Satisfy Your Cravings With These Bacon Wrapped Smokies – And They Can Be Made Ahead!

Hosting a party can be a lot of work, especially when you’re trying to prepare delicious appetizers. But what if you could make some of your dishes ahead of time to save yourself some stress on the day of the event? One popular appetizer that’s often served at parties is bacon-wrapped smokies. So, can bacon-wrapped smokies be made ahead?

The Answer:

Yes, bacon-wrapped smokies can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy party hosts. By following a few simple steps, you can prepare these tasty bites in advance and have them ready to pop in the oven or grill when your guests arrive.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Ahead:

1. Prepare the Smokies:

Start by removing the smokies from the package and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon stick to the smokies better.

2. Wrap the Smokies with Bacon:

Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a smokie, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat this process until all the smokies are wrapped.

3. Place on a Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.

4. Refrigerate or Freeze:

If you’re planning to serve the smokies within a few hours, you can refrigerate them. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Thawing and Cooking:

1. Thawing:

If you’ve frozen the smokies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

2. Cooking:

Preheat your oven or grill to the desired temperature. Place the smokies on the preheated surface and cook until the bacon is crispy and the smokies are heated through. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven or 10-15 minutes on the grill.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the smokies as they can dry out.
• Serve the smokies with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, mustard, or ketchup.

Variations:

• Add brown sugar or maple syrup to the bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
• Use different types of smokies, such as cheese smokies or jalapeño smokies, for variety.
• Wrap the smokies in dough or puff pastry for a more substantial appetizer.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve bacon-wrapped smokies as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Pack them in lunch boxes for a tasty and satisfying snack.
• Use them as a topping for salads or pasta dishes.

Wrapping Up:

Making bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time can save you precious time and effort when hosting a party. By following the steps outlined above, you can have these delicious appetizers ready to serve without any last-minute stress. So next time you’re planning a gathering, don’t hesitate to make your bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time for a hassle-free and enjoyable party experience.

What You Need to Learn

1. How long can I store bacon-wrapped smokies in the refrigerator before cooking?

You can store bacon-wrapped smokies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking.

2. How long can I freeze bacon-wrapped smokies?

You can freeze bacon-wrapped smokies for up to 2 months.

3. Can I cook bacon-wrapped smokies from frozen?

Yes, you can cook bacon-wrapped smokies from frozen. However, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.

4. What is the best way to reheat bacon-wrapped smokies?

The best way to reheat bacon-wrapped smokies is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

5. Can I make bacon-wrapped smokies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make bacon-wrapped smokies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the smokies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the smokies are heated through.