If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly savory with a touch of sweet heat, this Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Each little smokie is lovingly embraced by crispy, smoky bacon, then glazed with a luscious blend of pure maple syrup and a kick of chili garlic sauce, creating an explosion of flavors that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Trust me, every bite is a comforting, mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the smoky richness of bacon to the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
- 12 oz center cut bacon: Provides the crispy, smoky wrap that’s essential for texture and flavor contrast.
- 12 oz little smokies sausages: These small sausages are the perfect bite-sized base that’s juicy and satisfying.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and caramelized glaze when baked.
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce: Offers a spicy kick and a hint of garlic, balanced perfectly with the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with a double layer of parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, cut your bacon slices in half for easier wrapping, then spread them out on the pan. Bake these until they start to crisp up slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes. This pre-cooking step is key to ensure your bacon gets perfectly crispy without undercooking the smokies later on.
Step 2: Lower Oven Temperature and Cool Bacon
Once your bacon has a little color and is partially cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool just enough so you can handle it safely. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. This lower baking temperature will help the wrapped smokies cook thoroughly without burning the bacon glaze later.
Step 3: Wrap the Smokies
Take each little smokie and carefully wrap a half slice of the pre-cooked bacon around it. Secure each with a toothpick to hold everything snug while baking. Place these neatly on a new sheet pan lined with two layers of parchment paper. This assembly step is where the magic starts—every smokie gets a kiss of bacon, setting the stage for the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Spice Glaze
While the bacon-wrapped smokies bake for 20 to 22 minutes in the 350°F oven, whisk together your glaze by combining the pure maple syrup and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. Start with 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce and taste if you want a stronger spice, then add more accordingly. This glaze will give the smokies that irresistible sweet-heat finish that everyone loves.
Step 5: Glaze and Final Bake
When the baking time is almost up, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped smokie with your maple spice glaze. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This final step caramelizes the glaze beautifully, locking in all those incredible flavors and adding a glossy, seductive shine.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the smokies cool just enough so that they’re easy to handle and won’t burn your mouth. Serve them warm, and watch your friends and family dive right in. These bites are fantastic as finger food, guaranteed to be the hit of any party or gathering!
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten the dish and add even more layers of flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the glazed smokies for a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. If you like a little extra zip, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or finely sliced green onions can really boost the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These smokies are rich and flavorful, so pairing them with simple, fresh sides works best. Crunchy celery sticks or sliced cucumbers offer a nice contrast in texture, while a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip complements the bacon and spice beautifully. For heartier options, consider serving them alongside a crisp coleslaw or a light potato salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe on a wooden serving board scattered with fresh herbs and accompanied by small ramekins of extra glaze or dipping sauces. For a party platter, alternate smokies with colorful veggies on skewers, or nestle them in a bed of mixed greens for a stunning appetizer centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon-wrapped smokies can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in a single layer if possible to avoid sogginess, and make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious bites for longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange the wrapped smokies on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bacon-wrapped smokies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bacon soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of center cut bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will work just fine, but center cut bacon tends to be leaner and easier to wrap around the smokies without too much overlap, which some find easier to manage.
What if I’m sensitive to spice—can I leave out the chili garlic sauce?
Definitely. You can reduce the chili garlic sauce to zero or add milder alternatives like a bit of smoked paprika or just stick to pure maple syrup for a sweeter glaze without the heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is very much built around bacon and sausages, but you could try using plant-based sausages and vegan bacon substitutes. Be sure to adjust cooking times and check the glaze ingredients to keep it vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe good for large parties?
Yes! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, making it an excellent choice for larger gatherings. Just remember to use multiple baking sheets and rotate them for even cooking as needed.
Can I prepare the smokies a day ahead of time?
You can wrap the smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them, but it’s best to bake and glaze them fresh on the day you plan to serve. This keeps the bacon crisp and the glaze vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about sharing a plate of Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe with the people you love. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy smokies, and a sweet-spicy glaze is truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a casual snack or an appetizer for a celebration, this recipe promises smiles, satisfied taste buds, and plenty of compliments. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to dishes too!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Maple Spice Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously savory and sweet bacon wrapped smokies with a spicy maple glaze, perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or gatherings. The smoky bacon is baked to crisp perfection around juicy cocktail sausages, then brushed with a flavorful maple syrup and chili garlic sauce glaze for a hint of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 oz center cut bacon, cut in half
- 12 oz little smokies sausages (or other cocktail wieners)
Glaze
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce (start with 1 tsp and adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large sheet pan with a double layer of parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Partially Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half to fit better around the smokies. Arrange the bacon pieces on the prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until they start to render fat but are not fully cooked. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Wrap Smokies with Bacon: Prepare a second sheet pan with two layers of parchment paper. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, wrap each little smokie with a bacon piece and secure it with a toothpick. Continue this process until all bacon is used; you might have a few smokies left unwrapped if bacon is limited. Place the wrapped smokies on the prepared pan.
- Bake Wrapped Smokies: Bake the bacon-wrapped smokies in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20-22 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the smokies are cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the smokies bake, whisk together the maple syrup and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl to combine the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Apply Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the smokies from the oven and brush each piece generously with the maple chili garlic glaze. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Serve: Let the bacon wrapped smokies cool just enough to handle safely, then serve warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the bacon wrapped smokies for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- If you prefer less spice, start with 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or omit it for a milder glaze.
- Use center cut bacon as it is less fatty and wraps nicely without excess grease dripping.
- To make preparation faster, you can partially cook bacon on the stovetop before wrapping if preferred.
- Ensure to secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during baking.
