Description
Mississippi lil smokies bring savory southern comfort to game day snacking, combining sweet and tangy flavors in a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Quick and easy preparation makes these bite-sized treats perfect for gathering friends and satisfying hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausages and Meats:
- 1 lb little smokies sausages
- 0.5 lb bacon, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup bourbon or whiskey
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Garnish and Optional Additions:
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Dice the bacon into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Add little smokies and chopped bacon to the sauce, gently stirring to coat every piece thoroughly with the flavorful glaze.
- Transfer the sausage and bacon mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to promote even caramelization.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy and glazed, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when the bacon is crisp and the sauce has developed a rich, sticky consistency with a deep mahogany color.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and set.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor contrast.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or party snack, with toothpicks for easy handling.
Notes
- Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains depth of flavor without compromising taste.
- Opt for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the dish’s signature crispy texture.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting ketchup and brown sugar ratios, ensuring a perfect glaze that clings beautifully to little smokies without becoming too runny or overly sweet.
- Prevent bacon from burning by cutting into smaller, more uniform pieces and monitoring closely during the last 10 minutes of baking, rotating the pan if needed for even caramelization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 811 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg