Bourbon Glazed Smokies: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

The memory is etched in my mind: a smoky aroma wafting from the kitchen, the excited chatter of football fans, and a platter piled high with glistening, mahogany-colored bites. My Uncle Joe, the undisputed grill master of the family, always made these Bourbon Glazed Smokies for our annual Super Bowl parties. They disappeared within minutes, leaving behind only sticky fingers and satisfied grins. This recipe is my humble attempt to recreate that magic, a little piece of my childhood, and a guaranteed touchdown at your next gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 15
• Yield: About 15 Smokies
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains meat and possible allergens)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Little Smokies sausage
• 1 lb bacon
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Bourbon
• ½ cup chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Toothpicks
• Small bowl or blender

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.

2. Prepare the bacon. Cut the bacon strips into thirds. This smaller size is perfect for wrapping around the smokies and ensures a good bacon-to-sausage ratio.

3. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. The toothpick not only keeps the bacon from unraveling during cooking but also makes it easier to grab these tasty morsels later.

4. Arrange the wrapped smokies on a baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking and browning.

5. Bake the smokies in the preheated oven until the bacon is crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your oven. You want the bacon to be golden brown and slightly crispy, but not burnt.

6. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing the smokies from becoming soggy and ensures a better glaze adhesion.

7. While the smokies are baking, prepare the Bourbon glaze. In a small bowl or blender, combine the brown sugar, Bourbon, chili sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix or blend until well combined and smooth. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the Bourbon.

8. Once the smokies have been drained, pour the Bourbon glaze over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.

9. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. The glaze should thicken and cling to the smokies, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

10. Remove from oven. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Selection: Use a good quality bacon that is not too thick, as it will take longer to cook. Center-cut bacon works well.
• Toothpick Alternatives: If you don’t have toothpicks, you can try weaving the bacon around the smokie to secure it. However, toothpicks are the easiest and most effective method.
• Make-Ahead Prep: You can wrap the smokies in bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time when preparing for a party. Wait to prepare the glaze until right before baking.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or Bourbon to thin it out. If it is too thin, you can simmer it in a saucepan for a few minutes to reduce it slightly before pouring it over the smokies.
• Preventing Burning: To prevent the brown sugar in the glaze from burning, you can cover the baking sheet with foil during the last 5-7 minutes of baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Bourbon Glazed Smokies warm as an appetizer or party snack. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even more chili sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy.

I do not recommend freezing them as this can affect the texture of the bacon and sausage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	303 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	199 g	66%
Total Fat	22.2 g	34%
Saturated Fat	7.5 g	37%
Cholesterol	40.5 mg	13%
Sodium	630.2 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	12.8 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	11.2 g	44%
Protein	7.7 g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar in the glaze for a sweeter, more nuanced flavor.
• Different Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a unique twist.
• Non-Alcoholic: Substitute the Bourbon with apple juice or non-alcoholic Bourbon substitute, but know that Bourbon does add a distinct flavor component.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can wrap the smokies in bacon a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the glaze fresh before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have Bourbon?
A: While Bourbon adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with apple juice or non-alcoholic Bourbon substitute. You can also use other types of whiskey.

Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of mustard, such as spicy brown mustard or honey mustard. The Dijon mustard is recommended because of its great flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the smokies while they are baking and cover them with foil during the last few minutes if the bacon starts to brown too quickly.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon. However, it may not get as crispy as regular bacon.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon Glazed Smokies are more than just a delicious appetizer; they are a reminder of good times, good company, and the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze to find your perfect flavor combination. And most importantly, enjoy the process and the smiles it brings to your table. I recommend you pair these with some mini-sliders and maybe a nice stout beer!