Save The first time I brought these to a Super Bowl party, my friend Mike stood by the platter for twenty minutes, casually eating one every time someone walked by. He finally admitted he'd had seven and wasn't sorry about it. That's when I knew this recipe wasn't just party food it was the kind of thing that makes people linger in the kitchen, waiting for the next batch to come out of the oven.
Last Christmas Eve, my sister-in-law showed up with store-bought appetizers while I had a tray of these in the oven. Within an hour, she was asking for the recipe and complaining that her fancy cheese plate sat untouched. Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest impression.
Ingredients
- 24 mini cocktail sausages: These little sausages are the perfect bite size package of salty goodness that holds up beautifully during baking
- 12 slices bacon: Look for regular thickness bacon instead of thick cut so it crisps up properly around the sausages without staying chewy
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar creates that gorgeous caramelized crust and balances the smokiness
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming anyone who prefers mild
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: The secret ingredient that helps the glaze get sticky and irresistible
Instructions
- Prep your baking station:
- Heat that oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, trust me, the sugar cleanup is brutal without it
- Cut and wrap:
- Slice each bacon piece in half and wind it around each sausage, securing everything with a toothpick so nothing unravels in the oven
- Arrange for success:
- Place all your wrapped beauties seam side down on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and look picture perfect
- Create the glaze:
- Whisk together the brown sugar and cayenne until well combined, then sprinkle this mixture generously over every piece
- Add the shine:
- Drizzle the maple syrup over the top for that extra sticky, caramelized finish that makes these impossible to resist
- Bake to perfection:
- Let them cook for 30 to 35 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is bubbling, then maybe hit them with the broiler for just a minute if you want them extra crisp
Save These became my go-to contribution after I showed up empty handed to a potluck three years ago and felt terrible watching everyone else carry in dishes. Now I'm the person everyone expects them from, and honestly, I love that reputation.
Making Ahead
You can wrap all the sausages in bacon up to a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, then glaze and bake right before serving. They're best straight from the oven but still pretty good at room temperature if your party runs long.
Bacon Selection
Thin bacon is your friend here because it crisps up completely. Thick cut stays weirdly chewy even after 35 minutes in the oven, and nobody wants chewy bacon on what should be a crispy appetizer.
Serving Strategy
Double the batch immediately because these vanish faster than seems physically possible. I learned this the hard way when I made what I thought was plenty for a small gathering and spent the rest of the fielding questions about when more would be ready.
- Have extra toothpicks ready because people always lose them
- Set out a small bowl for used toothpicks to keep things tidy
- Make sure to tell people the toothpicks are there before someone bites into one
Save There's something deeply satisfying about serving food that makes people genuinely happy. These little smokies never fail to get the party started.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make smokies extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure the bacon is spread out well on the baking sheet and consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the very end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can prepare and wrap the smokies a few hours in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best texture and warmth.
- → What can I use instead of pork bacon?
For dietary preferences, turkey or beef bacon can be substituted. The cooking time might vary slightly, so monitor for crispness.
- → How can I make them spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the brown sugar mixture, or add a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick.
- → What's the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm, directly from the oven, arranged on a platter. Providing toothpicks makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without mess.
- → Can I use different types of sausages?
While mini cocktail sausages are traditional, you could experiment with other small, cooked sausages like mini hot dogs or small slices of fully cooked kielbasa. Adjust wrapping if needed.