If you have ever wondered how to take party sausages to the next level, you absolutely have to try this Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe. It’s such a delightful crowd-pleaser that combines the smoky, crispy charm of bacon with the sweet and savory touch of brown sugar and paprika, slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re planning for game day, a family gathering, or just want a cozy snack to enjoy, this recipe brings simple ingredients and a fuss-free process together for an irresistibly tasty treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is the secret behind creating that perfect balance of flavors in this dish. Each component plays a key role in flavoring and cooking, making these smokies both juicy and sweet with a hint of smoky spice.
- 16 Ounces “Lil” Smokies: These cocktail sausages are the star protein, convenient and perfectly sized for bite-friendly appetizers.
- 12 Ounces Bacon: Bacon wraps add amazing savory fat and crispiness to every sausage, locking in flavor as they cook.
- 1 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar: It melts down to create a luscious glaze, balancing smoky saltiness with deep molasses sweetness.
- ½ Tablespoon Paprika: Paprika lends a mild smoky heat and a gorgeous reddish tint to the glaze, making the dish visually inviting.
How to Make Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bacon
Start by cutting each slice of bacon into three smaller pieces. This makes it easier to wrap around each little smokie perfectly, ensuring every bite gets tasty bacon coverage without overwhelming the sausage.
Step 2: Wrap the Sausages
Take one piece of bacon and wrap it securely around each “Lil” smokie. Wrapping them snugly ensures the bacon crisps up nicely and holds tight while cooking in the crockpot.
Step 3: Secure with Toothpicks
After wrapping, use a toothpick to pierce through the bacon and sausage to lock the wrap in place. This simple step stops the bacon from unraveling as they slow cook.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the paprika. This sugar and spice mix will caramelize beautifully, giving the smokies their signature sweet and smoky coating.
Step 5: Layer the Slow Cooker
Sprinkle about one cup of the brown sugar-paprika mixture evenly across the bottom of your crockpot. This layer forms a delicious base flavor that the smokies will cook on.
Step 6: Add the Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Place the wrapped sausages directly over the brown sugar mixture in a single layer. Even spacing helps them cook evenly and allows the sweetness to soak in.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Brown Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle the rest of the sugar and paprika blend over the smokies. This ensures every bite is covered in that mouthwatering sweet and slightly smoky seasoning.
Step 8: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high heat for 3 hours. This slow cooking time lets the flavors meld, the bacon crisp slightly, and the sausages stay juicy and tender.
Step 9: Stir Occasionally
During cooking, gently stir or move the smokies around occasionally. This helps distribute the glaze evenly and promotes some nice caramelization on all sides.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, carefully remove the toothpicks and transfer the smokies to a serving dish. These irresistible bites are now ready for everyone to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A small drizzle of extra brown sugar or even a dash of hot sauce can also amp up the flavor depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Serve these smokies alongside crunchy veggie sticks or a creamy ranch dip to balance the sweetness. They also work wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm cornbread to make a more filling appetizer or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread the bacon wrapped smokies with cocktail picks for easy grab-and-go fun. You can also layer them in a decorative slow cooker insert or a rustic wooden bowl to make them the centerpiece of your spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover bacon wrapped smokies to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or lunch additions.
Freezing
You can freeze these smokies before or after cooking. To freeze pre-cooked, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. For raw wrapped sausages, freeze on a tray first and then transfer to bags for longer storage.
Reheating
Reheat the crockpot bacon wrapped smokies gently in a microwave or oven until warm all the way through. A quick 10-minute warm-up at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven helps restore some of that crispy bacon texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon will work well and reduce some fat, though it may be less crispy and have a slightly different flavor. Just wrap and cook as usual.
Is it necessary to use brown sugar?
Brown sugar is essential for that sweet caramelized glaze that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon. You could experiment with maple syrup or honey, but the texture and flavor will change.
How do I make sure the bacon crisps in the crockpot?
While the crockpot keeps things moist, moving the smokies occasionally during cooking helps the bacon brown evenly. For extra crispness, a quick broil in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking works wonders.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger groups?
Yes, this Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe scales easily. Just ensure your crockpot has enough room or cook in batches for the best results.
What is the best type of paprika to use?
Regular sweet paprika works great for this recipe, providing color and mild flavor. Smoked paprika can add a deeper smoky note if you want to intensify the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or looking for easy finger food, this Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe is a total winner every time. So simple but dangling with layers of smoky, sweet, and crispy goodness, it’s bound to become your go-to appetizer. Give it a try and watch these little bites disappear faster than you can say “pass me another!”
Print
Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings (10 smokies per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring cocktail sausages wrapped in smoky bacon, coated in a sweet and mildly spicy brown sugar and paprika mixture, then slow cooked to tender, caramelized perfection.
Ingredients
Sausages and Bacon
- 16 ounces “Lil” Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 12 ounces bacon
Seasoning Mix
- 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon: Cut each slice of bacon into three equal pieces to create smaller strips that can be wrapped around the cocktail sausages.
- Wrap the smokies: Take each Lil Smokie and wrap one piece of bacon securely around it to ensure even coverage and flavor.
- Secure with toothpicks: Use toothpicks to hold the bacon tightly around each sausage to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and paprika thoroughly to evenly distribute the smoky and sweet flavors.
- Layer seasoning in slow cooker: Sprinkle 1 cup of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bottom surface of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add wrapped sausages: Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on top of the seasoning layer inside the slow cooker.
- Add remaining seasoning: Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar and paprika mixture evenly over the top of the sausages for maximum coverage.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 3 hours to allow the bacon to crisp slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally: Every once in a while, gently move the sausages around with a spoon or spatula to help them brown evenly on all sides.
- Serve: Once cooked thoroughly and caramelized, remove the smokies from the slow cooker and serve immediately as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute regular cocktail sausages if “Lil” Smokies are unavailable.
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika.
- Use toothpicks to make serving easier and convenient for guests.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can increase heat slightly or use the sear function if your slow cooker has one to crisp the bacon further.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
