Bacon-wrapped smokies with brown sugar are a classic, easy party appetizer. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, these baked bites are perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing snack.
Party Food
When parties are on the calendar, appetizers are essential. These bacon-wrapped little smokies are a crowd favorite and a simple tradition for holiday gatherings. They pair well with dips, spreads, and other shareable bites.
Little Smokies Recipe
Cocktail smokies are ideal for single-serving appetizers. You can simmer them in a sauce, use them in a slow cooker, or wrap them in bacon and brown sugar for a sticky, caramelized treat. These bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies are a favorite at Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.
The brown sugar forms a sweet, caramelized glaze on the bacon, creating a salty-sweet bite that’s often called “meat candy.” If you enjoy sweet-and-savory flavor combinations, these will be a hit.
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
For this easy appetizer you need only three ingredients:
- Little smokies – Any pre-cooked cocktail wieners or mini sausages will work. Choose beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or flavored varieties based on preference.
- Bacon – Regular (not thick-cut) bacon works best. Center-cut bacon reduces excess fat if desired.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and caramelizes for a glossy finish.
How to Assemble
To make bacon-wrapped smokies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each little smokie with a bacon piece and place seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Insert a toothpick through each one for easy serving.
- Sprinkle and gently press brown sugar onto the outside of the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and browned. For extra crispness, broil 3–5 minutes at the end—watch closely so they don’t burn. Serve hot.
They disappear fast—plan for everyone to want seconds.
To Make Ahead
Assemble the smokies by wrapping them in bacon and inserting toothpicks, then cover the tray and refrigerate overnight. Add the brown sugar just before baking for the best texture. If you add the sugar ahead of time it may dissolve into the bacon and look wet, but they will still bake up tasty.
Serving and Storing
Serve these fresh from the oven. If you need to hold them for a short time, transfer to a crockpot set to warm for up to two hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
More Holiday Appetizers
- Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Crockpot Lil Smokies
- Jalapeno Popper Rolls
- Sausage Empanadas
- Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 12–14 oz packaged little smokies (about 32 in a pack)
- 16 oz packaged bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
Equipment
- Toothpicks
- Half sheet tray and foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each little smokie with bacon and place seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Insert a toothpick through each piece for easy serving.
- Sprinkle and press brown sugar onto the outside of the bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and browned. Broil 3–5 minutes at the end if needed to crisp. Serve hot.
Notes
- If not serving immediately, keep smokies warm in a crockpot on the warm setting for up to 2 hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving.
Nutrition
| Calories: 120 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 6.8 g
| Protein: 4.7 g
| Fat: 8.3 g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimations provided for reference.
Sharing this recipe with a link is appreciated. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Originally published 12/22/13. Updated 11/19/21.