Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Introduction

Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate appetizer that effortlessly combines smoky, savory flavors with a rich, crispy texture. The tender beef, wrapped in crisp bacon and paired with juicy smokies, creates a delicious bite that’s hard to resist. The salty bacon contrasts beautifully with the beef and the juicy smokies, making each mouthful an explosion of flavor. These little bites aren’t just snacks—they’re a party favorite, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

I first made Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies for a New Year’s Eve party, and they were gone in minutes. The smell of sizzling bacon as it crisps up around the smoky sausages is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Once they’re done, they’re the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and smoky, with a savory depth that keeps you coming back for more.

These smoky bites are perfect for any occasion, especially when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to serve. Whether they’re the main event at a snack table or the first bite to whet the appetite before a meal, they always go quickly. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce to elevate the experience further, and you’ve got a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you want a crowd-pleasing, flavorful treat, Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the dish to make!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Holiday parties
Casual get-togethers
Finger food lovers
Kid-friendly meals
Quick appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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

Beef Bacon for a Twist: Beef bacon offers a unique, savory flavor that complements the smokiness of the sausage, setting it apart from the usual pork-based versions.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a simple preparation method, this dish comes together in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings, as it’s flavorful, portable, and easy to eat.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The beef bacon’s rich smokiness and the sausages’ tenderness are enhanced by the sweet, tangy glaze that ties everything together.
Customizable: You can experiment with different glazes and sauces to create your own signature version of this dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (about 30 smokies)
Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

1 package beef bacon (around 12 slices)
1 package cocktail sausages (about 30 sausages)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toothpicks for securing the bacon

Ingredient Highlights

Beef Bacon: The star ingredient, offering a smoky and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausages.
Cocktail Sausages: The small, juicy sausages are tender and ideal for wrapping, creating a bite-sized treat.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that balances the savory bacon and sausages.
Dijon Mustard & Honey: These ingredients create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet for the glaze.
Soy Sauce: Adds an umami depth to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the glaze a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the bacon and sausages.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

Prepare the Beef Bacon and Sausages:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Cut the Bacon: Slice each strip of beef bacon in half, creating shorter strips that will easily wrap around the cocktail sausages.
Wrap the Sausages: Take a piece of beef bacon and wrap it around each cocktail sausage. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, ensuring the bacon stays in place as it cooks. Place the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet.

Make the Glaze:

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well-combined. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste for a little extra flavor.
Brush the Glaze: Using a brush or spoon, coat the bacon-wrapped sausages generously with the glaze. Be sure to get the glaze on all sides of the bacon to enhance the flavor and promote caramelization during cooking.

Bake the Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, and the sausages are heated through. If you want extra crispiness, turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time.
Broil (Optional): For a crispier bacon finish, you can broil the sausages for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies from the oven and discard the toothpicks. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of this irresistible appetizer.
Garnish: Optionally, you can garnish with finely chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.

How to Serve

Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies can be served in different ways to enhance your dining experience:

As Finger Food: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy picking, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
With Dipping Sauces: Pair with a variety of sauces, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or mustard, for extra flavor.
On a Skewer: For a more elegant presentation, thread the bacon-wrapped sausages onto skewers for easy serving.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh salad, such as a coleslaw or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the dish.
As a Meal: While these smokies are great as an appetizer, they can also be served with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.

Additional Tips

Follow these tips for the best Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

Use Quality Beef Bacon: For the best results, choose high-quality beef bacon that is thick enough to hold up during cooking and crisp up nicely.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the bacon-wrapped sausages have enough space on the baking sheet to crisp up evenly. If necessary, bake in batches.
Make Ahead: Prepare the bacon-wrapped sausages ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate. When ready, bake them fresh in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tang of the glaze by adding more honey, mustard, or vinegar according to your taste.
Watch the Bacon: Since beef bacon can cook faster than regular pork bacon, keep an eye on the sausages toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking the bacon.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 Variations to customize your Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze for an added spicy kick.
Cheese Stuffed Smokies: Insert a small piece of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, inside each cocktail sausage before wrapping it with bacon.
Maple Glaze: Swap out honey for maple syrup to create a rich, sweet glaze with a unique flavor profile.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Smokies: Add some barbecue sauce to the glaze for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Herbed Bacon: Season the bacon strips with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika before wrapping them around the sausages for an aromatic twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze these Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies, prepare them and freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped sausages on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to crisp the bacon back up.

Special Equipment

Here are some items that make preparing Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies easier:

Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the smokies evenly, and lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup easier.
Toothpicks: Useful for securing the bacon around the sausages while they cook.
Basting Brush: Helps to evenly coat the smokies with the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated.
Tongs: Great for turning the sausages halfway through the baking process without disturbing the bacon.
Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring the glaze ingredients.
Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking the glaze together.
Oven Mitts: To safely remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon if preferred, but the recipe is designed specifically with beef bacon to offer a richer, unique flavor.
Can I use fully cooked sausages?
Yes, you can use fully cooked sausages, but make sure to bake them just long enough to crisp up the bacon and heat the sausages through.
What kind of cocktail sausages should I use?
You can use any brand of cocktail sausages, but for the best results, choose ones that are plump and flavorful.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the smokies and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes it even easier to serve when you have guests over.
Can I make these on the grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the beef bacon-wrapped sausages, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of beef bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a suitable alternative, but it may not crisp up as nicely as beef bacon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute honey in the glaze?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey in the glaze for a slightly different flavor.
What dipping sauces pair well with Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, mustard, or a creamy sriracha mayo would pair excellently with these smokies.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While this recipe is best baked in the oven for crispy bacon, you could try cooking the wrapped sausages in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours for a tender result.
Can I make these for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up for large parties. Simply double or triple the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate savory snack, delivering the perfect combination of rich, smoky flavors and a delightful texture contrast. The savory beef, encased in crispy, smoky bacon, creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Whether served as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a quick treat, these smokies are sure to impress.

What truly sets this dish apart is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize the seasoning to suit your preferences, adding a touch of sweetness with brown sugar or a kick of heat with spicy seasonings. They’re quick to prepare, yet full of flavor, making them the perfect go-to for any occasion.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a delicious bite, Beef Bacon Wrapped Smokies will become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to make them your own with different flavor combinations! I’d love to see how you enjoy this recipe—be sure to share your creations with me on social media. Enjoy every savory, smoky bite!