Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Oreos: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory BBQ Dessert

Prepare to amaze your taste buds and spark lively conversations at your next cookout with this incredible recipe for smoked bacon-wrapped Oreos. This audacious snack effortlessly combines two universally loved ingredients – crispy, savory bacon and sweet, creamy Oreos – into a surprisingly harmonious delight that’s perfect for the smoker. It’s a culinary paradox that promises an explosion of flavor and a unique experience for everyone who tries it.

Over the years, this recipe has consistently generated more buzz around my smokers than any other creation. It seems that the world is brimming with fans of both Oreos and bacon, and when these two titans of taste unite, magic happens. The initial reactions often span from intrigued excitement to outright skepticism, but without fail, every person I’ve introduced to this sweet and salty marvel has become a true believer after just one bite.

I’ve had the pleasure of successfully preparing this recipe on every smoker I own, from large backyard units to compact portable models. For this guide, I’m showcasing it on my Traeger Ironwood 885, renowned for its consistent performance and incredible versatility. However, rest assured, whether you’re using a Traeger Timberline, Ranger, Tailgater, or any other brand of pellet, charcoal, or electric smoker, this recipe will deliver flawlessly. The key is to manage the temperature, and we’ll delve into those details shortly.

Why You Absolutely Must Try These Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Oreos

Beyond the sheer novelty, there are several compelling reasons why these smoked bacon-wrapped Oreos deserve a spot on your next barbecue menu:

• Delicious Sweet & Salty Mix: This isn’t just a simple combination; it’s a classic flavor sensation elevated to new heights. The rich, indulgent sweetness of the Oreo’s chocolate cookie and cream filling meets the smoky, savory, and perfectly crisp texture of the bacon. This delightful contrast creates a complex, irresistible profile that tantalizes every part of your palate, leaving you craving more. The bacon fat renders into the cookie, adding a sublime moistness, while the exterior caramelizes beautifully with the chosen rub.

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite their gourmet appearance and unique flavor, these treats are remarkably simple to make. When you need a quick, impressive snack that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, this recipe is your go-to. With just a few staple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of these flavor bombs ready for the smoker in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for impromptu gatherings or when you simply want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Grab some Oreos and bacon, and let’s turn them into something extraordinary!

• An Unforgettable Conversation Starter: Be prepared for reactions! I’ve seen everything from wide-eyed skepticism to pure, unadulterated excitement when I unveil these. Yet, every single time, skepticism gives way to genuine delight. This unique fusion of flavors is more than just a snack; it’s an experience that gets people talking. Whether it’s the initial “What is that?” or the post-bite “Wow, I can’t believe how good this is!”, these bacon-wrapped Oreos are guaranteed to be the centerpiece of conversation, turning doubters into devoted fans and sparking debates about the best sweet and savory combinations.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Oreos

Crafting these delectable treats requires just a few key ingredients, each chosen for its crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• 1 package Traditional Oreos: While the world of Oreo flavors is vast and tempting, I’ve discovered that the classic chocolate cookie with its iconic white cream filling offers the best foundation for this recipe. Its robust chocolate flavor holds up beautifully against the smoky bacon, and its structural integrity prevents it from becoming overly soft during the smoking process. Experimentation is fun, but for consistent, crowd-pleasing results, stick with the original.
• 1 package center cut bacon: The choice of bacon is paramount. My personal preference for optimal width, uniform thickness, and a balanced fat-to-meat ratio is Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon. This cut crisps up wonderfully without becoming too greasy or shriveling excessively, ensuring a perfect wrap around each Oreo. Its consistent quality makes for predictable results every time.
• 1 tbsp Smoked Q Rock’s Honey Chipotle Seasoning: This specific rub is a game-changer for these Oreos. It masterfully blends generous amounts of granulated honey with subtle, smoky chipotle flavors, creating a sweet-heat profile that complements the salty bacon and chocolatey Oreo like no other. It adheres beautifully to the bacon, forming a delicious, caramelized crust as it smokes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Oreos

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of these irresistible sweet and savory snacks:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Begin by carefully removing the center-cut bacon from its packaging. Using a sharp knife, cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise. This precise cut ensures that each piece of bacon is just the right length to perfectly encase an Oreo cookie, allowing for even cooking and optimal crispiness without excess overlap or exposed cookie.

2. Wrap the Oreos: Now for the fun part! Take one Oreo cookie and firmly wrap one of your half-strips of bacon all the way around its circumference. Ensure the bacon is snug and completely covers the edges of the cookie. Carefully tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the Oreo to secure it in place. Once wrapped, arrange the bacon-wrapped Oreos evenly spaced on a wire cooling rack. This setup allows for superior airflow during smoking and makes it incredibly easy to transfer them in and out of your smoker.

3. Season Generously: With your Oreos neatly wrapped, it’s time to add that crucial layer of flavor. I highly recommend a sweet-heat rub that beautifully complements the inherent saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the Oreo. My go-to is Smoked Q Rock’s Honey Chipotle seasoning, which provides a fantastic balance. Sprinkle the seasoning liberally over all sides of each bacon-wrapped Oreo, ensuring even coverage for a perfectly caramelized and flavorful crust.

4. Smoke to Perfection: Preheat your smoker to a consistent temperature of 275ºF (135°C). Once it reaches temperature, carefully place the wire rack with your bacon-wrapped Oreos onto the grates. Allow them to smoke for approximately 45 minutes. During this time, the bacon will slowly render, firm up, and develop a beautiful reddish, caramelized hue. The Oreo inside will soften slightly but retain its shape, absorbing a wonderful smoky essence. Keep an eye on them towards the end to achieve your desired level of bacon crispiness.

5. Cool and Serve: Once the bacon is perfectly firm and boasts that irresistible reddish-brown color, carefully remove the Oreos from the smoker. Transfer them to a clean plate or tray and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the bacon to set and the cookie to firm up slightly, preventing a crumbly experience. Once cooled, stack them artfully on a serving platter and prepare for the accolades from family and friends. They are best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to truly sing.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions

While the classic recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some ideas to customize your bacon-wrapped Oreos:

Alternate Rubs: My journey with bacon-wrapped Oreos has involved countless experiments with various rubs – from intensely savory to fiery hot. Through it all, I’ve consistently found that honey-based rubs deliver the most harmonious and balanced flavor profile, perfectly complementing the sweet and salty elements. While Smoked Q Honey Chipotle rub remains my top recommendation for its unique blend of sweetness and a hint of smoky heat, here are a few other excellent options that I’ve used and thoroughly enjoyed, each bringing its own subtle nuance:

• Meat Church Honey Hog: A classic, versatile sweet rub that imparts a rich, savory sweetness.
• Heath Riles Honey Rub: Known for its balance and ability to create a beautiful bark on smoked meats, it does wonders here too.
• Kosmos Killer Bee Honey Rub: Offers another fantastic honey-based profile with a touch more complexity.
• For a spicier kick, consider a brown sugar and cayenne blend. For a more maple-like sweetness, try a pure maple sugar rub. Avoid overly herbaceous or garlic-heavy rubs, as they tend to clash with the Oreo’s flavor.

Oreo Flavors and Bacon Cuts: While I typically advocate for the traditional ingredients for a foolproof experience, my kitchen has seen its fair share of experimentation. I’ve ventured into using Golden Oreos for a vanilla-forward profile, Birthday Cake Oreos for an extra festive touch, and even Peanut Butter Oreos for an added layer of richness. Each variation offers a distinct experience, from subtly different textures to wildly adventurous flavor combinations. Similarly, I’ve tried regular-cut bacon and thick-cut bacon, or simply whatever was most accessible at the grocery store. While the traditional Oreo and center-cut bacon deliver the most consistently excellent results in terms of texture and flavor balance, I encourage you to unleash your inner culinary adventurer! Don’t be afraid to mix and match different Oreo flavors or bacon cuts based on your personal preference or what you have on hand. You might just discover your next favorite variation!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Oreos

Achieving perfection with these smoked delights is easy if you keep a few key pointers in mind:

Always Opt for Center-Cut Bacon: I cannot stress this enough – center-cut bacon is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I’ve consistently found Oscar Mayer Center Cut bacon to yield the absolute best results. Its ideal width and uniform thickness allow it to wrap snugly around the Oreo, covering just the right amount without overwhelming the cookie. More importantly, it renders beautifully, providing that perfect chewy yet firm texture that complements the softened Oreo inside. Thicker cuts can take too long to crisp, potentially drying out the Oreo, while thinner cuts might not provide enough structural integrity or flavor.

Explore Different Oreo Flavors (with Caution!): While traditional Oreos are a safe bet, don’t shy away from experimenting with other flavors once you’ve mastered the basic recipe. Mint Oreos offer a refreshing contrast, Peanut Butter Oreos bring an extra layer of richness, Lemon Oreos add a surprising tangy twist, and Birthday Cake Oreos can make them even more festive. Golden Oreos provide a vanilla-based alternative, and Double Stuffed can be a fun, extra-indulgent choice. Each flavor combination will elicit a different reaction, ranging from wild approval to interesting curiosity. Just be aware that some fillings might react differently to the heat, so monitor closely.

Maintain a Consistent Low Cooking Temperature: The optimal smoking temperature for this recipe is 275ºF (135°C). This temperature is crucial because it allows the bacon fat to render slowly and thoroughly, firming up and crisping without burning. Crucially, it prevents the Oreo from “constricting” or becoming overly soft and messy from the bacon squeezing too tightly, which can happen at higher temperatures. I’ve found that going much higher (e.g., 300ºF+) often results in a burnt exterior and a melted interior mess. Conversely, smoking at lower temperatures like 225ºF (107°C) will take considerably longer for the bacon to reach the desired texture and crispiness, potentially making the Oreos too soft. Patience at 275ºF is key!

Choosing the Right Wood for Smoking: For a balanced smoky flavor that enhances rather than overwhelms the sweet and savory notes, consider using milder wood pellets or chips. Apple, cherry, or pecan woods are excellent choices, providing a subtle, sweet smoke that harmonizes beautifully with both the bacon and the Oreo. Avoid overly strong woods like mesquite or hickory, as their intense flavor can easily overpower the delicate balance of this unique snack.

Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: It’s tempting to dive right into these smoky, sweet, and savory delights the moment they come off the smoker, but resisting for 5-10 minutes is essential. This brief cooling period allows the bacon to crisp up further and the Oreo’s filling and cookie to set. Eating them too hot can lead to a slightly messy experience, as the filling will be very liquid and the bacon less firm. A short wait ensures the best possible texture and flavor experience.

Storage and Reheating: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until the bacon is crispy again and the Oreo is warm. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it can make the bacon soggy.

Serving Suggestions: While they are fantastic on their own, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert, or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair surprisingly well with a strong cup of coffee or a cold craft beer, offering a delightful counterpoint to their rich flavors.