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Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies: Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizer

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These crispy brown sugar bacon smokies are the ultimate 3-ingredient appetizer. Little smoked sausages wrapped in thin-cut bacon and coated with brown sugar, baked to caramelized perfection on a wire rack for a shatteringly crisp, sweet and savory bite that disappears at every party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14-ounce) package little smoked sausages (like Lit’l Smokies)
  • 1 pound thin-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toothpicks (optional, soaked in water for 10 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack inside the baking sheet.
  2. Lay the slices of thin-cut bacon on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each slice crosswise into three equal pieces, about 2 inches long.
  3. Take one piece of cut bacon and wrap it around one little smoked sausage. The bacon should overlap just slightly. If using toothpicks, insert one through the overlap to secure it. Place the wrapped smokie seam-side down on the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining sausages and bacon, leaving a little space between each one.
  4. Sprinkle a generous pinch of brown sugar over the top of each wrapped smokie. If using cayenne, mix it into the brown sugar before sprinkling.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each bacon smokie over. Spoon or brush some of the rendered, caramelized pan juices over the top of each smokie.
  7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is deep golden brown and very crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the smokies cool on the rack for at least 5-10 minutes. The coating will harden into a crisp shell. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use thin-cut bacon and a wire rack to ensure crispiness. Do not skip the cooling step—it creates the crackly candy-like shell. Watch the sugar closely during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning. If making ahead, assemble on the rack up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes; do not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar bacon smokies, easy appetizer, 3-ingredient appetizer, game day snack, party appetizer, crispy bacon, little smokies

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-brown-sugar-bacon-smokies-easy-3-ingredient-appetizer/