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Crispy Fourth of July BBQ Bacon Wrapped Bites

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These crispy bacon wrapped bites combine smoky bacon, tangy BBQ glaze, and a hint of sweetness for perfect party snacks that are quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bacon strips (regular or thick-cut, avoid extra thick)
  • 1 pound little smokies sausages or cocktail sausages (can substitute with bite-sized cooked chicken)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky and slightly sweet, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks (for securing bacon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle.
  2. Cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise to create smaller pieces.
  3. Wrap each little smokie tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pan-sear the bacon-wrapped bites for about 2 minutes per side until bacon starts rendering fat and browning but not fully cooked.
  6. Transfer the seared bites to the mixing bowl and gently toss to coat evenly with the BBQ glaze.
  7. Place the bites on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them out to crisp evenly.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with any remaining glaze for a sticky finish.
  9. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve desired crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Let the bites rest on the rack for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

Use a wire rack to allow bacon fat to drip away and prevent sogginess. Pan-searing before baking locks in moisture and enhances crispiness. Avoid extra thick bacon as it won’t crisp well. Watch oven temperature to prevent burning the sugar in the glaze. For gluten-free, ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped bites, BBQ bacon bites, party snacks, Fourth of July recipes, crispy bacon appetizers, easy BBQ snacks