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Once they’re baked, transfer bacon wrapped little smokies to a slow cooker in the u0022warmu0022 setting. That way, they stay hot and caramelized without overcooking.

Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies

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The savory and sweet combination of brown sugar bacon wrapped lil smokies creates an irresistible appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Easy, sweet, savory, and ready in under an hour.

Bacon wrapped lil smokies with tooth picks on them in a pan.

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Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Making Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies With Brown Sugar
Other Appetizer Recipes To Try
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies

Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

There’s something about these bacon wrapped appetizers that makes them irresistible. The combination of smoky, salty bacon and the rich sweetness of brown sugar creates the ultimate bite-sized treat. If you’ve ever had the joy of biting into one of these, you’ll know just how addictive they are!

It's slightly chewy but also crispy, almost like candied bacon. These bacon wrapped smokies are decadent, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion- I also made a variation with bacon wrapped chicken bites if you want a different option! Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:

Only three simple ingredients
Crowd-pleasing and addictive
Budget-friendly with minimal ingredients
Great balance of sweet, savory, and smoky
Easy to make in bulk and perfect for gatherings

A hand holding up a bacon wrapped sausage on a toothpick.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Cocktail Wienies or Lil Smokies- Use your favorite brand of mini-smoked sausages. Basically, little hot dogs!
Bacon- Regular-cut bacon works best as it crisps up nicely.
Brown Sugar- Light or dark brown sugar both work, but the dark brown sugar adds a richer molasses flavor.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Step 1- Preheat the oven and meat.

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cut the bacon strips into quarters. Each piece should be just long enough to wrap around a cocktail wienie. Take each sausage and wrap it snugly with a piece of bacon, then secure it with a toothpick.

Bacon strips cut into thirds and then a cocktail wienie with bacon wrapped around it and a toothpick through it holding it all together.

Step 2- Coat brown sugar and bake.

This is where the magic happens! Arrange the prepared smokies in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the bacon wrapped lil smokies generously with brown sugar, making sure each piece gets a nice coating.

Pop them into the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly. They should be bubbly, caramelized, and slightly crisp when done.

Once baked, transfer brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies to a serving dish, leaving behind excess grease. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Bacon wrapped smokies on a lined sheet pan with brown sugar on them and then the pan in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them since air fryers cook differently.

What should I do if the bacon isn’t crispy enough?

Pop them under the broiler on high for a minute or two on each side, but keep the pan in on the center rack so the parchment doesn't catch fire and watch closely to avoid burning.

What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?

Once they’re baked, transfer bacon wrapped little smokies to a slow cooker in the "warm" setting. That way, they stay hot and caramelized without overcooking.

A close up image of bacon wrapped lil smokies on a pan.

Tips For Making Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies

Use regular bacon. Avoid thick-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up properly.
Don’t skip the toothpicks! They hold the bacon wrapped lil smokies together and make serving easier.
If you love a little spice, sprinkle on some cayenne pepper before baking. This will give the brown sugar bacon wrapped lil smokies an extra kick!
Keep them warm- Transfer bacon wrapped little smokies to a slow cooker in the "warm" setting.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Cut the bacon and assemble the smokies the night before baking. You can totally do this the night before.
Leftovers and storage- Store brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

Lil smokies wrapped in bacon on a baking sheet.

What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies With Brown Sugar

If you’re hosting a gathering, planning a well-rounded spread, or just craving variety, the right sides can take these sausages to the next level. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more elaborate meal, these pairings will enhance the flavors and make your brown sugar bacon wrapped lil smokies even more irresistible:

Other Appetizer Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!