Easy Beef Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe
Beef Beef Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are the kind of appetizer that disappears the second you put them down. These little bites are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy combination is irresistible. I love making them for game days, holiday parties, or honestly, just when a craving strikes. They’re incredibly simple to put together, which is always a bonus, but they taste like you spent hours slaving away. The key is the interplay between the savory beef beef bacon, the sweet brown sugar glaze, and a touch of heat from the chili pepper. Getting Started: Prep Work The first step is to get everything ready so you can assemble these quickly. You’ll need your package of ‘lil smokies. These are those little cocktail sausages, usually beef or beef, but any kind will work in a pinch. Just open the package and drain off any liquid. Next, you’ll prepare the maple flavored beef beef bacon. The recipe calls for it to be cut into thirds. This is important because you want just enough beef bacon to wrap around each smokie without it being too thick or too sparse. If your beef bacon slices are particularly large, you might even need to cut them into fourths. The maple flavor in the beef bacon really complements the brown sugar, so try to find that specific type if you can. If you can’t find maple flavored beef beef bacon, regular beef beef bacon w
Ingredients:
- 1 14-oz package ‘lil smokies cocktail links
- 1 lb maple flavored beef beef bacon (cut into thirds)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground chipotle or ancho chili pepper
- Toothpicks
- Barbecue sauce for serving
Beef Beef Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
These little bites are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy combination is irresistible. I love making them for game days, holiday parties, or honestly, just when a craving strikes. They’re incredibly simple to put together, which is always a bonus, but they taste like you spent hours slaving away. The key is the interplay between the savory beef beef bacon, the sweet brown sugar glaze, and a touch of heat from the chili pepper.
Getting Started: Prep Work
The first step is to get everything ready so you can assemble these quickly. You’ll need your package of ‘lil smokies. These are those little cocktail sausages, usually beef or beef, but any kind will work in a pinch. Just open the package and drain off any liquid.
Next, you’ll prepare the maple flavored beef beef bacon. The recipe calls for it to be cut into thirds. This is important because you want just enough beef bacon to wrap around each smokie without it being too thick or too sparse. If your beef bacon slices are particularly large, you might even need to cut them into fourths. The maple flavor in the beef bacon really complements the brown sugar, so try to find that specific type if you can. If you can’t find maple flavored beef beef bacon, regular beef beef bacon will still work, but you might want to add a tiny bit more brown sugar or a whisper of maple extract to the glaze later.
For the glaze, you’ll need the light brown sugar and the ground chipotle or ancho chili pepper. Measure these out into a small bowl. If you’re not a fan of much heat, start with just a quarter teaspoon of chili pepper and you can always add a bit more if you like. Chipotle peppers offer a smoky heat, while ancho peppers are milder and fruitier, so choose based on your preference. Whisk this mixture together until the chili pepper is evenly distributed through the brown sugar.
Finally, you’ll need toothpicks. These are essential for holding the beef bacon onto the smokies during the cooking process. Have a box handy and ready to go.
Assembly: Wrapping the Smokies
This is where the fun begins, and it’s a great activity to get other people involved with. Take one smokie and a piece of the cut beef bacon. Wrap the beef bacon piece around the middle of the smokie. Try to get a nice snug wrap. Then, use a toothpick to secure the beef bacon in place. Insert the toothpick through the overlapping ends of the beef bacon and into the smokie itself. Make sure the toothpick is firmly in place so it doesn’t come loose during cooking. Repeat this process for all of your ‘lil smokies. You’ll want to have all your beef bacon-wrapped smokies ready to go before you start the glazing and cooking.
The Glaze and Bake
Now it’s time to turn these simple ingredients into something magical. Arrange the beef bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish usually works well for a standard package of smokies. You want them to have a little space between them, but not too much, so they can gently steam and cook together.
Once your smokies are arranged in the dish, it’s time for the brown sugar and chili mixture. Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar and chili pepper mixture evenly over the top of the beef bacon-wrapped smokies. You want to ensure that each smokie gets a good coating of this sweet and spicy goodness. Gently shake the baking dish or use your hands to make sure the sugar falls into all the nooks and crannies. As the smokies cook, the brown sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a delicious glaze that coats everything beautifully.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. The cooking time will typically be around 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the beef bacon will crisp up, and the brown sugar will melt into a sticky glaze. You’ll want to keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the beef bacon doesn’t burn, but rather gets nice and crispy. The glaze should be bubbly and slightly thickened.
Resting and Serving
Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the smokies rest in the dish for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the glaze to set up a little more and makes them easier to handle. While they’re still warm, you can carefully remove the toothpicks, or leave them in for easier grabbing at a party.
Serve these hot! They are fantastic on their own, but they’re also wonderful with a side of your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping. The extra barbecue sauce adds another layer of smoky, tangy flavor that complements the smokies perfectly. These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the glaze is warm and gooey and the beef bacon is crispy. If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat them gently in the oven or a skillet to bring back some of their original deliciousness.
Conclusion:
These Beef Beef Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are seriously addictive. They’re that perfect appetizer that balances savory, sweet, and a little heat, making them a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a big game party, a holiday gathering, or just want a really tasty snack, these little bites deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. The way the brown sugar caramelizes with the beef beef bacon creates this amazing glaze that sticks to the smoky cocktail links. Don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe – they’re that good! Serve them warm straight from the oven or slow cooker, with a side of your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping. They are fantastic on their own, but a good tangy barbecue sauce really cuts through the sweetness. For variations, try adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mix for more kick, or swap the chipotle for smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor. You could also wrap them in turkey beef bacon if you prefer. They store well in the fridge for a few days, and you can reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. Give them a try; you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake or cook them just before serving for the best result. The beef bacon should be fully cooked and crisp, and the sauce sticky.
What if I can’t find beef beef bacon?
Regular beef beef bacon works just fine if you can’t find beef beef bacon. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Maple-flavored beef bacon, whether beef or beef, is recommended to enhance the sweetness.
How do I keep them warm if I’m serving them at a party?
A small slow cooker set to ‘warm’ is ideal for keeping these smokies hot and ready to serve throughout a party. Just make sure they don’t cook down too much in their own juices; a little foil lining can help.
Beef Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
Savory and sweet cocktail links wrapped in beef bacon and coated in a brown sugar glaze, perfect for appetizers.
Ingredients
-
1 14-oz package ‘lil smokies cocktail links
-
1 lb maple flavored beef bacon (cut into thirds)
-
3/4 cup light brown sugar
-
1/2 tsp ground chipotle or ancho chili pepper
-
Toothpicks
-
Barbecue sauce for serving
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Step 2
Wrap each ‘lil smokie link with a piece of beef bacon, securing with a toothpick. -
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground chipotle or ancho chili pepper. -
Step 4
Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. -
Step 5
Sprinkle the brown sugar and chili pepper mixture evenly over the smokies. -
Step 6
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly. -
Step 7
Serve hot with barbecue sauce for dipping.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
