Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites
Smoky, cheesy sausage bites wrapped in crispy bacon with a honey glaze and fresh jalapeños, perfect for a flavorful and easy party appetizer.
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet lined with foil
- 1 oven rack optional, for baking
- 1 toothpicks to secure bacon
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 basting brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 12 slices bacon cut in half
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top if available.
- Cut the smoked sausage into thick 1-inch slices.
- Wrap each sausage slice with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Sprinkle the wrapped sausage bites evenly with garlic powder and paprika.
- Bake the sausage bites for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crispy.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheese until combined.
- Spoon the cheese mixture on top of each sausage bite.
- Lightly brush the bites with honey or brown sugar glaze and top with fresh jalapeño slices.
- Broil the bites for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the glaze caramelizes.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese to increase spice.
- Can be cooked in an air fryer as an alternative method.