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Easy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies with Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

bacon-wrapped little smokies - featured image

These bacon-wrapped little smokies with brown sugar bourbon glaze are the ultimate party appetizer. Salty bacon, sweet caramelized brown sugar, and warm bourbon combine in a sticky, irresistible glaze that will win over even the most stubborn eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies (Hillshire Farm or similar)
  • 1 lb thin-cut bacon
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • ΒΌ cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Toothpicks (about 60, soaked in water for 10 minutes)
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each little smokie, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick through the overlapping ends. Repeat until all smokies are wrapped (about 50-60 total).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together packed brown sugar, bourbon, melted butter, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  4. Place wrapped little smokies on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spaced at least Β½ inch apart. Bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven. Brush each little smokie generously with the glaze, rotating to coat all sides. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Brush with glaze again and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until bacon is crispy and glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest on the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, removing toothpicks if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak toothpicks in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning. For best results, use thin-cut bacon; thick-cut takes too long to crisp. If not using a wire rack, line baking sheet with foil and flip smokies halfway through cooking. These can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 1 hour. To freeze: let cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375Β°F for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

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