Easy Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon: Sweet, Savory Party Appetizer Everyone Will Love
Sweet and Savory Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon – The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes? These little smokies wrapped in bacon with a delicious brown sugar coating are the perfect bite-sized treat for your next gathering. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors makes them absolutely irresistible!
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These bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages are coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. They’re simple to make but deliver big on flavor, making them the star of any appetizer spread. Perfect for game days, holiday parties, or anytime you need a delicious finger food that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
- Only 3 main ingredients – simplicity at its best!
- Make-ahead friendly – prep in advance and bake when ready
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Kid and adult approved – everyone loves these!
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
- 1 pound bacon (about 16-20 slices), each slice cut into thirds
- 1 (14-ounce) package little smokies sausages (approximately 40-45 pieces)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Toothpicks or small skewers for securing
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Wire rack (optional, for crispier results)
- Small bowl for sugar mixture
- Tongs for handling
How to Make Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds. This creates the perfect size pieces to wrap around each little smokie.
- Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cayenne pepper (if using). Generously sprinkle the mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies, coating all sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized into a sticky, delicious glaze.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The sugar coating will be extremely hot right out of the oven!
Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
- Use thin-cut bacon – It wraps more easily and cooks through faster
- Secure properly – Make sure toothpicks go through both the bacon and sausage to prevent unwrapping
- Line your pan – The sugar will caramelize and can be sticky, so lining your pan is essential
- Elevate them – For crispier results all around, place on a wire rack over your baking sheet
- Make ahead option – Wrap the smokies in bacon and refrigerate up to a day ahead, then add sugar and bake when ready to serve
Variations to Try
- Maple Bacon Smokies – Use maple-flavored bacon or add 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup to the brown sugar
- Spicy Version – Double the cayenne or add ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky heat
- BBQ Style – Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub to the brown sugar for extra flavor
- Bourbon Glazed – Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to your brown sugar for an adult twist
Common Questions About Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
How far in advance can I make these?
You can wrap the smokies in bacon up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the brown sugar just before baking for best results.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until bacon is cooked through. They won’t be as crispy as oven-baked, but still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I freeze these?
You can freeze them before cooking. Arrange wrapped smokies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in refrigerator before adding sugar and baking.
Why These Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These sweet and savory bites are guaranteed to be the star of your appetizer spread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping treat that everyone will rave about. The combination of tender smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor bomb that keeps people coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, holiday party, or just looking for a delicious snack, these little smokies wrapped in bacon are always the right choice!
Recipe inspired by Brown Sugar Smokies from AllRecipes
Sweet and Savory Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds. This creates the perfect size pieces to wrap around each little smokie.
- Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cayenne pepper (if using). Generously sprinkle the mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies, coating all sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized into a sticky, delicious glaze.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The sugar coating will be extremely hot right out of the oven!
