Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Appetizer (Print Version)

Mini sausages wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect party appetizer.

# Ingredients List:

→ Meats

01 - 24 mini cocktail sausages, approximately 12 ounces
02 - 12 slices bacon, approximately 8 ounces, cut in half crosswise

→ Glaze

03 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
05 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional for enhanced glaze

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
02 - Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to create 24 half-slices.
03 - Wrap each cocktail sausage with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
04 - Place wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
05 - Combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
06 - Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over all wrapped sausages. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if additional caramelization is desired.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bacon reaches crispy texture and glaze begins bubbling around edges.
08 - For enhanced crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
09 - Allow to cool slightly before serving. Present warm with toothpicks for convenient handling.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They require only three main ingredients and almost no knife work, so you can prep a whole tray in under fifteen minutes.
  • The bacon crisps up beautifully while the brown sugar melts into a sticky, sweet glaze that everyone fights over.
  • They stay warm longer than most appetizers, so you're not constantly running back to the kitchen.
02 -
  • Don't skip lining the pan, the sugar glaze hardens like candy when it cools and you'll be scrubbing for days if it hits bare metal.
  • If your bacon isn't crisping, your oven might run cool, so bump the temp to 425°F or give them an extra five minutes.
03 -
  • Use a wire rack set inside the baking sheet if you want the bacon to crisp on all sides, just be ready for a bit more cleanup.
  • Make a double batch and keep one tray in the oven on warm, because the first tray will be gone before you sit down.
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