Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any party or gathering. These bite-sized treats combine smoky bacon, flavorful mini sausages, and a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that keeps guests coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12-16 oz) mini franks or cocktail sausages
• 12-16 slices regular cut bacon
• 1/2 cup spicy sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Fresh green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one available.
2. Step 2: Wrap each mini frank with a slice of bacon, securing the end with a toothpick inserted diagonally.
3. Step 3: Arrange the wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes to cook the bacon and render the fat.
5. Step 5: While baking, whisk together spicy sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and water in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush a generous layer of the glaze over each smokie.
7. Step 7: Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is sticky and glossy.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Remove toothpicks, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip away and keep the bacon crispier.
• Try replacing the spicy sweet chili sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a different flavor twist.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• For easy serving, prepare these a few hours ahead and reheat briefly in the oven before guests arrive.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bacon.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative, but it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch closely.

Can I make these smokies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and wrap the smokies a few hours or a day in advance, keep them refrigerated, and bake them when ready to serve. Just add the glaze before the final bake.

Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

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Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are a crowd-pleasing party appetizer featuring mini cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a flavorful spicy sweet chili sauce. Baked to perfection, these bite-sized treats combine smoky, savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making them the perfect finger food for gatherings and celebrations.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 package (12-16 oz) mini franks or cocktail sausages
• 12–16 slices regular cut bacon
• Toothpicks

Glaze Ingredients

• 1/2 cup spicy sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnishes (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one, to allow fat to drip away from the smokies while baking.
2. Wrap Smokies: Take each mini frank or cocktail sausage and wrap it with a slice of regular cut bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick diagonally through the bacon and sausage.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place all the bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each to ensure even cooking.
4. First Bake: Bake the smokies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start cooking the bacon and rendering the fat.
5. Prepare Glaze: While the smokies are baking, whisk together the spicy sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and water in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Brush Glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush a generous layer of the prepared glaze over each bacon-wrapped smokie.
7. Second Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is sticky and glossy.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the smokies from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Remove the toothpicks and, if desired, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced fresh green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Using a wire rack during baking helps excess bacon fat drip away for crispier bacon.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder glaze.
• Let the smokies cool slightly before serving for easier handling.
• These can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, party appetizer, cocktail sausage appetizer, sweet and spicy appetizers, bacon wrapped hot dogs, finger foods