This is MEAT CANDY!! Baking them in the oven allows the bacon to crisp, the liquids to be released from the Smokies, and the brown sugar to caramelize on them deliciously. It also allows to you control the fat content of them a bit more easily, as most of the bacon drippings will remain on the sheet ...more
This is MEAT CANDY!! Baking them in the oven allows the bacon to crisp, the liquids to be released from the Smokies, and the brown sugar to caramelize on them deliciously. It also allows to you control the fat content of them a bit more easily, as most of the bacon drippings will remain on the sheet pan after cooking. We usually make them during the holidays, but they're good for all year 'round, of course. So easy to make!
Prep: 20 mins
| Cook: 45 mins
| Extra time: 10 mins, cooling
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2.
Open the packages of bacon and cut the whole slab into thirds across the bacon pieces. I usually cut them straight out of the refrigerator while they're cold, then allow them to warm a bit before wrapping the Smokies - the bacon is more pliable when not very cold, and makes it easier to work with awkwardly-shaped pieces.
3.
Wrap each Lit'l Smokie in a 1/3-cut piece of bacon.
4.
Lay wrapped Smokies on the baking sheet. Make sure to put the end of bacon down. This will seal the bacon together so it won't unwrap while being baked.
5.
Sprinkle brown sugar over all the bacon wrapped smokies. I usually sprinkle more brown sugar over them about half way thru cooking.
6.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7.
Using tongs, transfer the treats to a platter or plate, arrange attractively, put them out for your guests, and stand back before you get trampled in the crowd's rush to get at them. :). It is best to allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. before serving.
