BACON-WRAPPED SMOKIES WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BUTTER

A Symphony of Sweet, Savory, and Smoky: Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze

BACON-WRAPPED SMOKIES WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BUTTER

Ditch the ordinary and dive into a world of flavor with these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze! Imagine juicy, smoky sausages cloaked in crispy bacon, all bathed in a glistening, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This recipe is a party-pleasing masterpiece, perfect for game days, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying snack that will leave you wanting more.

The Essence of Flavor:

This appetizer isn't just about combining ingredients; it's a harmonious blend of:

  • Savory Smokies: Bite-sized sausages like Lil' Smokies form the savory base, bursting with smoky goodness in every mouthful.
  • Crispy Bacon Embrace: High-quality bacon, cut into thirds, creates a beautiful and flavorful wrapping for the smokies. As it cooks, it renders its delicious fat and crisps to perfection, adding a delightful textural contrast.
  • Sweet and Caramelized Glaze: A brown sugar glaze, both sprinkled and drizzled, adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful caramelized finish, taking these smokies to the next level.

A Straightforward Journey: Ingredients and Instructions

Now, let's transform these exciting flavors into a crowd-pleasing appetizer:

Ingredients:

  • For the Smoky and Savory Base:
    • 1 pound Lil' Smokies (or similar small sausages) – The foundation of this recipe. Choose your favorite variety of smokies for a touch of personalization.
  • For the Crispy Bacon Embrace:
    • 1 pound Thick-Cut Bacon – High-quality bacon makes all the difference. Opt for thick-cut slices for the perfect bite and to ensure they don't shrink excessively during cooking.
    • 1 tablespoon Butter – Adds richness and helps crisp up the bacon as it cooks.
  • For the Sweet and Caramelized Glaze:
    • 2 cups Packed Light Brown Sugar – One cup will be used for sprinkling and the other for the glaze itself. Light brown sugar offers a deeper molasses flavor compared to granulated sugar, creating a richer and more complex glaze.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the smokies cook through completely while allowing the bacon to crisp up beautifully.
  2. Preparing the Smokies:
    • Depending on your preference, you can leave the smokies whole or cut them in half
  3. Weaving the Smoky and Savory Embrace:
    • Cut the bacon slices into thirds.
    • Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling it down until the entire smokie is covered.
    • Secure the bacon with a toothpick if desired, but it's not always necessary, especially if using thick-cut bacon.
  4. Creating the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
    • Mix well to create a thick and spreadable paste.
  5. A Touch of Sweetness:
    • Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar evenly over the smokies.
  6. Baking to Perfection:
    • Bake the smokies for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
    • During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the smokies with the prepared brown sugar glaze. This will caramelize the sugar and create a sticky, delicious coating.
  7. A Burst of Flavor:
    • Remove the smokies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar glaze for a touch of heat.
  • Sweet and Smoky Twist: Brush the smokies with your favorite BBQ sauce before wrapping them in bacon for a delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or even a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for an extra flavor explosion.

The Grand Finale:

With their irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every bite!

Post a Comment

0 Comments