If you love irresistible party appetizers that combine smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors in one bite, then you are in for a real treat with this Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe. These little smoky sausages get the perfect bacon hug, then a glossy, sticky coating of maple syrup mingled with a touch of chili heat, making each morsel an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is the embodiment of comfort food meets gourmet sparkle, guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this recipe shine by contributing layers of flavor and texture that balance each other beautifully. From the crispy bacon that adds savory depth to the sweet and spicy glaze that brings it all together, every element plays an essential role in making these bacon wrapped smokies unforgettable.
- 12 oz center cut bacon: Choose center cut for a perfect balance of fat and meat that crisps up wonderfully without overpowering the smokies.
- 12 oz little smokies sausages: The mini cocktail wieners are just the right size for party bites and offer a smoky, meaty base for our bacon wrap.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Use 100% pure maple syrup for the richest sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce: Start with 1 teaspoon for gentle heat and add more if you want a bolder kick of spice to complement the sweetness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Bacon
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, and line a large sheet pan with a double layer of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Cut the bacon slices in half to create smaller pieces perfect for wrapping. Arrange the bacon pieces on the parchment-lined pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until they begin to render fat but are still pliable. This step is key to ensure the bacon crisps up nicely later without becoming too brittle to wrap around the smokies.
Step 2: Wrapping the Smokies
Once the bacon has cooled enough to handle, reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. Prepare another sheet pan with two layers of parchment for baking the wrapped smokies. Wrap each little smokie with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to keep everything snug during baking. Depending on your bacon and smokie sizes, you might have a few smokies left unwrapped, which you can set aside for another use or serve as is.
Step 3: Initial Baking
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the prepared pan and bake them for 20-22 minutes. This initial bake allows the bacon to continue crisping up and the smokies to warm through, starting to develop a golden, luscious exterior.
Step 4: Making the Maple Chili Glaze
While those little bundles of joy bake, whisk together the pure maple syrup and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. This glaze is where the magic happens, balancing the smoky, savory bacon and sausages with a luscious sweetness and heat. Adjust the chili garlic sauce to taste depending on how bold you want the spice flavor to be.
Step 5: Glazing and Final Bake
After the initial bake, brush each bacon-wrapped smokie generously with the maple chili glaze, making sure every piece carries that glossy, flavorful finish. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 3-4 minutes—just enough time for the glaze to set into a sticky, caramelized coating that’ll glue your taste buds to these smoky bites.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Allow the bacon wrapped smokies to cool slightly before serving to avoid any burns from the hot glaze. This crucial cooling time also helps the glaze set fully, so each bite delivers that perfect chewy, crispy, and sticky texture you’re aiming for.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or finely sliced green onions over the finished smokies. A few sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and visual contrast that makes these little wonders even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or a fresh garden salad. These sides help balance the richness of the bacon and maple glaze, creating a well-rounded experience for your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres on a beautiful wooden platter lined with parchment paper or festive napkins. You can also skewer two or three smokies on small cocktail sticks for easy grabbing during parties. For a fun twist, offer a variety of dipping sauces—like a smoky BBQ sauce or a cooling ranch—to elevate the dipping experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon wrapped smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess and to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance and freeze them, wrap the cooked and glazed smokies individually on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month and save you time whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer.
Reheating
To reheat, place the smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon regains some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the bacon soggy and lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative and can be used, but keep in mind it may not crisp up quite as well as pork bacon and could alter the flavor profile slightly. Adjust cooking time as needed to achieve a desirable texture.
How spicy is the maple chili glaze?
The glaze has a balanced heat that starts mild with 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce but can be adjusted to suit your preference. Adding up to 2 teaspoons increases the kick without overwhelming the sweet maple flavor.
Can I make these on a grill instead of in the oven?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky dimension. Just keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent flare-ups and cook over indirect heat for even cooking.
Are there alternatives to little smokies?
You can use cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs as substitutes, but little smokies are preferred for their size, flavor, and texture that complement the bacon perfectly.
What is the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, alongside dipping sauces and garnishes for a fun and interactive appetizer experience that guests will love.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe enough to anyone craving a stellar appetizer that combines flavor, simplicity, and wow factor all in one. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking a little treat for yourself, these irresistible bites will quickly becoming a beloved classic in your recipe arsenal. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear!
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Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Maple Chili Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-6 people
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delicious, savory appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Juicy little smokies are wrapped in crispy, flavorful bacon, then brushed with a sweet and spicy maple syrup glaze for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Meats
- 12 oz center cut bacon
- 12 oz little smokies sausages (or other cocktail wieners)
Syrup Glaze
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce (start with 1 tsp and add more for extra spice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with a double layer of parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Partially Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half. Lay the bacon pieces on the parchment-lined pan and bake them for 8-10 minutes until they start to render fat but are still pliable. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bacon cool slightly. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap Smokies: Prepare another sheet pan lined with two layers of parchment paper. Once the bacon has cooled enough to handle, wrap each piece around a little smokie sausage and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat this process until all bacon is used; you may have some smokies left unwrapped if you have more sausages than bacon slices. Place the wrapped smokies evenly on the prepared pan.
- Start Baking Wrapped Smokies: Bake the bacon-wrapped smokies at 350°F for 20-22 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp up and the sausages to heat through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the smokies bake, whisk together the pure maple syrup and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl, adjusting the chili sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the pan from the oven once the smokies are nearly done. Brush each wrapped smokie generously with the maple syrup and chili garlic sauce glaze. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes so the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bacon wrapped smokies cool slightly before serving warm as a savory, sweet-spicy appetizer.
Notes
- Use center cut bacon for better texture and manageable wrapping.
- You can swap little smokies with any cocktail wiener or mini sausages of similar size.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce to control the spice level to your liking.
- Make sure to secure bacon slices well with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping during baking.
- Double layering parchment paper helps in easy cleanup due to bacon fat and sticky syrup glaze.
- Allow smokies to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
