Introduction
While bacon and sausage are delicious on their own, wrapping them together creates an irresistible breakfast combination that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius. I’ve found that this protein-packed dish is perfect for anyone following a carnivore diet or simply looking for a hearty start to their day.
You’ll love how these wrapped sausages combine the crispy texture of bacon with juicy, flavorful sausage links. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your morning routine. The best part? You don’t need fancy cooking skills or special equipment to make them. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for your family, these bacon-wrapped sausages are sure to become your new breakfast favorite. Let’s explore how to make this simple yet satisfying dish.
Recipe
Bacon wrapped sausages are a delightful breakfast option that combines two breakfast favorites into one irresistible dish. The smoky, crispy bacon wraps perfectly around juicy breakfast sausages, creating a protein-rich meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
This classic breakfast combination requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or when you want a hearty start to your day. The cooking process allows the bacon to become crispy while the sausages remain tender and flavorful inside.
- 8 breakfast sausage links
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wrap each sausage link with a strip of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the wrapped sausages. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to guarantee even browning. Continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For best results, select thick-cut bacon that won’t tear during wrapping, and bring the sausages to room temperature before cooking for more even heating. If preparing for a larger group, consider using the oven method by placing the wrapped sausages on a lined baking sheet and cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Allow the cooked sausages to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to guarantee the juices redistribute properly within the meat.
Prep Time
The total prep time for these delicious bacon wrapped sausages is just 10-15 minutes. You’ll spend most of that time simply wrapping the bacon around each sausage link, which is surprisingly therapeutic once you get into a rhythm. I’ve found that laying out all your ingredients before starting makes the process even quicker.
Here’s how your prep time breaks down:
- Gathering ingredients: 2 minutes
- Cutting bacon strips to size (if needed): 2 minutes
- Wrapping sausages: 5-8 minutes
- Adding toothpicks: 1-3 minutes
Don’t worry if your first few wraps aren’t perfect – you’ll get the hang of it quickly. I’ve learned that slightly overlapping the bacon as you wrap guarantees it stays secure during cooking.
Equipment needed
Since preparing bacon wrapped sausages doesn’t require fancy equipment, you’ll only need basic kitchen tools that most home cooks already own. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting:
- A large skillet or frying pan (12-inch recommended)
- Tongs for flipping the sausages
- Toothpicks to secure the bacon
- A meat thermometer
- Paper towels for draining excess grease
- A cutting board for prep work
- A plate for serving
If you’re opting for the oven method, you’ll also need:
- A rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- An oven-safe cooling rack (optional, but helps achieve even cooking)
That’s all the equipment needed to make these delicious meat rolls!
Basic Cooking Method and Time
Preparing bacon wrapped sausages requires just 15-20 minutes of total cooking time, making them perfect for busy mornings. Start by melting butter in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add your bacon-wrapped sausages, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
You’ll want to turn the sausages every 3-4 minutes to guarantee even cooking and crispy bacon on all sides. I’ve found that using tongs works best for this – they give you better control than a spatula. Keep an eye on the bacon’s color; when it’s golden brown and crispy, you’re almost done. Check that internal temperature hits 165°F before removing them from heat. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes, and you’re ready to dig in!
Cooking Steps
You’ll want to start by taking your meats out of their packaging and heating up your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Next, season your sausages and bacon strips with salt and pepper, then wrap each sausage tightly with bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping during cooking. Once your pan is hot, add the butter and let it melt before placing your wrapped sausages in the skillet, making sure they’re evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
Step 1. Unwrap Meat Packages First
The first key step in preparing bacon wrapped sausages is getting both packages of meat out on your counter. You’ll want to let them sit at room temperature for about 5-7 minutes, which makes the bacon more pliable and easier to wrap around your sausages.
While you’re waiting, go ahead and remove any packaging materials completely. I’ve found that working with room temperature bacon prevents it from tearing when you’re wrapping the sausages. Just be sure not to leave the meat out for more than 15 minutes – food safety first! Take this time to gather your other ingredients and prep your cooking surface. If you’re using wooden toothpicks, have those ready to secure the bacon wraps as needed.
Step 2. Preheat Cast Iron Skillet
Once your meat has reached room temperature, start preheating your cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. I’ve learned that a well-heated pan is essential for achieving that perfect crispy bacon exterior. While you’re waiting, you can melt the tablespoon of butter.
You’ll know your skillet is ready when a drop of water dances across the surface. If the pan starts smoking, you’ll need to lower the heat a bit – we want a steady medium temperature for even cooking. I’ve found that my 12-inch cast iron works best for this recipe, giving the bacon-wrapped sausages plenty of room to cook without crowding. Remember, proper preheating prevents the meat from sticking and guarantees that golden-brown finish we’re all aiming for.
Step 3. Season Raw Meats Evenly
Seasoning raw meats properly makes all the difference in achieving mouthwatering bacon-wrapped sausages. Before you wrap your sausages, sprinkle each link evenly with salt and pepper, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. I’ve found that seasoning the meat before wrapping helps the flavors penetrate better during cooking.
Once you’ve seasoned the sausages, lay out your bacon strips and give them a light dusting of pepper – skip the salt here since bacon’s already salty enough. When you’re wrapping, make sure the bacon’s covering the seasoned sausage evenly. You’ll want the seasonings to stay trapped between the meats while they cook.
Pro tip: If you’re using pre-seasoned sausages, go lighter on the added seasonings to avoid oversalting your breakfast.
Step 4. Wrap Sausages Securing All Ends
Properly wrapping sausages in bacon requires a careful technique I’ve perfected over years of breakfast cooking. Let me show you how to get it right every time. Start by laying out your bacon strips on a clean surface, making sure they’re slightly stretched but not pulled too thin.
Place each sausage at one end of the bacon strip, then roll it forward while keeping the bacon snug against the meat. I’ve found that starting at a slight angle helps the bacon overlap as you wrap, creating better coverage. Once you’re near the end, secure both sides with toothpicks – I usually angle them slightly to keep the bacon from unwrapping during cooking. Don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect; you’ll develop a feel for the right tension with practice.
Step 5. Add Butter To Pan
Adding a generous pat of butter to your preheated pan is essential for perfect bacon-wrapped sausages. You’ll want to let your skillet heat up over medium heat until it’s nice and hot before dropping in that tablespoon of butter. Watch as it melts and begins to bubble slightly – that’s your signal it’s ready for the wrapped sausages.
I’ve found that swirling the melted butter around helps create an even coating on the pan’s surface. This creates the perfect environment for your bacon to crisp up evenly while keeping the sausages juicy. Don’t worry if the butter browns a bit; it’ll add an extra layer of flavor to your breakfast creation. Just make sure you don’t let it burn before adding your wrapped sausages.
Customization Options
While the classic bacon-wrapped sausage recipe is delicious on its own, you’ve got plenty of ways to customize these breakfast bites to match your carnivore preferences. You can try using different types of bacon, like peppered or maple-flavored varieties, to add new taste dimensions. Switch up your sausage selections too – Italian, chorizo, or bratwurst can create exciting flavor combinations.
For an extra-hearty version, you’ll love using thick-cut bacon and jumbo sausages. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for uncured bacon and low-sodium sausages. You can also experiment with wrapping techniques – try a double wrap for extra crispiness, or weave the bacon for a more secure fit. Just remember to adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of your meats.
Ingredients list (with precise measurements)
Now that you’ve explored the different ways to customize your bacon-wrapped sausages, let’s get specific about what you’ll need in your kitchen. For this classic carnivore breakfast, you’ll need just a handful of high-quality ingredients:
- 8 breakfast sausage links (about 1 pound total)
- 8 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
I find that using thick-cut bacon works best since it won’t tear when you’re wrapping the sausages. While you might be tempted to skip the butter, don’t – it adds a rich flavor and helps prevent sticking. You’ll also want to have some toothpicks handy to secure the bacon if needed.
Storage Information
Proper storage of your bacon-wrapped sausages extends their shelf life and maintains food safety. You’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve made a larger batch, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
For freezing, I recommend wrapping each sausage individually in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to grab just what you need. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through to 165°F.
Health Benefits or Special Features
Beyond their delicious taste, bacon-wrapped sausages offer several nutritional benefits that make them an excellent choice for protein-focused diets. You’ll get approximately 25-30 grams of high-quality protein per serving, which helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling satisfied.
These savory bites are perfect for ketogenic and carnivore diets since they’re naturally zero-carb. They’re also rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports energy production and brain function. The combination of bacon and sausage provides essential minerals like zinc and selenium, while the natural fats help with nutrient absorption.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can easily adjust the salt levels by choosing low-sodium bacon or reducing the added seasoning without compromising the rich, meaty flavor.
Prep Time
While these protein-packed delights offer impressive nutritional benefits, you’ll be glad to know they come together quickly in the kitchen. You can have breakfast ready in under 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of actual prep work. The simple process involves wrapping each sausage with bacon, which you’ll master after doing just one or two.
I find it helpful to lay out all my ingredients before starting, making the assembly process even faster. You’ll need about 5 minutes to wrap the sausages, 2-3 minutes to heat your pan and melt the butter, and 12-15 minutes for cooking. If you’re using the oven method, you can prep everything in just 7 minutes before letting the oven do the rest of the work.
Cook Time
Once your sausages are wrapped and ready to go, the actual cooking process takes between 12-15 minutes in a skillet or 20-25 minutes in the oven. I’ve found that skillet cooking gives you more control over browning, while the oven method is great when you’re making a bigger batch.
For skillet cooking, you’ll want to turn your wrapped sausages every few minutes to guarantee even cooking. Keep an eye on the bacon – it should become crispy but not burnt. If you’re using the oven method, place your sausages on a lined baking sheet and flip them halfway through cooking. Either way, you’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the bacon has that perfect golden-brown color you’re looking for.
Total Time
Before you start cooking these delicious bacon-wrapped sausages, you’ll want to set aside about 25-30 minutes total from start to finish. This includes around 10 minutes of prep time to wrap your sausages in bacon and get your pan ready, plus 12-15 minutes of actual cooking time. You’ll also need those few extra minutes at the end for the sausages to rest.
Don’t feel rushed – I’ve found that taking your time with the wrapping process helps guarantee the bacon stays secure during cooking. If you’re batch cooking for meal prep, you might need an extra 5-10 minutes, but the process is pretty straightforward. The total time is worth it when you bite into these juicy, crispy bundles of meaty goodness.
Yield
This recipe yields 8 hearty bacon-wrapped sausages, which I’ve found is perfect for serving 4 people as a main breakfast dish (2 per person). If you’re cooking for a larger group, I’d recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe since these tend to disappear quickly. In my experience, bigger eaters might want 3-4 pieces, while those with lighter appetites might be satisfied with just one.
You can easily adjust the portion sizes based on your needs. When I’m meal prepping, I’ll make a double batch and store the extras in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick reheating on busy mornings when you need a protein-rich breakfast.
Final Thoughts
While bacon-wrapped sausages might seem like a simple breakfast dish, I’ve found they’re a game-changer for anyone following a carnivore diet or looking for a protein-packed start to their day. After years of experimenting with carnivore breakfast options, this recipe has become my go-to morning meal.
You’ll appreciate how versatile these protein bombs are – they’re perfect for meal prep, and you can easily customize the seasonings to keep things interesting. I love making a big batch on Sunday and enjoying them throughout the week. Plus, they’re incredibly satisfying and help prevent those mid-morning hunger pangs. If you’re new to the carnivore lifestyle or just want to simplify your morning routine, give these bacon-wrapped sausages a try. They might just become your new breakfast staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pre-Wrap the Sausages the Night Before Cooking?
You can pre-wrap your sausages the night before, but store them in an airtight container in your fridge. This’ll save you time during your morning prep routine.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Bacon From Unwrapping While Cooking?
You’ll find toothpicks are your secret weapon here. Secure each bacon end with a toothpick, and position the wrapped sausages seam-side down when cooking for extra stability.
Should I Use Raw or Pre-Cooked Sausages for This Recipe?
You’ll want to use raw sausages for wrapping with bacon. They’ll cook perfectly alongside the bacon, ensuring both meats reach proper temperature and blend flavors while cooking together.
Can I Freeze Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Sausages After Cooking?
You can freeze your cooked bacon-wrapped sausages for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven when ready.
Which Sausage Varieties Work Best for This Breakfast Dish?
With 80% of breakfast sausages made from pork, you’ll get best results using classic pork breakfast links, Italian sausages, or chicken-apple varieties. They’re all flavorful and hold up well during cooking.
Conclusion
Your bacon-wrapped sausages will emerge from the pan glistening like jewels, ready to power your carnivore lifestyle. You’ll love how this simple yet satisfying breakfast combines two protein powerhouses into one delicious meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ve mastered a breakfast that’ll keep you energized all morning. Trust me – once you try these meaty marvels, they’ll become your new morning go-to.
