The Ultimate Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: Your Go-To Easy Party Appetizer
These Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are more than just an appetizer; they’re a nostalgic journey back to childhood parties and game day gatherings. Imagine succulent, mini smoked sausages, lovingly embraced by crispy strips of bacon, all bathed in a glorious, sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible. This classic party snack is incredibly easy to make with just three simple ingredients, making it a must-have for any celebration, from casual get-togethers to festive holiday feasts.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe: Unveiling the Secrets for Perfection
For years, my mom’s bacon wrapped little smokies were legendary. Her recipe, initially just a few scribbled notes, seemed simple enough. Yet, the first time I tried to recreate them on my own, they were good, but not *her* good. Determined to unlock that magical combination of crispy bacon, tender sausage, and perfectly caramelized brown sugar, I went back to the source. She shared her subtle but crucial secrets, and now I’m passing them on to you so you can make the absolute BEST brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies every single time!
Our family has always had a deep appreciation for bacon, and it shows in many of our favorite dishes. If you’re a fellow bacon enthusiast looking for another incredible recipe to try, you absolutely must check out our Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta for a dinner that’s sure to be a hit!
Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need three core ingredients, but choosing the right ones can make a significant difference in the final outcome. For exact measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version, please refer to the recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Bacon: The star of the show! It’s crucial to use regular-sliced bacon, not thick-cut. Thick-cut bacon tends to take too long to crisp up, and by then, your smokies might be overcooked, and the sugar could burn. Regular slice allows for that perfect crispness and renders fat efficiently, creating that irresistible glaze.
- Little Smoked Sausages (Lil Smokies): These mini sausages are ideal for their bite-sized appeal and pre-cooked convenience. Any brand will do, just grab a standard 14oz package. They provide a wonderful savory, slightly smoky counterpoint to the sweet brown sugar.
- Brown Sugar: This is what creates that incredible sticky, sweet, caramelized coating. Light brown sugar works perfectly, providing a rich sweetness that melts down and adheres to the bacon as it bakes.
How to Make Perfect Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies: A Detailed Guide
Creating these addictive appetizers is incredibly straightforward, but a few key steps elevate them from good to absolutely phenomenal. Follow these instructions closely for the best results.
- Prepare the Bacon: Begin by cutting your regular-sliced bacon into thirds. This size is ideal for wrapping around the little smokies without having too much excess bacon, which can prevent it from crisping evenly.
- Wrap the Smokies: Take one piece of the cut bacon and tightly wrap it around a single little smoked sausage. The goal is to cover as much of the sausage as possible. As you wrap, place each bacon-wrapped smoky into a 13×9 glass baking dish with the bacon seam-side down. There’s no need to secure them with toothpicks; placing them seam down keeps the bacon in place as it cooks. Arrange them snugly in rows, filling the dish.
- Sugar Coating: Once all the sausages are wrapped and arranged, generously sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. The goal is to create a thin, consistent layer over every bacon-wrapped smoky. Using a dish that fits them relatively snugly (like the 13×9) helps ensure the sugar settles on top of the appetizers rather than falling into the gaps between them.
- Marinate (The Secret Step!): This is perhaps the most important secret my mom shared! Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. While you *can* bake them immediately, this marinating time allows the brown sugar to slowly dissolve into the bacon and sausages, creating an incredibly rich, deep flavor and a more consistent, sticky glaze during baking. This patience truly pays off with a superior result.
- Bake to Perfection: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remember to uncover the pan before placing it in the oven. Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. Start checking around the 40-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is beautifully crispy, and the brown sugar has melted and caramelized into a rich, sticky glaze, bubbling around the edges.
Expert Cooking Tips for Flawless Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy bacon and sticky-sweet glaze is all about a few clever tricks. These tips will ensure your bacon wrapped little smokies are a resounding success every time.
- Bacon Thickness Matters: Always opt for regular-sliced bacon, not thick-cut. Bacon cut into thirds is the ideal length for wrapping. If the bacon strips are too long or too thick, they won’t render fat properly or get crispy, resulting in chewy rather than crunchy bites. You might have a few leftover bacon pieces, which is perfectly normal.
- The Power of the Glass Baking Dish: This is a game-changer! My mom always swore by a glass baking dish over a foil-lined baking sheet, and she was right. Glass distributes heat more evenly, promotes better caramelization of the brown sugar, and helps create that deep, rich glaze. Plus, it makes cleanup surprisingly easy (more on that below!).
- Don’t Skip the Marination: Letting the bacon-wrapped smokies rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours after sprinkling with brown sugar makes a world of difference. This allows the sugar to infuse into the bacon and sausage, leading to a much richer flavor profile and a more beautifully caramelized finish. It’s truly worth the wait!
- Make Ahead Convenience: These are fantastic for meal prepping or party planning! You can assemble the bacon wrapped little smokies, sprinkle with brown sugar, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, simply pop them in the preheated oven.
- Effortless Cleanup: Concerned about sticky caramelized sugar? Don’t be! As soon as you remove the hot dish from the oven and serve your delicious appetizers, fill the empty pan with hot tap water. Let it sit for a few minutes. The caramelized sugar will dissolve away, making scrubbing a breeze.
Variations & Customizations: Get Creative!
While the classic brown sugar version is undoubtedly a winner, these bacon wrapped little smokies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these additions to suit your taste or occasion:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili powder over the brown sugar before baking. A drizzle of sriracha or hot honey after baking can also add a delightful zing.
- Maple Glaze: Replace some of the brown sugar with a tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup. The maple will add an extra layer of sweetness and a distinct fall flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon.
- Savory Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper along with the brown sugar for a more savory profile. A tiny bit of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky flavor of the sausages and bacon.
- Sweet & Tangy: Mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the brown sugar before sprinkling. The mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness and complements the savory notes of the bacon and sausage.
- Herbal Notes: For a sophisticated touch, finely chop a small amount of fresh rosemary or thyme and sprinkle it over the smokies with the brown sugar. These herbs pair wonderfully with pork.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If by some miracle you have any leftovers of these highly addictive appetizers, here’s how to store and reheat them to enjoy later:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the bacon wrapped little smokies to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating in the Oven (Recommended): For the best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the cold smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon has re-crisped slightly.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: For a quick re-crisp, place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crispy.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): While you can technically reheat them in the microwave, the bacon will lose its crispness and the sugar glaze might become overly soft. Use this method only if you’re short on time and texture isn’t a primary concern.
Want More Great Game Day or Party Appetizers?
These bacon wrapped little smokies are just one star in a galaxy of fantastic party foods! If you’re planning a spread for game day, a holiday gathering, or any celebration, you’ll need a variety of crowd-pleasing bites. Here are some more of our favorite easy appetizers that are guaranteed to be a hit:
- Who doesn’t love pizza? Especially when it comes in irresistible bite-sized portions! We all know everything is better in miniature form. These Pepperoni Pizza Puffs are quick, easy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious – perfect for popping!
- For a warm and creamy dip that will have everyone coming back for more, this Crockpot Crack Dip is an unbelievably delicious combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning. It’s truly addicting, living up to its name!
- If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate that beloved bacon flavor into your appetizers, try a sophisticated Bacon Goat Cheese Log or a creamy, spicy Jalapeño Popper Dip. Both are excellent choices to add variety to your appetizer spread.
- And for a classic crispy treat, our Onion Rings are battered and dredged in breadcrumbs, then fried to a mouth-watering golden brown in under 25 minutes! They’re crunchy, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a festive holiday dinner, or just having friends over for a casual evening, these Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are an absolute winner. Their perfect blend of sweet and savory, combined with their effortless preparation, makes them an indispensable addition to your appetizer repertoire. Get ready for rave reviews and empty platters!
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon NOT thick sliced
- 14 oz little smoked sausages 1 package
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin
- Start with cutting the bacon into thirds. If you leave the strips any longer they will never crisp up. There may be a few pieces of bacon left over.
- You can make this ahead and bake when you are ready!
- Letting them marinate with the brown sugar for 1-2 hours makes all the difference in flavor.
- As for the pan you use, this makes a big difference. I asked my mom how she did it and she said she uses a glass baking dish, not a foil-lined baking sheet. To clean up after, she fills the pan with hot tap water and lets it sit for a few minutes. The caramelized sugar dissolves away.
Instructions
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Cut the bacon into thirds.1 pound bacon
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Tightly wrap one piece of bacon around one little sausage. Place seam down in a glass 13×9 dish. Repeat with remaining little smokies.14 oz little smoked sausages
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Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. There should be a thin layer over all the little smokies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.1 cup packed brown sugar
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover little smokies and bake for 40-50 minutes. Bacon should be crispy and sugar deeply caramelized.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Nov 25, 2018. It has been updated and re-published to provide more comprehensive information and tips for our readers.