Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your smokies cook evenly and achieve that perfect balance of crisp bacon and succulent smoky sausage.
Prepare the Smokies: Take your cocktail smokies and wrap each one with a half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with toothpicks or small skewers to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. Place them in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
Add Brown Sugar and Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s completely melted, stir in the brown sugar until you have a smooth, caramel-like sauce. Carefully drizzle this sweet and buttery concoction over your bacon-wrapped smokies. Be generous, as this is where the magic happens.
Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking dish or baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crisp and golden, and the brown sugar and butter create a mouthwatering glaze. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve Hot: Once your Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. However, the key to their deliciousness is serving them hot. Arrange them on a serving platter, remove the toothpicks or skewers, and watch them disappear within minutes.
Variations
While the classic Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, you can always get creative and add your unique twist to this recipe. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Spicy Kick
If you prefer a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar and butter mixture. This will give your smokies a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness and smokiness perfectly.
2. Cheese Lover’s Dream
Before wrapping your smokies with bacon, insert a small piece of your favorite cheese into each one. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can take this appetizer to a whole new level of indulgence.
3. BBQ Glaze
Replace the brown sugar and butter glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and tangy twist. Brush it generously over the bacon-wrapped smokies before baking.
4. Honey-Glazed Delight
For an extra layer of sweetness, substitute honey for the brown sugar. Drizzle it over the smokies before wrapping them in bacon and prepare to be amazed by the delightful flavor combination.
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