Mississippi Lil Smokies are a classic appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering. These bite-sized cocktail sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and tangy glaze that makes them irresistible. The combination of the smoky sausages, savory bacon, and a rich brown sugar glaze creates a delicious snack that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 1 pound cocktail sausages – Choose your favorite brand or type of cocktail sausages. These small, pre-cooked sausages are ideal for bite-sized appetizers.
- 1 pound bacon, cut into thirds – The bacon wraps around the sausages, adding a salty, crispy element. Cutting the bacon into thirds ensures that each piece wraps perfectly around the sausages.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar provides the sweetness that balances the savory bacon and sausages.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, thick glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – This adds a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the taste of the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – The mustard gives the glaze a slight tang and helps cut through the richness of the bacon and sausages.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds a subtle hint of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Tools
- Toothpicks – These are used to secure the bacon around the sausages and make the Lil Smokies easy to serve.
Preparing the Ingredients
Preparing the Bacon and Sausages
Start by preparing the cocktail sausages. If they are packed in any liquid, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel to help the bacon adhere better during the wrapping process.
Next, cut the bacon slices into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping each cocktail sausage without too much overlap. The bacon will crisp up nicely in the oven, creating the perfect bite.
Assembling the Lil Smokies
Wrapping the Sausages
Take a piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around a cocktail sausage. Secure it with a toothpick, ensuring the bacon stays in place while baking. Repeat the process until all the sausages are wrapped in bacon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
This step is where you can get creative if desired—consider adding a small slice of jalapeño inside the wrap for an extra kick or a piece of pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
Making the Glaze
Creating the Perfect Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined. The butter and sugar create a rich, sticky glaze that will coat the sausages and bacon, caramelizing as they bake.
Make sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves into the butter, creating a smooth glaze. The combination of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar, while the garlic powder provides a savory undertone.
Cooking the Lil Smokies
Baking the Wrapped Sausages
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped sausages, ensuring each piece is generously coated. You want every bite to be flavorful, with the glaze caramelizing on the sausages and bacon.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them as the bacon should become crispy, but you don’t want it to burn. The sugars in the glaze will start to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the sausages.
Serving Suggestions
Finishing Touches
Once the sausages are cooked through and the bacon is crispy, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Lil Smokies cool slightly before serving—this helps the glaze set, making them easier to eat.
These Lil Smokies can be served directly on the toothpicks for easy finger food, or you can arrange them on a platter with additional dipping sauces like barbecue sauce or honey mustard for an extra touch of flavor.
Conservation and Storage
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), allow the Lil Smokies to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, but the bacon may lose some of its crispiness this way.
Make-Ahead Option
These Lil Smokies can also be made ahead of time. Assemble the sausages with the bacon, and store them in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the glaze over them and bake as directed.
Conclusion
Mississippi Lil Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer. The combination of savory bacon, juicy cocktail sausages, and sweet, tangy glaze makes for a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re serving them at a game day gathering, holiday party, or casual get-together, these Lil Smokies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy hosts or anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal effort. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite, and don’t be surprised if these disappear quickly from the table!