Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ahead of Time? The Complete Guide

Bacon wrapped smokies are a classic crowd-pleasing appetizer for any party or gathering These bites of cocktail sausage wrapped in bacon deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory and smoky flavors

But can you prepare these ahead of time? Or do they need to be made just before serving?

The good news is that yes, you can absolutely make bacon wrapped smokies in advance! There are several storage methods that allow you to prep smokies wrapped in bacon early, so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.

In this complete guide learn

• What are bacon wrapped smokies?
• Can you make them ahead?
• How far in advance can you prepare them?
• Best storage methods: refrigerate or freeze
• Step-by-step instructions
• Helpful tips for success
• Serving suggestions and recipe variations

With the ability to make bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time and simply heat and serve later on, these become an easy appetizer for any host!

What Are Bacon Wrapped Smokies?

Bacon wrapped smokies are a party favorite consisting of bite-sized smoked sausage or cocktail wieners wrapped in bacon and coated with brown sugar.

Also known as bacon wrapped little smokies or bacon wrapped weenies, these appetizers deliver a balance of sweet and savory that makes them simply irresistible. The brown sugar caramelizes as the bacon cooks up crisp in the oven or slow cooker.

You can find smoked mini sausages near the hot dogs in the grocery store. Lit’l Smokies is a popular brand. Choose the beef or turkey smoked sausages, then wrap with regular sliced bacon, securing with a toothpick.

For serving, the toothpicks can remain in the cooked bacon wrapped smokies. Arrange on a platter for guests to easily grab and go.

Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ahead of Time?

The great news is yes, you can absolutely make bacon wrapped smokies in advance!

In fact, preparing them ahead is recommended so you can avoid last minute cooking when guests arrive.

You have two options for make-ahead smokies:

Refrigerate: Prepared smokies will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

Freeze: You can freeze assembled uncooked smokies for up to 3 months.

So whether you want to prep them the day before your event, or do a big batch well in advance to freeze, bacon wrapped smokies can be made ahead for fuss-free entertaining!

How Far in Advance Can You Make Them?

When preparing bacon wrapped smokies in advance, follow these timelines:

Refrigerate: You can assemble uncooked smokies, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.

Freeze: Smokies that are wrapped in bacon but not yet cooked can be frozen for up to 3 months.

After Baking: Once cooked, smokies will last for 3 to 4 days refrigerated. You can also freeze the cooked appetizers.

So you have lots of flexibility when it comes to making them in advance!

How to Store Bacon Wrapped Smokies

To properly store bacon wrapped smokies, you have two options:

Refrigerate

To store in the refrigerator:

• Wrap assembled smokies very well in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents them from drying out.

• Place in an airtight container or bag. This keeps any fridge odors from seeping in.

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.

• Let refrigerated smokies sit at room temp while the oven preheats before baking.

Freeze

To successfully freeze bacon wrapped smokies:

• Place assembled uncooked smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer frozen smokies to a resealable plastic freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air.

• Label bag with contents and date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Freezing is great for making a big batch in advance!

How to Reheat Bacon Wrapped Smokies

When ready to serve your make-ahead bacon wrapped smokies, you have a couple reheating options:

Oven: Place refrigerated or thawed frozen smokies on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Microwave: Microwave individual refrigerated smokies for 30 to 60 seconds until hot. Take care as the brown sugar can get very hot.

Slow Cooker: Add baked smokies to a slow cooker on low to keep warm for serving.

Be sure to reheat fully until the sausages are piping hot all the way through.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for easily preparing bacon wrapped smokies in advance:

Prep

• Cut bacon slices in thirds. Keep cold until ready to use.

• Soak toothpicks in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

• Mix brown sugar, spices, jam or other coatings if using.

Assemble

• Wrap a piece of bacon around each cocktail sausage.

• Secure with soaked toothpick.

• Coat with brown sugar or other topping.

Store

• Place assembled uncooked smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet.

• Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. (Skip if refrigerating only.)

• Transfer frozen smokies to a labeled freezer bag. Remove excess air.

• Or place refrigerated smokies in an airtight container, wrapped well in plastic.

Bake

• Thaw frozen smokies overnight in the fridge.

• Let refrigerated smokies sit at room temp as oven preheats.

• Bake at 325°F for 30-40 minutes until bacon is crispy and brown sugar is caramelized.

• Or reheat frozen or refrigerated smokies in the microwave just until hot.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Here are some top tips for bacon wrapped cocktail sausage success:

• Use regular sliced bacon, not thick cut, for even cooking.

• Chill the bacon first for easier wrapping.

• Soak toothpicks at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

• Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Add a cooling rack.

• Sprinkle brown sugar generously so it’s coated well.

• Bake at 325°F for 30-40 minutes until the bacon gets crispy.

• Flip smokies halfway through baking for even crispness.

• Reheat fully until sausages are piping hot in the center.

Fun Recipe Variations

While the classic brown sugar version is always a crowd pleaser, consider these fun flavor twist for your bacon wrapped smokies:

• Use different smoked sausages like cheese or jalapeño flavor.

• Brush on maple syrup, honey or BBQ sauce instead of brown sugar.

• Coat with a spiced brown sugar blend – add cayenne, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, etc.

• Top with a slice of pineapple for sweetness.

• Add a slice of jalapeño for heat.

• Swap in peach or apricot jam for the brown sugar.

The options are endless for customizing these bite-sized appetizers!

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Smokies

These flavorful bacon and sausage bites are the perfect easy finger food. Some serving suggestions:

• Arrange on a platter with the toothpicks still in so they are grab-and-go.

• Pair with a ramekin of mustard or BBQ sauce for dipping.

• Surround with other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip and cracker and cheese trays.

• Spear multiple colored smokies on skewers for a fun presentation.

• Keep warm in a slow cooker set on low until ready to serve.

No matter how you serve them up, bacon wrapped smokies always disappear quickly!

Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies in Advance?

The wonderful thing about these party appetizers is that yes, you can absolutely prepare bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time!

Whether you refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze uncooked smokies for up to 3 months in advance, you can prep them in a way that suits your schedule.

Having the ability to assemble smokies early allows you to relax and enjoy your event rather than cooking last minute.

With the help of this complete guide, you’ll be able to confidently make bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time for your next party or game day. Just reheat and serve!