Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Party Bite!

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a recipe that will have everyone begging for more? Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies. If there’s one appetizer that consistently steals the show at every gathering, it’s these sticky, sweet, and perfectly savory bites. They’re outrageously simple to make, yet they taste like a million bucks. Trust me, once you bring these out, they’ll vanish faster than you can say “more bacon!”

Growing up, my grandma always had some kind of irresistible little snack for family get-togethers. While her sausage balls were legendary, these Bacon Wrapped Appetizers hold a special place in my heart for their sheer crowd-pleasing power. The combination of salty bacon, smoky sausage, and that glistening, caramelized brown sugar glaze is pure magic. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that makes every bite an absolute delight. So, let’s get cooking and make some memories!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, but they come together to create something truly spectacular. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (16 oz) package little smokies (cocktail sausages), drained
• 1 lb thin-cut bacon (about 12-14 strips)
• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little kick
• Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey for extra glaze

How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Get ready for the easiest appetizer assembly ever! Follow these steps to create your irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This helps the bacon crisp evenly.
2. Cut the Bacon: Lay your bacon strips flat and cut each strip into thirds. You should get about 3 pieces from each strip, perfect for wrapping the little smokies.
3. Wrap ’em Up: Take one little smokie and wrap a piece of bacon snugly around its middle. Secure the bacon with a wooden toothpick, piercing through the bacon and the smokie.
4. Arrange: Place the wrapped smokies seam-side down on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Sweeten the Deal: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar (and cayenne pepper, if using). Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over all the bacon-wrapped smokies. If you’re adding maple syrup, you can drizzle it over the brown sugar now.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has melted into a beautiful, sticky glaze. If desired, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end for extra crispiness, but watch them very carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Carefully remove from the oven. Let them cool slightly on the rack for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. The glaze will be hot and sticky! Serve warm and watch them disappear! These delightful Bacon Wrapped Appetizers are best enjoyed fresh.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While perfect as is, there are always ways to put your own spin on these delightful bites!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet-and-spicy sensation.
Maple Glaze: For an even stickier, sweeter finish, brush them with a little extra maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Herbaceous Touch: A sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme with the brown sugar can add a savory depth.
Cheese Please: Wrap a tiny piece of cheddar or cream cheese inside the bacon with the smokie before securing.
Serving Suggestions: These are fantastic on their own for any party, game day, or holiday gathering. They pair wonderfully with other finger foods like mini quiches, veggie platters, or even a cheese board. For a brunch, they’re an absolute star!

Reader Reviews

Curious what others think? Here’s what our amazing community has to say about these Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies!

• Samantha R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are an absolute staple at my holiday parties now! So easy to make and they’re always the first thing to go. The sweet and salty combination is just perfect. Five stars!”
• Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My wife made these for a potluck and everyone raved about them. I loved them so much I asked her for the recipe. They taste gourmet but are incredibly simple. Highly recommend!”
• Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was skeptical about wrapping bacon around little sausages, but the brown sugar transforms them! They’re sticky, crispy, and perfectly addictive. Made them with a touch of cayenne and it was heavenly. A new favorite!”

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these incredible bacon-wrapped delights!

• Can I make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best results.
• What kind of bacon works best? Thin-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps up nicely and wraps easily. Thick-cut bacon might take longer to cook and crisp.
• How do I prevent them from getting soggy? Using a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet allows air to circulate around the smokies, helping the bacon crisp up and the glaze to caramelize without becoming soggy.
• Can I cook these on the grill? Absolutely! Place them on a foil-lined grill pan or directly on clean grill grates over medium-low heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is crispy and sugar is melted, about 15-20 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies! These are more than just an appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and quite frankly, a little bite of heaven. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just craving something irresistibly delicious, these Bacon Wrapped Appetizers are your answer. Give them a try, and prepare for endless compliments! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your culinary adventures!

Recipe Note: The glaze will be very hot and sticky when it comes out of the oven. Allow the smokies to cool for a few minutes before handling and serving. Enjoy!