Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
These little smokies wrapped in bacon have been one of my favorite appetizers ever since I was a kid! Smoked sausages wrapped in crispy bacon smothered in sticky brown sugar. An easy recipe for parties!
Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
When my mom first gave me the recipe it was nothing more than a few vague directions on a slip of paper.
There are only three ingredients to these addictive appetizers, but the first time I made them on my own they didn't taste as good as hers always do.
So I went back and asked for her secrets and I'm sharing them with you for the BEST bacon wrapped little smokies with brown sugar ever!
Start with cutting bacon into thirds. If you leave the strips any longer they will never crisp up.
There may be a few pieces of bacon left over. That's ok!
Cook it up and save it to add to an omelet in the morning or use it in another appetizer like Bacon Goat Cheese Log or Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip.
How to Make Little Smokies with Brown Sugar
Wrap one piece of bacon around one little smokie and place in pan. No need to secure with a toothpick, just place it seam down.
The pan you use makes a big difference. I asked my mom how she did it and she said she uses a glass baking dish, not a foil lined baking sheet.
To clean up after, she fills the pan with hot tap water and lets it sit for a few minutes. The caramelized sugar dissolves away.
After all the sausages have been wrapped in bacon, sprinkle with the brown sugar.
A smaller pan works well for this so the sugar ends up on top of the sausages and not in between cracks and rows.
After adding the sugar, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. They can be cooked right away if you wish, but they come out 10 times better if you wait!
This was my mom's #1 tip. Letting them marinate makes all the difference in flavor.
How long do you cook bacon wrapped smokies?
When ready to bake, remember to uncover the pan. Start checking after 40 minutes. You'll know they're done when the bacon is crispy and the sugar is melted and caramelized.
Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Nothing beats sticky sweet and savory little smokies wrapped in bacon with brown sugar. Make this easy appetizer for your next party!
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon (not thick sliced)
- 1 package (14 oz) little smoked sausages
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into thirds.
- Tightly wrap one piece of bacon around one little smokie. Place seam down in a glass 13x9 dish. Repeat with remaining little smokies.
- Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. There should be a thin layer over all the little smokies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover little smokies and bake for 40-50 minutes. Bacon should be crispy and sugar deeply caramelized.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 4 piecesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 297
This yummy recipe first appeared on Amanda's Cookin' as a guest contribution by Kitchen Gidget.
I took these to my daughters 5th grade Friendsgiving. I received texts from multiple parents asking me for the recipe! My kids get so excited when I make these during the holidays!
Have you ever tried wrapping anything inside the bacon like a strip of jalapeño or chunk of water chestnut? I’m wondering if it would withstand the heat.
I feel like a jalapeño would melt, but still add great flavor. I'm not sure how a water chestnut would hold up. If you try it please let us know!
@Carissa,
I’ve done water chestnuts and they are great!
Water chestnuts are excellent. I just have a hard time finding whole chestnuts. Looking forward to making with the little smokies!!
@Rebekah, I use whole water chestnuts. Wrap in bacon and secure with a toothpick, mix ketchup with some brown sugar and drop a spoonful on top. Bake at 350 for 45 min to an hour.
I put in crockpot after cooking 😊
Good to know!
I always cook them on parchment paper, first time I made them I had to throw the pan away. Always a big hit! Taking to tailgate today!
GO BUCKEYES beat Notre Dame!
These look delicious...does it matter if you use dark or light brown sugar?
No both will work. The dark will have a stronger molasses flavor.
Can you freeze them after they are assembled and b4 baking them
I've never frozen them, but if you try it please let us know how it turns out!
I've made these several times and they are so easy and so delicious!! Making them tomorrow for Easter!
Made these for Christmas they were a hit!! Everyone loved them. I baked them on aluminum foil and it was a quick clean up as well ( my idea of a perfect finger food)
Do you grease or butter the bottom of the glass baking dish?
No I don't.
Made this many times. Toothpicks make for quick grabs at potlucks.
Great, easy and delicious
I have e made these several time, never any left. The first was for a church brunch 😊😊. Holy moldy did they disappear in a hurry. They are a favorite with my family as well 🤪🤪🤪
I did make them and the taste was good, but, only the top half of the bacon was crisp. The bottom was sitting in the drippings and never got crisp. Do you pour off the grease during baking?
No, the bottom usually gets crispy too since they're "frying" in the drippings.
I am anxious to try this recipe but have checked 2 supermarkets and cant find the little smokies sausage, any idea where to buy them?
Hi Joanne, I've seen them in nearly every grocery store by the hotdog section. I usually get mine from Walmart.
@Rebekah, I found em in dollar store!! ( my grocery store was closed)
These were the hit of the party. Delicious and soooo easy to make.