Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
Bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar is a classic party food and easy appetizer. With only 3 ingredients and minimal prep this baked snack is great for game days and holidays.
Party Food
It’s that time of year for lots of parties. And with lots of parties, comes lots of appetizers.
Appetizers, spreads, and dips are great for sharing. These bacon wrapped little smokies are a crowd favorite and a family tradition for the holidays.
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Looking for more holiday appetizers? You might like my green onion cheese ball, cranberry salsa with cream cheese, Pillsbury brie bites, and deviled eggs.
Little Smokies Recipe
Cocktail smokies are a classic appetizer because they are the perfect single-serving size. Making them easy to simmer in sauce like my crockpot little smokies or wrap in bacon and brown sugar like this little smokies recipe.
These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies are a family-favorite snack come Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
They are simple to make and taste great. The addition of the brown sugar gives these bacon wrapped cocktail weenies a caramelized sweet topping. It’s basically meat candy. So delicious!
If you like sweet and savory combinations, then this appetizer is for you.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Smokies
For this easy appetizer you will need only three ingredients:
- Little Smokies – I use Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, but any pre-cooked Cocktail Wieners/Mini Sausages will work. There are many varieties. Beef, Pork and Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar etc. Pick your favorite.
- Bacon – Regular, not thick cut. Center cut bacon will have more meat, if you don’t like it to be super fatty.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes the outside.
How to Assemble
To make bacon wrapped smokies:
- Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap bacon around the little smokies and place them seam side down onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place a toothpick through the tops for easy serving.
- Sprinkle and press brown sugar onto the outside of the bacon wrapped smokies.
- Bake at 375˚F for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and browned. May broil the last 3-5 minutes to help crisp it up. Serve hot.
It’s hard to eat just one. I dare you! Just make these and watch how fast they disappear. Delicious!
To Make Ahead
To make these ahead of time, wrap the lil smokies in bacon, insert the toothpicks, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight. Add the brown sugar just before baking.
Technically you can add the sugar when assembling these a day ahead of time, but the sugar will dissolve into the bacon and become juicy, or look melted. However, they will bake up the same.
Serving and Storing
Serve this appetizer fresh from the oven. If not consuming immediately, place the brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies in a crockpot with a lid on the warm setting for up to 2 hours.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Nuke leftovers thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 165˚F).
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap bacon around the little smokies and place them seam side down onto a heavy duty foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place a toothpick through the tops for easy serving.
- Sprinkle and press brown sugar onto the outside of the bacon wrapped smokies.
- Bake at 375˚F for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and browned. May broil the last 3-5 minutes to help crisp it up. Serve hot.
Notes
- May keep smokies in a crockpot on warm for up to 2 hours if not consuming immediately.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Nuke leftovers thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 165˚F).
Nutrition
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Originally published 12/22/13. Updated 11/19/21.
I would like to make these for the game tonight. But I would need to take them there. Any suggestions for travel and keeping them warm?
These are a fav with friends and family – we call them “crack dogs” – they are that good. I also like to precook them to just under done and then just before serving heat them up. That way the bacon gets crispier.
Great tip! I love it when the bacon gets nice & crispy!
I had these at a party once, and loved them! Now I can make them myself!! 🙂
I’m getting ready to make these right now! They look so good!!
We love these! Do them every year for new years! Great pictures!
Mmm, this looks like the perfect appetizer for a holiday party? But I’m with yvonne, can I have some right now for breakfast?!
I don’t know where my comment went… so hopefully I don’t duplicate and have two! I said… these look so yummy I want some right now! Bacon is a breakfast food right?! Love your pictures!