Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies That Everyone Will Love
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that brings joy to every gathering. The first time I made them, I still remember how the smell of sizzling bacon and melting brown sugar filled the entire kitchen. Everyone kept asking when they would be ready. When I finally pulled them out of the oven, the bacon was crispy, the glaze was sticky and sweet, and each piece looked like a tiny golden treasure. Within minutes, they were gone. From that day on, this became my favorite Smokies Recipe for parties, game nights, and holidays.
If you have been searching for Appetizers Easy Finger Food that are effortless to make but taste like something from a restaurant, then Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are exactly what you need. The balance of smoky bacon, juicy sausage, and caramelized brown sugar creates a flavor that everyone falls in love with. Whether you are preparing them for a festive dinner or a casual weekend snack, they will always be a hit.
Table of Contents
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment or foil. Cut each bacon slice into three strips. Pat sausages dry with paper towels.
- Wrap each sausage tightly with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the wrapped Smokies. Optionally mix sugar with cayenne or paprika first for extra flavor.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bacon is golden and crisp. For extra crispiness, bake a few minutes longer.
- Let rest for 5 minutes to set the glaze. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. They are simple to prepare, cook quickly, and taste incredible every single time.
- Perfect Appetizers Easy Finger Food for holidays, birthdays, or family events
- Requires only a few pantry staples like bacon, brown sugar, and Little Smokies
- The sweet caramelized glaze creates a beautiful texture and flavor contrast
- Ideal for making ahead when hosting large gatherings
- Always a favorite among kids and adults alike
If you enjoy Smokies With Bacon And Brown Sugar, this recipe will become a permanent part of your cooking routine.
Essential Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Little Smokies sausages | 1 (14 oz) package | Use cocktail sausages for easy wrapping |
| Bacon | 1 lb | Thin-cut bacon works best for crispness |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup | Choose light brown sugar for gentle sweetness or dark for deeper flavor |
| Toothpicks | 20 to 30 | To secure each piece while baking |
| Optional spices | Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika | Add a subtle kick or smoky depth |
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect Smokies Recipe. The bacon gives a salty crunch, the sausages add tenderness, and the brown sugar forms a glossy glaze that makes every bite sweet and savory at the same time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Cut each slice of bacon into three smaller strips. Pat the sausages dry with paper towels so the bacon sticks well during baking.
Step 2: Wrap the Smokies
Take a single sausage and wrap it tightly with one piece of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick through the middle and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Continue until all the Smokies are wrapped.
Step 3: Add the Brown Sugar
Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the top of each wrapped Smokie. The sugar will melt into a sticky glaze while baking, coating each piece beautifully. For extra flavor, mix the sugar with a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika before sprinkling.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bacon turns golden and crispy. If you want extra crispness, you can bake a few minutes longer. The sugar will bubble and caramelize, creating a glossy finish.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the Smokies from the oven and let them rest for about five minutes. This helps the glaze firm up slightly. Arrange them on a platter and serve warm. They taste best when slightly sticky and freshly baked.
Customizing Your Spice Level and Flavor Profile
One of the best things about Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies is that you can adjust the flavor to your liking. There are endless ways to make them your own.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne to the sugar for a fiery balance of heat and sweetness.
- Maple Glazed: Drizzle maple syrup over the Smokies before baking for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- BBQ Version: Brush barbecue sauce over the bacon halfway through baking for a smoky and tangy twist.
- Holiday Variation: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for festive Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies Brown Sugar during Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- Savory Balance: Mix Dijon mustard into the brown sugar before coating for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Whether you want them spicy, sweet, or smoky, these Little Smokies Recipes can be adapted to fit any occasion or taste.
Professional Tips for Restaurant-Quality Presentation
If you want your Smokies With Bacon And Brown Sugar to look as impressive as they taste, follow these professional presentation tips.
- Cut the bacon into even strips so each Smokie cooks at the same rate.
- Bake on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to let the fat drain away, which helps the bacon crisp evenly.
- Halfway through baking, spoon some of the melted sugar glaze from the pan over the Smokies for a shiny, caramelized finish.
- Garnish with flaky sea salt or finely chopped parsley for a restaurant-style touch.
- Keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting during parties so guests can enjoy them throughout the event.
Following these simple steps will make your Bacon Wrapped Smokies both visually stunning and delicious.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Strategies for Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
| Storage Type | Method | Duration |
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Freeze before baking | Up to 1 month |
| Reheating | Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes | Until hot and crispy |
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble your Smokies With Bacon And Brown Sugar ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. When you are ready to bake, sprinkle the brown sugar and place them straight into the oven. They will cook perfectly without any extra prep.
For large parties, make two or three trays and bake in batches. They stay delicious even after sitting out for a while, making them perfect for buffets or game-day snacks.
Troubleshooting Common Cooking Challenges
Even easy recipes can run into small problems. Here are a few helpful solutions for the most common issues.
- Bacon not crisping: Use thin-cut bacon, and make sure not to overlap when placing on the tray.
- Sugar burning: Lower the oven temperature slightly or move the tray to a higher rack if the sugar darkens too quickly.
- Uneven cooking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Too sweet: Add black pepper or a light brush of mustard before baking to balance the flavors.
- Smokies sticking to the pan: Always line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Once you understand these small adjustments, How To Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies will always turn out perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap the Smokies and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. Add the brown sugar right before baking for best texture.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized beautifully.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes. Turkey bacon works well but cooks faster, so reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Can I make them less sweet?
Use half the amount of brown sugar or replace some of it with maple syrup or honey for a milder sweetness.
What sauces pair well with Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
They are delicious with honey mustard, spicy ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for dipping.
How do I keep them warm for parties?
Place them in a slow cooker on the “low” setting. They will stay warm and soft for hours without drying out.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely. Just make sure to spread the Smokies in a single layer so they cook evenly and crisp properly.
Save This Recipe for Your Next Party
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. They are sweet, savory, smoky, and incredibly addictive. Once you make them, you will find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes them impossible to resist.
Whether you are hosting a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve celebration, or casual weekend dinner, these Smokies With Bacon And Brown Sugar will always impress. They are easy to make, easy to serve, and always the first dish to disappear.
If you love creating memorable food moments, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. Save it to your Pinterest board, share it with your friends, and keep it handy for when you need a quick and delicious Smokies Recipe that everyone will rave about.
