Take one bacon piece and wrap it snugly around a smokie ensuring there is slight overlap and place seam side down in your baking dish. Continue until all smokies are wrapped.

Add the Sweet Base

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over all the wrapped smokies making sure each one gets a good coating. Gently press the sugar onto the bacon where it will begin to adhere as it melts creating that wonderful caramelization.

Initial Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 15 minutes. During this time the bacon will begin to render and the brown sugar will start melting into a delicious base glaze.

Add BBQ Glaze

Remove the dish from the oven carefully as it will be hot. Using a basting brush apply BBQ sauce generously to each bacon wrapped smokie ensuring all sides get covered for maximum flavor.

Final Baking

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This final baking allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize and the bacon to reach perfect crispness. Look for that beautiful glossy appearance.

Prepare for Serving

Allow the smokies to cool for about 5 minutes before handling. This cooling time helps the glaze set slightly making them easier to pick up. Insert toothpicks into each for easy serving at your gathering.

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Brown sugar is the secret ingredient that transforms these from good to extraordinary. I discovered this when I ran out of maple syrup for my original recipe and substituted brown sugar. The caramelization was so incredible that I never went back to the original version.

Storage Tips

These bacon wrapped smokies will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bacon soggy.

Delicious Variations

While the classic BBQ version is always a hit, you can easily customize these to create different flavor profiles. Try brushing with honey garlic sauce instead of BBQ for an Asian inspired twist. For heat lovers, add a sprinkle of cayenne to the brown sugar or use a spicy BBQ sauce. Maple bacon fans can substitute maple syrup for half of the brown sugar for a wonderful maple infusion.

Serving Suggestions

These smokies are perfect served on a platter with decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. I like to place them alongside complementary appetizers like deviled eggs or a cheese board. For a complete game day spread, pair with spinach artichoke dip, loaded potato skins, and a selection of cold beers. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch buffet beside a savory quiche.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the smokies in bacon up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the brown sugar and BBQ sauce just before baking for best results. You can also fully cook them ahead and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

→ What's the best type of bacon to use for this dish?

Regular cut bacon works best for this dish. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up as well and thin-cut bacon might overcook before the smokies are heated through. For extra flavor, consider using a maple or applewood smoked bacon.

→ Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes, you can make these in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the bacon is cooked through. Note that the bacon won't get quite as crispy as it does in the oven, but the flavors will meld wonderfully.

→ What can I serve with bacon wrapped smokies?

These make a great appetizer alongside other finger foods like spinach dip, meatballs, or chicken wings. For dipping, offer extra BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. They're perfect for game day spreads, holiday buffets, or casual gatherings.

→ How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking?

To keep the bacon securely wrapped, place the smokies seam-side down in the baking dish. You can also secure them with toothpicks before baking. The brown sugar helps act as a 'glue' as it melts, helping to keep everything together.

→ What BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work well. Sweet and smoky varieties complement the bacon nicely, while spicy versions add a kick. For extra flavor complexity, try a bourbon or honey BBQ sauce. You can even mix your favorite sauce with a bit of maple syrup for added sweetness.