Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe

Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe: Sweet & Savory Joy

Crispy, smoky, and irresistibly sweet, these maple-glazed bacon wrapped smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tiny sausages get hugged by crisp bacon strips, then generously coated in a luscious maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully when baked.

The combination of salty bacon and rich maple syrup creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

These little bites are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them ideal for game day, potlucks, or any casual gathering.

Guests won’t be able to stop at just one of these addictive little treats.

Serve these maple-glazed bacon wrapped smokies and watch them disappear in minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

You can substitute little smokies with cocktail sausages or small breakfast sausages, but ensure they are similar in size for consistent cooking.

  • How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too crispy?

Watch the bacon closely in the last few minutes of baking and remove them when they reach your desired crispness. Thinner bacon will cook faster than thick-cut bacon.

  • Is it necessary to soak the toothpicks?

Soaking toothpicks prevents them from burning during baking and helps them stay intact while cooking. If you forget, they might char or break.

  • Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the wrapped sausages earlier in the day and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

Why Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies Rock

  • Elevate Party Appetizers: Impress guests with these delectable bacon-wrapped smokies that transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser perfect for game days, potlucks, and celebrations.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal steps and everyday ingredients make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just basic kitchen tools and less than 30 minutes of total cooking time.
  • Sweet and Savory Flavor Explosion: The maple syrup glaze creates a delightful balance between smoky bacon and sweet maple notes, delivering an irresistible taste combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a game-day snack, holiday appetizer, or casual gathering treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to recipe for multiple occasions.

Ingredient Essentials For Maple-Glazed Smokies

Main Ingredients:
  • Little Smokies Sausages: Small cocktail sausages that provide the core flavor and protein base for the appetizer.
  • Bacon: Thin, savory strips that will wrap around each sausage for added richness and crispy texture.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweet, natural syrup that adds a rich glaze and caramelized flavor to the appetizer.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks used to secure the bacon around each sausage and prevent unwrapping during cooking.
  • Aluminum Foil: Protective lining for the baking sheet that ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Optional Serving Ingredient:
  • Extra Maple Syrup: Additional sweet glaze for dipping the finished appetizer, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Steps For Maple-Glazed Bacon Smokies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Toothpicks

Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning during baking.

Step 2: Set Up Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup.

Step 3: Prep Bacon and Sausages

  • Grab the sausages and bacon package
  • Pour maple syrup into a small bowl
  • Slice the entire bacon stack into three equal sections

Step 4: Wrap Sausages

Dunk each sausage into maple syrup, then wrap with a bacon slice and secure with a pre-soaked toothpick.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Position the bacon-wrapped sausages on the foil-lined sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake and Flip

Bake for 13 minutes, then carefully turn each piece and continue baking for another 10-13 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving plate and offer additional maple syrup as a dipping sauce for extra sweetness.

Pro Tips For Maple-Glazed Bacon Smokies

  • Prevent burning by soaking wooden toothpicks in water before using, ensuring they won't catch fire during baking.
  • Cut bacon strips into thirds for perfect portion control and even coverage around each sausage.
  • Create extra flavor by dipping sausages in maple syrup before wrapping, adding a sweet caramelized coating.
  • Flip sausages halfway through baking to achieve uniform crispiness and golden-brown bacon edges.
  • Arrange wrapped sausages with enough space between them on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and prevent steaming.

Smokies Wrapped In Bacon Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Chipotle Smokies: Replace maple syrup with chipotle sauce and add a sprinkle of chili powder for a fiery kick.
  • Honey Mustard Wrapped Sausages: Swap maple syrup with honey mustard glaze and garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Dogs Option: Use plant-based sausages and turkey bacon for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup and use nitrate-free bacon for a low-carb adaptation.

Serving Suggestions For Maple-Glazed Bacon Smokies

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these delectable smokies on a wooden cutting board with small ramekins of maple syrup for dipping, creating an irresistible appetizer spread.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these bacon-wrapped treats on a large platter during sports events, football watch parties, or casual gatherings where finger foods shine.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair these sweet and savory bites with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend breakfast that will impress guests.
  • Cocktail Companion: Offer these smokies alongside mixed drinks during evening cocktail hours, providing a delicious nibble that complements both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Storage Tips For Maple-Glazed Bacon Smokies

  • Store cooled Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious flavor.
  • Wrap individual or grouped Smokies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay good for 2-3 months.
  • Warm Smokies on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to prevent overcooking and ensure even heating.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread Smokies on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
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Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe

Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling maple-glazed bacon wrapped smokies deliver a mouthwatering symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy bacon hugs succulent little sausages, creating an irresistible party appetizer you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) little smokies sausages
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) maple bacon

Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
  • Additional maple syrup for baking

Preparation Ingredient:

  • None

Instructions

  1. Submerge toothpicks in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
  2. Heat oven to 425°F and cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for simple cleanup.
  3. Prepare ingredients by unwrapping sausages and bacon, then slice bacon strips into thirds for uniform wrapping.
  4. Drizzle maple syrup over each miniature sausage, ensuring light coating.
  5. Wrap each syrup-coated sausage with a bacon segment, securing tightly with a pre-soaked toothpick.
  6. Position wrapped sausages on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between each piece.
  7. Roast in preheated oven for 13 minutes, then carefully rotate each appetizer to ensure even browning.
  8. Continue baking for additional 10-13 minutes until bacon reaches crispy, golden texture.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.
  10. Serve immediately with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Soak toothpicks beforehand to prevent burning and ensure they stay intact during baking.
  • Select thin-cut bacon for faster and more even cooking, allowing the bacon to crisp perfectly around the sausage.
  • Try different maple syrup varieties like dark, robust maple syrup for a deeper, more intense flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium sausages and turkey bacon for a lighter, healthier version of this appetizer without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 416
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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