Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

To make bacon-wrapped little smokies, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Wrap each little smokie with a 1/3 piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there's about an inch of space between each. Mix brown sugar and cayenne pepper in a bowl, then sprinkle or roll the wrapped smokies in the mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is crispy.

Yes, you can prepare bacon-wrapped little smokies ahead of time. After wrapping the smokies and coating them with the brown sugar mixture, you can freeze them. When you're ready to cook, simply bake them from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through and the bacon is crispy.

For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based sausages or tofu hot dogs wrapped in vegan bacon. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute to make it lower in calories.

To store leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Bacon-wrapped little smokies pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh vegetable platter, a tangy coleslaw, or a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese. They also go great with finger foods like potato skins or nachos for a fun appetizer spread.