Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies Ahead of Time? Tips for Prep, Storage, and Reheating

Bacon wrapped smokies are a beloved appetizer for game day, holidays, and parties. The combination of sweet, savory sausage and crispy, maple bacon is irresistible. But can you prep these little sausages ahead of the big event?

The answer is absolutely! In fact, preparing bacon wrapped smokies in advance helps streamline your game day or party prep. You don’t want to be frying bacon and assembling apps at the last minute when guests arrive.

In this article, we’ll provide tips on making bacon smokies ahead of time. You’ll learn:

• How far in advance you can prep and cook them
• The best storage methods for raw and cooked smokies
• How to reheat pre-made bacon wrapped smokies
• Step-by-step instructions for advance prep
• Serving suggestions for ready-to-eat bacon wrapped smokies

With the right techniques, you can enjoy tender, delicious pre-made bacon wrapped smokies without sacrificing texture or flavor So read on to become a bacon smokie pro!

How Far in Advance Can You Prepare Them?

Here are some general guidelines on timeframes for prepping bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time:

• Up to 24 hours before: Assemble uncooked smokies wrapped in raw bacon and store in the fridge.

• A few hours before: Partially cook bacon then finish cooking later.

• 1-2 days before: Fully bake smokies then reheat when ready to serve.

Ideally, you want the freshest taste and texture, so cook as close to serving as you can. But you have some flexibility if you need to get a head start on party prep.

Best Storage Methods for Raw and Cooked

Use these storage tips to keep homemade bacon wrapped smokies fresh:

• Uncooked smokies: Place on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.

• Part cooked bacon: Let cool completely, then store between layers of paper towels in an airtight container.

• Fully cooked smokies: Let cool then refrigerate in a sealed container. You can also individually wrap in foil or plastic wrap.

Make sure to refrigerate at 40°F or below. Use refrigerated smokies within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and quality.

Reheating Tips for Crispy, Delicious Bacon

When reheating pre-made bacon wrapped smokies, you want the bacon to recrisp. Follow these reheating tips:

• Reheat at a high temperature, 400°F. Lower temps will make bacon soggy.

• Place smokies on a wire rack over a baking sheet so air circulates.

• Don’t overcrowd – allow space between each smokie.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Watch to avoid overcooking.

• Broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end to help bacon recrisp.

• You can also briefly pan fry to make bacon extra crispy after baking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping Ahead

Here is an easy walkthrough for perfectly prepped bacon wrapped smokies:

Up to 24 Hours Before:

1. Wrap uncooked smokies in bacon and secure with a toothpick.

2. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or foil.

3. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

Day Before or Morning Of:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Partially cook bacon in microwave or skillet for 2 minutes per side.

3. Cool, then wrap around smokies and refrigerate.

4. Later, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bacon is crispy.

2 Days Before:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Wrap smokies in bacon, coat in brown sugar, and bake 30-40 minutes until cooked through.

3. Let cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container.

4. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Ready-to-Eat Appetizers

For easy entertaining, fully cook bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time. Then simply reheat and serve with quick accompaniments like:

• Ranch or barbecue dipping sauce for dunking.

• Pickled jalapeños, pineapple chunks, or pepper rings on the side.

• Cherry tomatoes, olives, and cubed cheese for snacking.

• Diced fruit like melon, grapes, or strawberries for a sweet contrast.

• Celery sticks and carrot slices with hummus or spinach dip.

With minimal effort, you can enjoy warm, tasty bacon wrapped smokies that your guests will devour!

Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Smokie Success

Use these pro tips for the best results when prepping ahead:

• Use cold bacon straight from fridge so it wraps more easily.

• Chill unwrapped smokies in fridge 30 minutes before wrapping for easier handling.

• Wrap bacon tightly so it stays in place during cooking and reheating.

• Partially pre-cooking the bacon prevents overdone smokies and soggy bacon.

• Baked smokies have a better texture than microwaved. Reheat in oven when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wrap smokies in bacon before or after cooking?

Always wrap uncooked smokies in raw bacon, then bake them together. Precooking leads to dried out smokies.

How long do baked bacon wrapped smokies last in the fridge?

Cooked, cooled smokies will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat fully before serving.

Is it better to freeze bacon wrapped smokies before or after baking?

Wrap raw smokies in bacon, then freeze unbaked. Add 10 extra minutes when baking frozen smokies.

Can you reheat bacon wrapped smokies in the microwave?

You can microwave to reheat but they may lose crispness. Microwave in short bursts, checking often.

Make Awesome Bacon Wrapped Smokies in Advance

With smart storage and reheating methods, you can easily prep bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time. Assemble up to a day before, par-cook the bacon, or fully bake and reheat when ready to serve. Use these tips to enjoy hot, crispy, flavorful bacon wrapped smokies for your next game day or party!