If you are on the hunt for an irresistible appetizer that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite, you will absolutely love the Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe. These little bites of joy are perfectly wrapped in crispy bacon, then coated with a luscious glaze that adds a delightful sweetness balanced with a hint of spice. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or simply craving a finger-licking treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and shows off how a few humble ingredients can transform into an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe comes from its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the ideal flavor, texture, and color to these bite-sized delights, making them mouthwateringly good.
- 36 little smokies: These miniature smoked sausages are the star of the show, already packed with flavor and perfect in size for bite-sized snacks.
- 12 slices bacon not thick cut: Wrapping each smokie with thin-cut bacon ensures a crispy, caramelized texture without overpowering the sausage.
- ½ cup hot honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a subtle heat that livens up the entire dish.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Provides a rich molasses sweetness that melts into the glaze for a sticky, shiny finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve the brown sugar and makes the glaze easy to brush over the smokies.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional): A small kick of spice that balances sweetness and gives these tidbits an exciting, complex flavor.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Prepping the oven this early ensures everything cooks evenly and crisply.
Step 2: Dry the Little Smokies
Pat each little smokie with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This simple step is key to ensuring the bacon sticks well and crisps up beautifully without steaming.
Step 3: Cut and Wrap the Bacon
Cut each bacon slice into thirds, giving you exactly 36 pieces to wrap around each individual smokie. Wrapping bacon snugly around the smokies and securing them with toothpicks makes sure they stay intact through the cooking process, delivering that perfect bacon-to-sausage ratio.
Step 4: Arrange on the Pan
Place each bacon-wrapped smokie on the parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between them. This spacing promotes even cooking and lets the bacon crisp on all sides.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze
Whisk together the hot honey, light brown sugar, water, and optional cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Brush this luscious glaze generously over the smokies, coating each one with a sticky, sweet layer that will caramelize in the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Re-Glaze
Bake the smokies for 15 minutes initially, allowing the bacon to crisp and the glaze to start bubbling. Then, carefully flip each smokie, brush on the remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 8 to 15 minutes. The extra bake time lets the bacon reach your desired level of crispiness and deepens the caramel flavor.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the smokies cool slightly. This brief rest helps the glaze set and prevents any burnt fingers. You can then remove the toothpicks before serving or offer them as convenient handles for guests to enjoy.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant color and a touch of herbal freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and savory flavors. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes also adds some heat if your glaze didn’t include cayenne.
Side Dishes
These smokies pair beautifully with classic party accompaniments like creamy ranch dip, tangy mustard sauce, or even a smoky barbecue sauce for dunking. For a fuller spread, serve alongside crunchy celery sticks, crisp carrot batons, and buttery cheese cubes to complement the rich bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bacon wrapped smokies on a rustic wooden platter, grouped around small bowls of dipping sauces for a visually inviting presentation. Alternatively, thread a few onto decorative cocktail picks and serve them stacked in a glass or mini bucket for a playful, party-ready look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days and maintain much of their flavor and texture when chilled properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooked and cooled smokies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover smokies in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven on a parchment-lined tray until warmed through—about 10 minutes. This method helps preserve crispiness better than microwaving, which can make the bacon soggy.
FAQs
Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?
Using thick-cut bacon is possible, but it will take longer to crisp and might overwhelm the little smokies. Thin-cut bacon wraps more easily and crisps up nicely within the bake time provided.
What if I don’t have hot honey? Can I use regular honey?
Absolutely! Regular honey will still give sweetness, but you might want to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for that slight spicy kick that hot honey provides.
How do I ensure the bacon stays wrapped around the smokies while cooking?
Securing each wrapped smokie firmly with a toothpick is essential. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly when wrapping, and the toothpick holds the layers together tightly during baking.
Can I make these smokies ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can wrap the smokies and prepare the glaze in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking results.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze, add a dash of hot sauce, or swap hot honey with a spicier variant to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting about the Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory that brings smiles to any gathering. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, get wrapping, and prepare for some serious deliciousness that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family every time.
Print
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Honey and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring little smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet, spicy glaze made from hot honey and brown sugar. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
Meat
- 36 little smokies
- 12 slices bacon, not thick cut
Glaze
- ½ cup hot honey
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Smokies: Pat the little smokies with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps the bacon crisp better.
- Slice Bacon: Cut each strip of bacon into 3 equal sections, yielding a total of 36 pieces to wrap each smokie.
- Wrap Smokies: Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place all bacon-wrapped smokies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Glaze and First Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together hot honey, light brown sugar, water, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth. Brush half of this mixture over the smokies and bake for 15 minutes to start cooking and glazing the bacon.
- Flip and Second Bake: Remove the pan from the oven, flip each smokie to ensure even cooking, and brush with the remaining honey glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the bacon.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the smokies to cool slightly. Remove toothpicks or serve with the toothpicks inserted for easy handling and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use regular cut bacon instead of thick cut for easier wrapping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for less heat.
- Serve with toothpicks for convenient snacking.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to crisp bacon.
- For a sweeter glaze, increase brown sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
