This is always such a popular holiday appetizer, and I don’t know anyone, besides vegetarians, who can resist these little bad boys. I most definitely can’t! My brother and my nephews would go nuts for these, so I ought to be a nice sister and aunt and make them a batch. Or two. 😀
To be quite honest, I actually prefer appetizers and savory treats over all the delicious cookies and candies everyone sets out at Christmas. Sure, I want a caramel (or four) but my sweet tooth is content after that indulgence. What I really crave is salty snack mixes, bread, gooey dips, cheese and crackers and treats like this.
Apparently, I’m not the only one because we’ve been setting out more appetizer-type snacks at our holiday celebrations and they go fast. These little guys will most certainly be a hit and are really simple to make. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the hint of cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat to help cut through the richness of the sausage too.
Christmas is an insanely busy time for most people and making treats, sweet and savory, can be hard to do. Fortunately, you can make these in advance and freeze them. Just check out of my Notes Section for instructions and you’ll be good to go whenever you need them. Because trust me — your family and friends will gobble them up and ask for more!
Candied Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) bacon
- 1 package (14 oz) mini smokies
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over it. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Cut bacon into thirds. Press bacon in brown sugar mixture on both sides, shake off excess. Wrap bacon around smokie. Place seam side down or secure with a toothpick (optional). Place on wire rack. Repeat with remaining bacon slices and smokies.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip smokies and cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
- Place on serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
You can make these in advance and freeze for later. After completing step #3 you can freeze the smokies. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the smokies, then place them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container and return them to the freezer. When you're ready to bake, just follow the normal baking instructions but add 5 extra minutes of cooking time.
Recipe source: Spending with Pennies.
Enjoy!
Tanya
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