These Maple Glazed Cocktail Smokies are a fun and tasty treat! Little hot dogs are wrapped in a sweet maple glaze, making them perfect for parties or game day snacks.
They are super easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. I love serving them with toothpicks so everyone can grab a bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Sausages: The heart of this recipe! You can find pre-cooked cocktail sausages, often labeled as “smokies.” If you want a twist, try turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option.
Bacon: Regular bacon adds great flavor with its fat. If you prefer a healthier choice, turkey bacon works too but may not crisp up as well. Also, consider using bacon with different flavors like maple or peppered for a varied taste.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use pancake syrup, but it’s not as rich. For a unique twist, try honey or agave syrup for sweetness.
Brown Sugar: It adds a wonderful caramel flavor. Light or dark brown sugar is fine, but dark will give a more robust taste. You can also use coconut sugar as a substitute for a different flavor.
How Can You Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Crispy bacon enhances the texture and taste of these smokies. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crunch!
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated; this helps the bacon cook evenly.
- Place the bacon-wrapped sausages seam side down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Baste them with the glaze halfway through baking to help them caramelize without drying out.
- If you want an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes, but stay nearby to prevent burning!
How to Make Maple Glazed Cocktail Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Smokies:
- 1 package (14 oz) cocktail sausages (smokies)
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Pinch of black pepper
- For Garnish:
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook these delicious cocktail smokies. In total, expect around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy snack to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nicely cooked, crispy bacon exterior for your smokies. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Wrap Each Smokie:
Take each cocktail sausage and wrap it in a half slice of bacon. If you find it tricky to keep the bacon in place, secure it with a toothpick. This step is fun and gives each smokie a delicious blanket of bacon!
3. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausages on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the seam side of the bacon faces down. This helps prevent the bacon from unraveling as it cooks.
4. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce (if you choose to use it), and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This sweet and savory glaze will drench your smokies in flavor!
5. Glaze the Smokies:
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each bacon-wrapped smokie with the maple glaze. Make sure each one is covered for that delectable flavor.
6. Bake:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the bacon should become crispy and the glaze caramelize. Halfway through cooking, baste with any remaining glaze to keep them flavorful.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning, as broilers can cook very quickly!
8. Garnish:
Once baked, remove the smokies from the oven. If you like, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt for an added touch of flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the smokies cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Provide toothpicks for easy grabbing, and enjoy these sweet and savory bites at your next gathering!
These Maple Glazed Cocktail Smokies are sure to be a hit—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it might not get as crispy as regular bacon, but it will still add a nice flavor to the smokies.
How Do I Store Leftover Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the oven will help retain that crispy texture better.
Can I Make These Smokies in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the bacon-wrapped smokies for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces for This Recipe?
These smokies pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces! Consider serving them with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo to add some kick. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
