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
Scale
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.
