Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages; 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Freshly grated black pepper, to taste

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.

The image shows many small sausage bites wrapped tightly in cooked bacon, arranged closely together in neat rows. Each sausage is wrapped in a strip of bacon that is browned and crispy on the outside, with a slightly rough texture from the cooked meat. Toothpicks stick out from each piece, holding the bacon in place. The sausages inside are red and shiny, contrasting with the golden-brown bacon. A glistening layer of oil coats the bites, making them look shiny and juicy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of fresh little smokies sausages, several slices of thin-cut raw bacon, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

The image shows three bacon-wrapped sausages on a small round white plate with a brown rim. Each sausage is tightly wrapped in a golden-brown crispy bacon layer, with some parts showing a slightly darker red-brown cooked bacon texture. There are small crunchy crumbs sprinkled on top of the bacon. In the background, there is a larger white plate filled with more bacon-wrapped sausages, all placed on a white marbled surface along with some wooden toothpicks scattered nearby. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked bacon textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

bacon wrapped little smokies - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?

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.

How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

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.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

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.

What’s the best way to serve Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies at a party?

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.