There’s just something irresistibly sweet, salty, and smoky about this little bite-sized treat that makes the Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect party snack or game-day appetizer that everyone keeps coming back for — and trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them over and over.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits every flavor note perfectly — that mix of sweet brown sugar, smoky bacon, and savory little smokies is pure magic. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make, which means you get big delicious results with hardly any effort.
- Easy to make: Requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, so you can whip these up quickly.
- Perfect party food: Bite-sized and easy to serve, these little treats vanish fast at gatherings.
- Flavor-packed: Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully on the bacon, adding delightful sweetness against the smoky savoriness.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or cooking method to make them just how you like.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients is key here, and each one brings its own magic. The smoky fatty bacon crisps up just right, while the brown sugar melts into a sticky glaze that balances out the smoky little smokies. Don't skip the fresh black pepper — it gives everything a subtle kick that lifts all the flavors.
- Little Smokies Sausages: These mini smoked sausages are the foundation — look for good-quality ones with natural casing for the best texture.
- Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin slices wrap easily around the little smokies and crisp nicely without leaving too much chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for that perfect caramelized glaze — light or dark both work, but dark adds deeper molasses notes.
- Freshly Grated Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Make It Your Way
While I love the classic take on the Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe, I often make little twists to suit different moods or occasions. Feel free to experiment — the basic combo is forgiving and fun.
- Spicy Kick: I've added a sprinkle of cayenne or tossed them with a splash of hot sauce before baking to give a spicy-sweet contrast that friends really rave about.
- Maple Substitute: Sometimes I swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness that makes these smell incredible while cooking.
- Herb Infusion: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme mixed into the sugar adds complexity without overpowering.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Wrap the Little Smokies
Start by greasing a baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray — I like to line mine with foil for easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, pat the sausages dry with paper towels; this helps the bacon stick better. Cut each bacon slice into thirds and wrap each little smokie tightly with a piece of bacon. Secure with toothpicks so they don't unravel during baking.
Step 2: Coat with Brown Sugar & Season
Grab a large zip-top bag and pour in the brown sugar. Drop in a few wrapped sausages, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat them evenly with sugar. Remove from the bag and place on your prepared pan. Repeat until all are coated. Finish by sprinkling freshly grated black pepper to taste — this little touch really wakes up the flavors.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Caramelized
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon — you want it browned and crispy but not burnt. If you want extra crispiness, blast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the very end, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let them cool briefly before serving to let the glaze set.
Top Tip
After making this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail that beautiful balance between caramelized sweetness and smoky crispiness every single time.
- Dry the Sausages First: Patting the little smokies dry before wrapping helps the bacon stick without sliding off during baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each wrapped smokie a little breathing room for even baking and caramelization.
- Use Toothpicks Wisely: When inserting toothpicks, push them through the middle of sausage and bacon to secure, avoiding the ends, which are more prone to unraveling.
- Broil Carefully: If you broil at the end for crispiness, watch them the whole time — bacon can go from perfect to burnt really fast!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to scatter a little chopped fresh parsley over the top — it adds color and a fresh note to cut through the richness. Sometimes I drop a few toothpicks with mini flags or fun toppers for easy grabbing at parties. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is also something I keep on hand for guests who want a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
These bacon-wrapped delights pair perfectly with creamy dips like ranch or honey mustard, crunchy veggie sticks, or a bright coleslaw to balance the sweetness. I’ve also served them alongside baked mac and cheese for a hearty comfort food combo that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging these on a wooden charcuterie board with bowls of assorted mustards and pickles. Using a tiered serving tray adds a touch of elegance but keeps them accessible. You can even skewer three or four together on decorative picks for a fun “bite skewer” that’s perfect for finger food tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready, I gently reheat them in the oven to help bring back some crispiness.
Freezing
I’ve had success freezing cooked Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies by arranging them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon re-crisped. I avoid the microwave because it can make the bacon limp and chewy. If you're in a hurry, reheating in a skillet over medium heat works too.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but it will take longer to crisp up and might overpower the little smokies. Thin-cut bacon wraps more easily and crisps better in the same cooking time. If you prefer thick-cut, you may need to adjust baking time and watch closely for doneness.
Securing each wrapped little smokie with a toothpick through the middle is the best way to keep the bacon from slipping off during baking. Also, wrapping the bacon tightly and starting with cold sausages helps it stick better.
Yes! You can wrap the little smokies in bacon and coat them with brown sugar up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake them just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
Serving these on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing is ideal. Pair them with dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce. You can also offer fresh veggies or pickles on the side to balance richness.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe has been a go-to for every occasion from casual hangouts to holiday celebrations in my home. They’re easy to prep, deliver incredible flavor, and bring people together around the table. I can’t recommend making this snack enough — it’s one of those simple recipes that just makes everything feel a little more festive and delicious. Next time you want to wow your guests (or just treat yourself), give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become part of your favorites too.
Print
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies recipe featuring smoky sausages wrapped in crispy bacon glazed with sweet brown sugar and a touch of black pepper, perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- Freshly grated black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Grease a baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For easier cleanup, you can optionally line the pan with foil.
- Prepare Sausages: Pat the little smokies sausages dry with a paper towel to help the bacon stick better. Then wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon and secure it using a toothpick to hold it in place during baking.
- Coat with Brown Sugar: Pour the brown sugar into a large zip-top bag. Add a few of the bacon-wrapped sausages at a time into the bag and gently shake to evenly coat them with the brown sugar. Remove from the bag and place onto the prepared baking pan. Repeat this process until all sausages are coated and arranged on the pan.
- Season: Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper over the bacon-wrapped sausages to your taste preference.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and cooked through.
- Optional Broil: If you prefer crispier bacon, switch the oven to broil for a few minutes and watch carefully to brown the bacon without burning.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks and enjoy these sweet and savory little smokies warm as a party appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using thin-cut bacon helps ensure it crisps up nicely around the sausages.
- Patting sausages dry before wrapping helps the bacon adhere better and prevents sogginess.
- Be sure to secure each wrap with a toothpick to keep bacon in place during cooking.
- Line the baking pan with foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Monitor closely when broiling to avoid burning the bacon.
- These can also be prepared a little ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
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