Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the smokies to cook perfectly while the bacon crisps up nicely.
2. Wrap the Smokies: Cut the 1 pound of bacon into thirds. Wrap each piece of bacon around one Lil’ Smokie, securing it tightly. The bacon should completely cover the smokie, with the ends tucked underneath. Repeat this process until all the smokies are wrapped in bacon.
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place all the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure they are arranged evenly so they cook uniformly. You can use a large baking dish or two smaller ones, depending on the size of your batch.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in 1 cup of brown sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
5. Coat the Smokies: Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies in the baking dish. Use a spoon to make sure each smokie is coated with the sweet, buttery glaze.
6. Add Extra Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar evenly over the smokies for an extra layer of sweetness and to help create a caramelized crust as they bake.
7. Bake the Smokies: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. After the initial baking time, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve: Once the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar glaze has caramelized, remove the smokies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These smokies are best enjoyed warm, with their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes: