During football season in the South, Saturdays are for game day watch parties and tailgates in the backyard or at the stadium. During these chant-heavy, themed occasions, food is about as important as the game itself. To be the talk of the tailgate, you want to show up with something easy to eat while standing up talking, holding a drink, and cheering for your team.
Hence, finger food is the name of the game, and I happen to have the most winning recipe, if every single person who has ever eaten it is to be the judge—and it only has four ingredients.
Grab a packet of lil’ smokies, because our Bacon-Wrapped Smokies will disappear well before kickoff.
Why Everyone Loves It
This recipe is the definition of a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy that, year after year, I ponder trying something new and exciting until everyone passionately demands that I bring “those heavenly bacon-wrapped things” again this year. While it started as a tailgate favorite, it’s even become requested for holidays and birthdays by friends and family members who can’t get enough of the sweet-salty bites.
With only four ingredients—mini smoked sausages, bacon, maple syrup, and brown sugar—all you have to do is invest a little time in prepping them and popping them on a sheet pan. I guarantee that every last bite will be gone before anything else on the tailgate spread, and it’ll be requested for you to make them again before the party is over. Sometimes, simple really is best.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
After so many times making these smoky bites, I’ve got it down to a science of sorts. While you can mess them up and they’d likely still taste amazing, here are a few tips that I’ve noticed set them apart.
Coat the Bacon Beforehand
While it can be tempting to be less messy and wrap the mini smoked sausages in bacon and simply drizzle and sprinkle the toppings over them before baking, you won’t end up with the overly caramelized finish that makes them special—but rather a more muted version. Cut the bacon into strips long enough to eventually wrap the smokies, and coat the bacon in maple syrup and brown sugar before wrapping.
Make Sure to Have Toothpicks
The number one mistake I’ve noticed family and friends make when copying this recipe is forgetting to stock up on toothpicks. Without them, you’re doomed to the bacon unwrapping itself in the oven, and your smokies will be less than presentable (and less tasty).
Consider Using a Wire Rack
For a quicker bake time and crispier finish overall, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch the grease) and then place a wire rack on top. Place the wrapped smokies on the wire rack for baking.
Don’t Forget to Flip Them
To get an evenly distributed caramelized crunch, you must flip them halfway, or you’ll be left with one crispy side, one soggy side. While some might not mind, it ensures a perfect (and food-safe) bite.
You’ll Need to Be Patient
Bacon-wrapped smokies take longer to cook in the oven than you might think, and you never want to have to take them out before they’re fully cooked with the bacon crispy around the entire outside. Pencil in more than enough time to cook them (considering the prep time you’ll need before), be patient, and resist taking them out early in a rush. It’ll be worth it for the compliments about how crispy they are, trust me.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
More Bacon-Wrapped Tailgate Recipes
Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe
Smoky, buttery, and sweet, these candied bacon crackers have a slight kick of heat from the fresh ground pepper, a just-right sweetness from maple syrup, and of course all the savory meaty goodness you could want from bacon.
Texas Twinkies Recipe
This savory dish of cheese-stuffed jalapeño peppers, wrapped in bacon and served hot, is a spicy appetizer or side dish served at many barbecues and cookouts.
Barbecue Bacon Smokies Recipe
While I prefer the simple, sweet combination of maple syrup and brown sugar, this variation offers a smoky finish by using barbecue sauce instead.
Mini Potato Skins Recipe
This six-ingredient potato skins recipe makes a bite-sized appetizer that doesn’t disappoint. Wrap fully in bacon, rather than topping, for a more portable dish.
