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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

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These Brown Sugar Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer—sweet, smoky, and salty with a caramelized bourbon glaze. Quick and easy to make, they disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages (preferably Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville)
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon (e.g., Wright Brand or Applewood-smoked)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick spray.
  2. Par-cook the bacon: Place bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cook on high for 2-3 minutes until partially cooked but still flexible. Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Let cool slightly.
  3. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise using kitchen shears or a sharp knife.
  4. Wrap the little smokies: Place one little smokie at the end of a bacon half-strip and roll it up snugly, overlapping slightly. Place seam-side down on the wire rack. Repeat with all smokies.
  5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and black pepper until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  6. Brush the glaze generously onto the top and sides of each wrapped smokie. Reserve about half the glaze for later.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes. The bacon should start crisping and the glaze will bubble.
  8. Remove from oven. Using tongs, flip each bundle over. Brush the other side with the remaining glaze.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until bacon is deeply caramelized and crispy around the edges.
  10. Let rest on the rack for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
  11. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispy bacon, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. To make ahead, assemble wrapped smokies (without glaze) up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add 5 minutes to baking time when starting from cold. Double the recipe for parties—these disappear fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped little smokies, brown sugar bourbon smokies, party appetizer, game day snack, bacon wrapped sausages, bourbon glaze appetizer

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