If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next party or game day, these Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are it! Sweet, smoky, and perfectly crispy, they’re a finger food that disappears as quickly as you put them out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These little bites are a perfect combination of salty and sweet, with just the right amount of crunch from the bacon. They’re super easy to make, require minimal prep, and only need a handful of ingredients. Whether it’s a holiday appetizer or a casual snack, everyone will be reaching for more.
Ingredients
- Little smokies sausages
- Bacon strips
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Check the full ingredient list with exact measurements below.
Directions
Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Cut each bacon strip into thirds so they’re just the right size to wrap around the smokies.
Wrap the Smokies
Take a piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around a little smoky. Secure the bacon with a toothpick and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Add the Sweet Coating
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped smokies, making sure each one gets a good coating.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the smokies in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. If you want them extra crispy, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the smokies cool slightly before serving—they’ll be hot! Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear in no time.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Thin Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster, making it perfect for this recipe.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place the smokies on the baking sheet with space between each one so they cook evenly.
- Make Ahead: Prep the wrapped smokies and store them in the fridge up to a day in advance. Add the sugar coating just before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a little heat.
- Maple Bacon: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the smokies before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Turkey Smokies: Use turkey little smokies for a lighter option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These little smokies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch. Serve them alongside other party favorites like sliders, veggie trays, or chips and dip for a complete spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
While it’s possible, raw bacon works best as it crisps up while the smokies cook. Pre-cooked bacon may not wrap as snugly.
2. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the wrapped smokies in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. What if I don’t have toothpicks?
You can place the wrapped smokies seam-side down on the baking sheet, but toothpicks make them easier to serve.
4. Can I use cocktail sausages instead of smokies?
Yes, cocktail sausages work just as well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory—all wrapped up in one irresistible bite. Whether it’s a party or just a treat-yourself snack, this recipe is always a winner. Make a batch and watch them fly off the plate!
Print
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the ultimate savory-sweet appetizer. The smoky sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing snack!
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) Little Smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Wrap each Little Smokie with a half slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper to create the glaze.
- Place the bacon-wrapped Little Smokies on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the brown sugar glaze over each wrapped sausage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy bacon, you can broil the sausages for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain the crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg