Bavarian Smokies With Mustard Butter – a delightful treat perfect for those BBQ gatherings, exuding the spirit of casual get-togethers and reminiscent of classic ballpark flavors. This dish, paired wonderfully with potato salad and coleslaw, promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its smoky, savory notes and a delightful crunch from the bacon. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy meal that even beginner cooks can whip up with ease. Let’s dive into the full recipe and learn how to bring this Bavarian-inspired delight to your table.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Bavarian Smokies With Mustard Butter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 237
Description
Take yourself out to a ball game vibe with these Bavarian Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with a delightful mustard butter. Perfect for a BBQ, this recipe is easy, quick, and bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them alongside a hearty potato salad and a refreshing coleslaw for a complete meal.
Keywords
- Cuisine: Pork, Meat, Canadian, German, European
- Features: Kid Friendly, Under 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 12 slices of bacon
- 12 smokies (smoked sausages)
- 12 cherry tomatoes (or substitute with regular tomatoes sliced into thick rounds)
- 3 sweet onions, sliced into rings
- 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms recommended)
Mustard Butter (Recipe #29632)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 237
- Fat Content: 12.2 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.9 g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.4 mg
- Sodium Content: 396.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24.5 g
- Fiber Content: 1.5 g
- Sugar Content: 4.3 g
- Protein Content: 7.2 g
Instructions
1. Prepare the BBQ:
- Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the Smokies:
- Take the smokies and make shallow slash cuts on each side. You should make about 3 slashes per side. This will allow the bacon to crisp up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Wrap the Smokies:
- Wrap a slice of bacon around each smokie in a spiral fashion, like a barber pole. Secure the bacon in place using toothpicks. Make sure the bacon is snugly wrapped to prevent it from falling off during grilling.
4. Grill the Smokies:
- Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on the BBQ. Grill them for about 20 minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and the bacon is crispy. The turning ensures even cooking and a deliciously crisp exterior.
5. Toast the Buns:
- While the smokies are grilling, toast the insides of your buns on the grill. This should take about 1-2 minutes until they are golden and slightly crispy. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
6. Prepare the Mustard Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mustard butter adds a rich, tangy flavor to your buns.
7. Assemble the Smokies:
- Once the smokies and buns are ready, spread the toasted buns with the mustard butter. Place a smokie in each bun and top with cherry tomatoes, onion rings, and mushrooms. Feel free to add any other garnishes or condiments you prefer, such as pickles, sauerkraut, or jalapeños.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Bavarian smokies hot off the grill with your favorite sides like potato salad and coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Bacon Wrapping: Make sure to secure the bacon tightly around the smokies. You can overlap the ends of the bacon slices to ensure they stay in place.
- Cooking Temperature: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat on your BBQ to avoid burning the bacon while ensuring the smokies are cooked through.
- Mustard Butter: You can prepare the mustard butter ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading on the buns for easier application.
- Variations: For a spicier kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the smokies.
Complementary Dishes
These Bavarian Smokies pair beautifully with classic sides that you might find at a BBQ or picnic. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with dill pickles and a touch of mustard can complement the smokiness of the sausages.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a vinegar or creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Grilled Corn: Sweet grilled corn on the cob with a bit of butter and salt is a perfect match.
- German-Style Pretzels: Soft pretzels with a hint of salt can add an authentic touch.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the smokies with vegetarian sausages and use a plant-based bacon alternative. Ensure to check cooking times as they might differ.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of your favorite cheese inside the bun before placing the smokie for a melty surprise.
- Different Mustards: Experiment with different types of mustard in the mustard butter, such as spicy brown or honey mustard, to vary the flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed.
Serving Suggestions
Bavarian Smokies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
- Game Day: Serve these smokies at your next game day gathering with a selection of dipping sauces and a big bowl of chips.
- Family BBQ: They make a great addition to any family BBQ spread, where everyone can build their smokies with their preferred toppings.
- Casual Lunch: Pack them for a casual lunch in the park, paired with a simple salad and some fresh fruit.
Conclusion
Bavarian Smokies with Mustard Butter is a simple yet delicious recipe that captures the essence of casual, fun, and flavorful eating. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish brings together the smoky goodness of sausages, the savory crunch of bacon, and the tangy richness of mustard butter, all nestled in a toasted bun with fresh toppings. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a game day feast, or just looking for a delightful lunch option, these smokies are sure to impress and satisfy.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with Bavarian Smokies, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sides to make this dish your own!
Feel free to ask if you need more details or have specific questions about this recipe!
