Looking for an easy, low-carb appetizer that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than these keto bacon-wrapped smokies! These delicious little sausages, also known as cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies, are wrapped in bacon and baked to crispy perfection. With both oven and air fryer instructions, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from game-day parties to holiday gatherings. Best of all, even those not following a keto diet will love these flavorful bites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is practically foolproof.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors makes these smokies irresistible to everyone.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
- Versatile: You can bake these in the oven or cook them in an air fryer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these ahead of time and warm them up when you're ready to serve.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:
- Lil Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the show! You can find them in most grocery stores, often sold as cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies. Brands like Hillshire or Eckrich are popular choices. Each package of little smokies has about 24 smokies. The entire package (Hillshire Farms brand) has only 5 net carbs, 53 grams of fat, and 38 grams of protein.
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for wrapping the sausages. Avoid thin-cut or pre-cooked bacon, as they won't provide the same crispy texture. Six pieces of bacon are enough for 24 smokies.
- Sweetener: To add a touch of sweetness and create a delicious caramelized coating, you'll need a brown sugar substitute. Lakanto Golden Monkfruit is a great keto-friendly option. You can also use coconut sugar as a Paleo swap for a traditional brown sugar. Need a Keto option? Use a sugar-free maple syrup like Lakanto and a brown granulated Keto sugar like Lakanto Golden Monkfruit.
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, baste the smokies with sugar-free BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. G Hughes is a popular brand with only 2 net carbs per 2 tablespoons.
- Seasoning (Optional): For a sweet and savory seasoning, you can add chili powder, pepper, and ground mustard to the sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Oven Method
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also use a cooling rack set into a baking sheet or a broiling pan to allow the bacon grease to drain while cooking.
- Prepare the smokies: Drain any liquid from the package of Lil Smokies and pat each sausage dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the bacon: Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. For me, that meant cutting the bacon slices into 1/4ths, but that may vary if you are using a thicker bacon.
- Wrap the smokies: Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick to prevent the bacon from curling off the sausage when cooking, or place seam side down.
- Prepare the seasoning (Optional): In a ziptop bag, combine the brown sugar substitute, chili powder, pepper, and ground mustard. Shake to combine.
- Coat the smokies (Optional): Add 5-10 sausages to the bag and shake to coat them in the seasoning.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Arrange the sausages in an even layer on the prepared pan. Repeat with remaining sausages.
- Bake: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through.
- Baste with BBQ sauce (Optional): Remove from oven and baste with sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return to oven for another 10 minutes.
- Broil (Optional): If you want to crisp the bacon up even more, place the sheet pan under your broiler for one to two minutes. Don't overcook. Be sure to check the little smokies after a few minutes, prior to turning over. Due to oven temperature differences, your appetizers may not take the full 10 minutes on each side.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite keto-friendly dips, such as keto ranch dressing or keto cheese sauce. Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese over the top to give an extra hint of saltiness. Then, quickly chop spring onion and lay those over the top for a contrast in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Air Fryer Method
- Wrap and prepare the smokies: Wrap and prepare the smokies the same as in the oven, including using a toothpick.
- Air Fry: Place the bacon-wrapped smokies in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Instructions
You can also make bacon-wrapped lil smokies keto style in a slow cooker!
- Wrap the smokies: Just wrap them in bacon.
- Place in slow cooker: Place them in a slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on high for 3 - 4 hours.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Keto Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Arrange the smokies in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Use a toothpick: Secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Watch carefully: Keep a close eye on the smokies while they're baking, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent burning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These keto bacon-wrapped smokies are delicious on their own, but they're even better with a dipping sauce. Here are a few keto-friendly options:
- Keto Ranch Dressing
- Keto Cheese Sauce
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
- Mustard
- Sour Cream
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make Ahead: Yes! If you want to serve these at a potluck or get together, you can make them ahead of time either in the oven or the slow cooker.
- Storage: Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To warm them up before serving, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pop them into the oven and bake until warmed through. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Are Little Smokies Keto Friendly?
Yes! Each package of lit’l smokies has approximately 24 smokies. The whole package only has 5 net carbs, 53 grams of fat, and 38 grams of protein, making them a great option for keto followers.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the smokies during the last few minutes of baking.
- Maple-Glazed: Brush the smokies with sugar-free maple syrup during the last few minutes of baking.
- Paleo: Just make sure it’s 100% pure maple syrup to keep this Paleo.
Where to find Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
I found a couple different brands of sugar free bbq sauce at my local Kroger store, on the condiment isle. I really like G Hughes line of keto-friendly condiments. The bbq sauce tastes pretty close to what you’re used to, but only has 2 net carbs per 2 tablespoons! You can also make your own sugar free bbq sauce, if you like to cook and have some extra time. You can always order it on Amazon. But, you may be able to find it at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. I also spotted it at Sprouts in Colorado last week.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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