Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Introduction

Beef Bacon-Wrapped Littles are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for any party, game day, or holiday gathering. These bite-sized sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and savory glaze, making them absolutely irresistible. The combination of rich, smoky bacon and the savory, tender beef creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.

I remember the first time I made these for a family get-together. The sizzling sound of bacon crisping up and the smell that filled the kitchen was enough to have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite. These little delights are incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few ingredients, yet they taste like they came from a gourmet kitchen.

What’s great about these bacon-wrapped treats is their versatility. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or even a spicy ranch. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a starter, they’re sure to be the highlight of any event. Trust me, when these hit the table, they’ll be gone in a flash!

Perfect for:

• Game-day snacks
• Holiday parties
• Potlucks
• Family gatherings
• Easy, last-minute appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Here’s why Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little will become your go-to appetizer:

• Simple Ingredients: Requires only three main ingredients: little smokies, bacon, and brown sugar.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: No complicated steps, just wrap, coat, and bake.
• Crowd Favorite: Everyone loves the combination of smoky beef sausages, salty bacon, and sweet brown sugar glaze.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice, or even add additional seasonings to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance, and bake right before serving for fresh, hot bites.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 people (about 40 pieces)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories (per 4 pieces)

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little:

• 1 (14-ounce) package of little smokies (about 40 sausages)
• 1 (12-ounce) package of bacon (thin-cut works best)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
• Optional: Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

Ingredient Highlights

• Little Smokies: These mini beef sausages are the star of the recipe, offering smoky, savory flavor in a bite-sized package.
• Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully in the oven and complements the smokies perfectly.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized glaze on the bacon, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Optional Spices: Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds a subtle heat or smokiness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little:

Prepare the Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top (optional, but helps the bacon crisp evenly).
2. Cut the Bacon: Slice each bacon strip into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping around the little smokies.
3. Wrap the Smokies: Take one piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around a little smoky. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, or place the seam side down on the baking sheet.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Sprinkle with Brown Sugar: Generously sprinkle the brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped smokies, ensuring each one is well coated. For extra flavor, mix the brown sugar with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika before sprinkling.

Bake the Smokies:

6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized.
7. Check for Doneness: If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, broil the smokies for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

How to Serve Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Here are some serving ideas:

• Appetizer Platter: Arrange the smokies on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
• As Part of a Party Spread: Pair them with other finger foods like meatballs, sliders, or vegetable platters for a complete appetizer table.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, or pancakes for a savory-sweet addition to your morning meal.

Additional Tips for Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Here are some tips to ensure your Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little turn out perfectly:

• Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps up more easily than thick-cut varieties.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave enough space between each piece to allow the bacon to crisp evenly.
• Use a Wire Rack: Placing the smokies on a wire rack helps the fat render and keeps the bacon crispy all around.
• Make Them Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Prep Ahead: Assemble the smokies and store them in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Clean-Up Tip: Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, as the sugar glaze can become sticky.
• Glaze Options: For a different flavor, brush the bacon with maple syrup or a honey-balsamic mixture before baking.

Recipe Variations for Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors in Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little:

• Maple-Glazed Smokies: Drizzle maple syrup over the smokies before baking for a rich, sweet glaze.
• Spicy Smokies: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or red chili flakes over the brown sugar for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy Smokies: Add a small piece of cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack) under the bacon before wrapping.
• Garlic-Parmesan Smokies: Toss the wrapped smokies with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
• Honey Mustard Smokies: Brush the bacon with honey mustard sauce before sprinkling with brown sugar.
• Barbecue Smokies: Glaze the wrapped smokies with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Pineapple Smokies: Add a small chunk of pineapple under the bacon for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Herb-Seasoned Smokies: Sprinkle dried rosemary or thyme over the smokies before baking for a savory herb flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

• Freezing: Assemble the smokies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.

Special Equipment for Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little:

• Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
• Optional: Wire rack for even crisping
• Toothpicks for securing the bacon (optional but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise seasoning
• Tongs for easy handling of the smokies

Frequently Asked Questions for Beef Bacon-Wrapped Little

1. Can I use turkey beef bacon?
   Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option, but it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
2. Can I make these without brown sugar?
   Yes, you can skip the sugar or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb option.
3. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
   Absolutely! Cook the smokies in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. What if my bacon doesn’t crisp?
   If the bacon isn’t crisping, place the tray under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Can I add other flavors?
   Yes, try adding spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Beef Bacon-Wrapped Littles are a simple yet incredibly delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The smoky flavor of beef sausages, wrapped in crispy beef bacon and glazed with a caramelized brown sugar coating, creates the perfect bite. These savory-sweet morsels are easy to prepare and ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a tasty treat for yourself.

With each bite, you get a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. These little bites are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying at home.

Enjoy these irresistible Beef Bacon-Wrapped Littles, and share the love! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations.