Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- First Bake: Bake the smokies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start cooking the bacon and rendering the fat.
- 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.
- Brush Glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush a generous layer of the prepared glaze over each bacon-wrapped smokie.
- 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.
- 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
