Sweet & Savory Peach BBQ Bacon Bites

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Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Friendsgiving Appetizer

Prepare to elevate your holiday gatherings with an appetizer that’s as effortless as it is delectable: Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies. These savory-sweet bites feature tender Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® Smoked Sausages, expertly wrapped in crispy Wright® Brand Bacon, all simmered to perfection in a luscious peach barbecue sauce. This recipe is not just an easy appetizer; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect addition to any Friendsgiving celebration, adding a unique twist to classic holiday flavors.

Delicious Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, a perfect holiday appetizer recipe.

Embracing the Holiday Season: More Than Just Thanksgiving

The holiday season, for many, begins with Thanksgiving – a time cherished for family, food, and reflection. For me, it’s the unofficial kick-off to the most wonderful time of the year, signaling the start of Christmas festivities. More than just a date on the calendar, Thanksgiving embodies gratitude, reminding us of the love and warmth that surround us. It’s a day to gather, break bread, and reconnect with those who matter most.

While traditional Thanksgiving with family holds a special place in my heart, the concept of “Friendsgiving” has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition. This modern twist on the holiday celebrates the bonds of friendship, allowing us to create new memories and traditions with our chosen family. It’s an occasion that perfectly blends the warmth of home-cooked meals with the relaxed atmosphere of cherished company. And what better way to kick off a relaxed celebration than with an easy, yet incredibly flavorful, appetizer?

Up-close shot of a platter of Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, ideal for Friendsgiving.

The Evolution of a Friendsgiving Tradition

My journey with Friendsgiving began unexpectedly during my sophomore year of college. What started as a spontaneous idea among a few friends quickly transformed into an anticipated annual event. College life often brings its share of stress, particularly around Thanksgiving week when major semester projects loom. Friendsgiving became our sanctuary – a much-needed break from academic pressures, a time to laugh, share stories, and most importantly, remember the simple joys of life and friendship. It was a potluck affair, where everyone contributed their favorite dishes, creating a diverse and delicious spread.

Years have passed since those college days, and while we’ve scattered to different corners, our Friendsgiving tradition endures. It’s a testament to the lasting power of friendship, offering a precious opportunity to catch up on the year’s events while indulging in fantastic food. Even if not everyone can make it every year, the spirit of our original Friendsgiving lives on, centered around good company and incredible shared meals.

Among the recurring staples at our potluck-style Friendsgivings – the turkey, the pumpkin pie, the stuffing – one appetizer always stood out: Bacon Wrapped Smokies. They were, and still are, an absolute favorite. The marriage of crisp, savory bacon with the smoky, tender sausages creates an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Serving suggestion for Bacon Wrapped Smokies, showing a full bowl ready for guests.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Holiday Hero

One of the most appealing aspects of this Bacon Wrapped Smokies recipe is its reliance on the slow cooker. When hosting a holiday gathering, whether it’s a bustling Friendsgiving or a relaxed family dinner, spending hours in the kitchen away from your guests is often the last thing you want to do. This is where the slow cooker truly shines, transforming preparation into an almost hands-off experience.

A slow cooker is an absolute game-changer for holiday entertaining. It allows you to set your appetizer to cook and then forget about it, freeing you up to socialize, set the table, or simply relax. For these Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, it works wonders: the Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® remain incredibly tender, while the Wright® Brand Bacon Hickory Smoked achieves a perfect balance of crispiness and succulence. Once cooked, the slow cooker’s “warm” setting keeps these delightful bites hot and ready for guests to enjoy throughout your entire event, ensuring every single smokie is served at its peak flavor and texture. No last-minute scrambling, no cold appetizers – just effortless perfection.

Close-up of Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies cooking in a slow cooker.

The Secret Ingredients: Premium Quality and a Flavorful Twist

While I’m a firm believer that almost anything is improved with Wright® Brand Bacon, this particular recipe holds a special place in my heart due to two “secret” ingredients – though they’re proudly displayed in the title! These components elevate the classic Bacon Wrapped Smokies to an extraordinary level: a smoky barbecue sauce and sweet peach jam. This ingenious combination transforms the flavor profile, adding a layer of sophisticated sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the bacon and sausage.

The synergy between the Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® and the Hickory Smoked Wright® Brand Bacon, coupled with this smoky-sweet peach barbecue sauce, creates an appetizer that is a guaranteed home run every single time. Utilizing high-quality ingredients from the Tyson® Brand family, like Hillshire Farm® and Wright® Brand, takes the stress out of preparing a fabulous feast. Their commitment to quality ensures a consistently delicious result. And with creative twists on classic recipes, such as the peach barbecue sauce in this instance, you can confidently serve phenomenal food while dedicating more precious time to your friends and loved ones. It’s about more than just a recipe; it’s about crafting memorable moments with ease and exceptional flavor.

A delicious single Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokie on a white plate, showcasing the crispy bacon.

Appetizer perfection, redefined for your holiday gatherings.

Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, served warm and ready to eat.

Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 4 hrs

These bacon wrapped smokies are such an easy appetizer! Made in the slow cooker, these Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® are wrapped in Wright Brand® Bacon and cooked in a peach barbecue sauce! The perfect addition to any Friendsgiving!

Ingredients

  • 1 package Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® Smoked Sausages
  • 1 package Wright Brand® Bacon Hickory Smoked
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (I used a smoky mesquite barbecue sauce)
  • 1/2 cup peach jam (or peach preserves)
  • toothpicks

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix peach jam and barbecue sauce together until well combined.
  2. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add 3/4 of the peach barbecue sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading the sauce evenly.
  3. Cut Wright Brand® Bacon Hickory Smoked into thirds. Wrap each Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies® Smoked Sausage in a piece of bacon, and secure it tightly with a toothpick.
  4. Place each of the smokies into the slow cooker.
  5. With a pastry brush, brush the remaining sauce onto the tops of the smokies.
  6. Cook on high for 3 1/2 – 4 hours, until the bacon is crispy. Around the 3 hour mark, move the smokies around in the slow cooker to make sure they all cook evenly.
  7. Once cooked, set the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting.
  8. Enjoy!

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course: Side Dishes

Tips for a Seamless Friendsgiving Experience

Hosting a Friendsgiving should be about joy, not stress. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your gathering is as smooth and delightful as these Bacon Wrapped Smokies:

  • Plan Ahead: Even for a potluck, having a rough idea of who is bringing what can help balance the meal. Assigning categories (appetizers, sides, main dishes, desserts) can prevent too many of one item.
  • Decorate Simply: You don’t need elaborate decorations. Autumnal elements like gourds, leaves, or even just warm lighting can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
  • Drink Station: Set up a self-serve drink station with a variety of beverages so guests can help themselves, taking some pressure off the host.
  • Music Matters: Create a festive playlist that sets a relaxed and happy mood without being too distracting.
  • Embrace the Potluck: The beauty of Friendsgiving is the shared effort. Don’t feel the need to do everything yourself. Encourage guests to bring their favorite dishes, making the meal a true reflection of your collective friendships.

A large plate full of Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, perfect for sharing.

Why These Smokies Will Be Your New Holiday Staple

The Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies are more than just an appetizer; they are a celebration of flavor, convenience, and community. They embody the essence of Friendsgiving – bringing people together over delicious food, creating lasting memories with minimal fuss. The combination of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and that unexpected, vibrant peach barbecue glaze makes them utterly irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, making them an instant favorite for any palate.

Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or a casual get-together, this recipe promises to be a stress-free addition that leaves a lasting impression. So, as the holiday season approaches, consider adding this simple yet sophisticated dish to your menu. It’s an easy appetizer that allows you to savor the moment with your friends, rather than being tied to the kitchen. Get ready to impress your guests and make this holiday truly unforgettable with these incredible bacon-wrapped treats.

Overhead shot of Slow Cooker Peach Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies, ready to be served.

Nihai kontrol:
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