Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped

Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: A Savory Symphony of Flavor

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds with our Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. This recipe isn’t just a culinary creation; it’s a savory symphony that brings together the smokiness of bacon and the sweetness of brown sugar, creating bite-sized delights that are perfect for parties, game days, or any festive occasion. Join us as we dive into the art of slow-cooking, where each smokie is wrapped in bacon and bathed in a caramelized glaze that will leave your guests craving for more.

Ingredients

For the Bacon-Wrapped Smokies:

  • 1 package (14 ounces) cocktail smokies
  • 1 pound bacon, cut into thirds
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Toothpicks for securing bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your slow cooker to low. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, you can use it to pre-cook the bacon-wrapped smokies for a crispier texture.
  2. Wrap Smokies in Bacon:
    • Take each cocktail smokie and wrap it with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
  3. Prepare Glaze:
    • In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  4. Layer in Slow Cooker:
    • Place the bacon-wrapped smokies in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the glaze evenly over the smokies.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the bacon is cooked through and has absorbed the delicious glaze.
  6. Crisp It Up (Optional):
    • If you prefer a crispier texture, you can transfer the cooked bacon-wrapped smokies to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Remove the toothpicks and transfer the bacon-wrapped smokies to a serving platter. Serve warm and watch as these irresistible bites disappear.

Cook Notes

  • Bacon Selection: Choose a good-quality bacon for optimal flavor. Smoky or maple-flavored bacon can add an extra layer of taste.
  • Toothpick Trick: Soak toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning during the cooking process.
  • Caramelization Tips: If you want a deeper caramelization on the bacon, you can add a step by placing the cooked smokies on a baking sheet, sprinkling additional brown sugar on top, and broiling them for a couple of minutes.
  • Cooking Time Variations: Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s temperature. Some slow cookers may cook faster or slower than others.

Variations

Spicy Kick:

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy twist.

Cheesy Delight:

  • Insert a small cube of your favorite cheese into each smokie before wrapping it with bacon for a gooey surprise.

Herb-Infused Glaze:

  • Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an herby aroma.

Keto Versions

Turkey Bacon Swap:

  • Substitute traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-fat and lower-calorie option.

Sugar-Free Sweetening:

  • Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of brown sugar to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Low-Carb Dipping Sauce:

  • Serve with a low-carb dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar.

Low-Carb Versions

Vegetarian Twist:

  • Wrap cocktail smokies with thin slices of zucchini for a low-carb, vegetarian alternative.

Almond Flour Glaze:

  • Create a glaze using almond flour, butter, and a sugar substitute for a low-carb version.

Cauliflower Bites:

  • Swap cocktail smokies with cauliflower florets for a low-carb, veggie-centric option.

A Bite-Sized Extravaganza

In conclusion, these Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Smokies aren’t just a recipe; they’re a bite-sized extravaganza that brings together the irresistible combination of bacon, brown sugar, and smokies. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, explore keto adaptations, or savor the low-carb alternatives, these smokies promise to be the star of your next gathering.

As you present these savory delights to your guests, envision the smiles and satisfied nods that come from a dish that combines the smokiness of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar. The Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are not just smokies; they are a promise of indulgent moments, shared laughter, and the creation of savory memories. So, fire up your slow cooker, wrap those smokies with care, and relish in the anticipation of savoring a bite-sized treat that turns any occasion into a flavor-packed extravaganza. Cheers to the Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Smokies – where every bite is a celebration of savory delight!