If you love the combo of sweet, salty, and smoky all in one bite, you’re going to adore this Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe. These little flavor bombs are perfect for game day, parties, or just spicing up your snack game. The crispiness of the bacon wrapped around juicy mini sausages, paired with the rich, caramelized maple syrup glaze, create an irresistible mix that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a simple appetizer that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, turning even casual get-togethers into memorable food moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to perfect Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a delicious role. From the smoky, crispy bacon to the sweet and spicy glaze, each component brings texture, rich flavor, or just the right touch of heat.
- Bacon (1 package): I prefer thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite and perfect wrapping consistency.
- Mini sausages (1.1 lb): These juicy smokies are the star at the center, so choose good quality for the best taste.
- Maple syrup (3/4 cup): Grade A Amber is my go-to for its balanced sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the salty bacon.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough spice to give a subtle kick without overpowering the maple syrup sweetness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup—trust me, this step saves time and keeps your kitchen stress-free. Get your mini sausages and bacon ready by cutting each bacon strip into thirds or halves, depending on the size of your smokies. This helps ensure every bite is beautifully wrapped and crispy.
Step 2: Wrap Each Smokie
Take a mini sausage and tightly wrap it with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold everything in place as it cooks. This step creates that iconic combination of smoky, savory bacon hugging the juicy sausage, ready to soak up the maple syrup glaze.
Step 3: Make the Maple Syrup Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture shines. This glaze is what elevates the dish, adding a beautiful glossy coating with a hint of spicy warmth that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Arrange the bacon wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush half of the maple syrup glaze over the smokies. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each smokie and brush on the remaining glaze. Pop them back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished smokies for a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. A few red pepper flakes on top add extra visual appeal if you want a little more heat.
Side Dishes
These smokies pair wonderfully with fresh vegetable crudités, a tangy coleslaw, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier spread, serve them alongside mac and cheese or crispy roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread several bacon wrapped smokies onto skewers for easy grabbing, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces. Presentation makes these bite-sized treats feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bacon wrapped smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh without losing their flavors or texture, so you can enjoy them again without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked bacon wrapped smokies on a foil-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag after they are firm. They last up to three months, and you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover smokies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and slightly crisp, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bacon soggy instead of deliciously crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular sausages instead of mini smokies?
Regular sausages can be used but they’ll need to be cut into smaller bite-sized pieces to maintain the same balance of bacon wrapping. Mini smokies are ideal for consistent portion sizes and cooking time.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in this recipe?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great alternative. It provides similar sweetness and caramelization but may alter the flavor slightly. Avoid artificial syrups for best results.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
The 1/4 teaspoon adds just a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness rather than overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the heat level based on your preference by using less or more cayenne.
Can I prepare these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, will yield crispy and delicious bacon wrapped smokies. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
What’s the best bacon to use for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon is preferable because it crisps up nicely without drying out and wraps around the mini sausages perfectly. Wright Brand thick-cut is my personal favorite for this.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that once you try this Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe, it will become your go-to for gatherings and quick snacks alike. The beautiful mix of smoky bacon, juicy sausages, and that sweet, spicy glaze delivers a flavor experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Don’t hesitate to make a batch and watch these little bites disappear fast—you’re going to love sharing this delicious recipe with friends and family.
Print
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24-28 pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Syrup is a delicious appetizer featuring mini sausages wrapped in thick-cut bacon, baked to perfection, and coated in a sweet and spicy maple syrup glaze. Perfect for parties or game day, this recipe combines savory bacon, smoky sausages, and a hint of cayenne for a flavorful treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 package thick-cut bacon (approximately 12 ounces, preferably Wright Brand)
- 1.1 lb mini sausages
Sauce
- 3/4 cup Grade A Amber maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Wrap the sausages: Take each mini sausage and wrap it tightly with a slice of thick-cut bacon, securing the ends if necessary with toothpicks to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Leave space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Bake and baste: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Every 8-10 minutes, remove the baking sheet and brush the smokies generously with the maple syrup mixture to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Finish baking: Continue baking and basting until the bacon is crisp and caramelized and the sausages are cooked through, typically about 25-30 minutes total.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These bacon-wrapped smokies are best enjoyed warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- For extra secure wrapping, use toothpicks to hold bacon in place.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to taste for more or less heat.
- Use thick-cut bacon to prevent it from overcooking before sausages are done.
- Line baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Serving size is approximately 6-7 smokies per person based on 4 servings.
