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- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has melted into a caramelized glaze.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn.
5. Serve Warm
- Remove the bacon-wrapped Smokies from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will still taste delicious at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Bacon Choice: Use thin-cut bacon for the best results. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp up and may not caramelize as evenly.
- Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the brown sugar! It’s the key to achieving that delicious caramelized glaze.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Even Baking: Arrange the Smokies on the baking sheet seam-side down so the bacon doesn’t unravel as it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bite-sized appetizers on a platter with extra toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Pair them with a simple dipping sauce like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo for an added flavor boost.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Make Ahead Instructions
If you’re preparing for a big event, you can assemble these ahead of time:
- Wrap the Smokies with bacon, secure them with toothpicks, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- When you’re ready to bake, coat them with the brown sugar mixture and pop them in the oven.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the Smokies in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a stress-free appetizer.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of smoky, sweet, and salty flavors is irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual weekend get-together, these little bites will always be a hit.
Final Notes
These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies have become a staple at my family gatherings. I made them for Thanksgiving last year, and I genuinely didn’t think they’d make it to the dinner table—everyone kept sneaking one (or three) before they were served!
So, take my advice: make a double batch because they’ll be gone before you know it. Enjoy every decadent, delicious bite!
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