There’s something magical that happens when crispy bacon meets caramelized brown sugar and smoky sausage. The flavors melt together into a sticky, sweet, salty, and smoky bite that’s completely irresistible. That’s exactly why Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies are one of the most loved party appetizers on Pinterest, game day menus, and holiday tables.
Each little smokie is wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and baked until the bacon is perfectly crisp and the sugar turns into a glossy, candy like glaze. The result? A bite sized treat that tastes like a cross between candied bacon and BBQ sausage sweet, savory, and totally addictive.
These are the kind of appetizers that disappear fast. People grab one then two then three. They’re easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and look impressive enough for guests, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Bacon Brown Sugar Smokies
What Are Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies?
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies are bite sized cocktail sausages (often called little smokies) wrapped in bacon, rolled in brown sugar, and baked until caramelized. They’re a classic American appetizer, especially popular in the South and Midwest for holidays, tailgates, and potlucks.
The recipe’s uniqueness comes from the contrast of flavors and textures. You get the smokiness of the sausage, the salty crispness of bacon, and the sweet caramelized sugar coating. Some versions add spices like cayenne or maple syrup, but the basic brown sugar version is iconic and beloved for its simplicity.
Because they’re so easy to prepare in large batches, they’ve become a staple for entertaining. Plus, they’re finger friendly, making them perfect for grazing tables and appetizer spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 main ingredients: Simple, affordable, and pantry friendly.
- Perfect for parties: Easy to make in big batches for crowds.
- Sweet and savory combo: The ultimate flavor contrast that everyone loves.
- Make ahead friendly: Great for prepping before guests arrive.
- Pinterest worthy: Glossy, caramelized, and visually irresistible.
How This Recipe Works
- Bacon fat renders during baking, keeping the smokies juicy and flavorful.
- Brown sugar melts and caramelizes, creating a sticky, candy-like glaze.
- Oven heat crisps the bacon while thickening the sugar coating.
- Skewers or toothpicks keep everything secure and make them easy to serve.
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 40–50 bacon wrapped smokies, depending on bacon size.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 1 pound bacon (cut into thirds)
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar if desired.
- Use mini hot dogs or cocktail franks if little smokies aren’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This helps bacon crisp evenly and reduces grease.
2. Cut the Bacon
Cut each bacon strip into thirds. Each piece should be long enough to wrap around one smokie.
3. Wrap the Smokies
Wrap one piece of bacon around each little smokie and secure with a toothpick.
4. Coat with Brown Sugar
Roll each bacon wrapped smokie in brown sugar until fully coated. Place them seam-side down on the baking rack or directly on the foil-lined pan.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely to prevent burning).
6. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes so the glaze thickens. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations
Flavor Boost Ideas:
- Spicy version: Mix brown sugar with cayenne or chili powder.
- Maple bacon: Drizzle maple syrup over the smokies before baking.
- BBQ twist: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Honey garlic: Add a drizzle of honey and sprinkle garlic powder.
- Pineapple wrapped: Add a small pineapple chunk before wrapping with bacon for a Hawaiian-style bite.
Pro Tips:
- Use thick cut bacon for a meatier bite.
- Place on a rack to keep bacon crispy, not soggy.
- Turn them halfway through baking for even browning.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead:
You can assemble the bacon wrapped smokies up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked or uncooked smokies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies pair beautifully with other party favorites and sides:
- Serve with toothpicks as a stand alone appetizer
- Add to a charcuterie or appetizer board
- Pair with creamy dips like ranch or honey mustard
- Serve alongside sliders, nachos, or loaded potato skins
- Great with refreshing drinks or mocktails for parties
They also fit perfectly on holiday tables next to casseroles and crowd pleasing comfort food recipes like cheesy pasta bakes or hearty slow cooker dishes.
Nutritional Notes (Approximate)
Per 3 smokies:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
Values vary depending on bacon thickness and sugar amount.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thin bacon: It can shrink too much and not wrap well.
- Skipping the rack: Bacon can sit in grease and become soggy.
- Overcrowding the pan: This prevents proper crisping.
- Burning the sugar: Watch closely near the end of baking.
- Not securing with toothpicks: Bacon can unravel during cooking.
FAQs About Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Can I cook these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Bake first to crisp the bacon, then transfer to a slow cooker on warm to keep them hot for parties.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausages?
Yes, but pork smokies give the best flavor and juiciness.
How do I keep them warm for a party?
Use a slow cooker on low or warm setting, or place them in a chafing dish.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your smokies and bacon are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate crowd pleasing appetizer. They’re sweet, smoky, salty, and crispy all in one bite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that guests will rave about and request again and again.
They’re perfect for game day, holidays, potlucks, or any time you need a guaranteed hit appetizer.
If you love easy appetizers like Creamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce or Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Sticky, sweet, and bacon wrapped these Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the party appetizer everyone will beg you for. Pin this recipe now and thank me later!
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package 14 oz little smokies sausages
- 1 pound bacon cut into thirds
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup for extra sweetness
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powde
Substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar if desired.
- Use mini hot dogs or cocktail franks if little smokies aren’t available.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This helps bacon crisp evenly and reduces grease.
2. Cut the Bacon
- Cut each bacon strip into thirds. Each piece should be long enough to wrap around one smokie.
3. Wrap the Smokies
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each little smokie and secure with a toothpick.
4. Coat with Brown Sugar
- Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in brown sugar until fully coated. Place them seam-side down on the baking rack or directly on the foil-lined pan.
5. Bake
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely to prevent burning).
6. Cool Slightly and Serve
- Let them cool for a few minutes so the glaze thickens. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use regular-cut bacon – Thin bacon crisps up better and wraps easily around the smokies.
- Secure with toothpicks – Keeps bacon in place while baking and makes serving simple.
- Line with foil or parchment – Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking from melted brown sugar.
- Add a spice kick – Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder over the brown sugar for heat.
- Use a wire rack – Elevating the smokies helps the bacon cook evenly and crisp up.
- Make ahead option – Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage tips – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Watch closely near the end – Brown sugar can caramelize quickly; avoid burning by checking during the last 5 minutes.
