Feast your eyes on this irresistible recipe for sweet and salty bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies. Crispy bacon wrapped around cocktail sausages and glazed with brown sugar makes a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies Ingredients
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound Lil Smokies cocktail sausages (about 44 smokies)
- 1 pound smoked bacon, sliced into thirds
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar, packed (divide into 1 cup and ¼ cup)
Pro tip:
Avoid thick-cut bacon; it takes much longer to crisp. Use regular sliced bacon for best results.
Substitutions and additions
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar works as a substitute if you prefer a deeper molasses flavor. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the brown sugar for a subtle kick.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
Chef’s note:
These are party favorites—consider doubling the recipe so every guest can enjoy one (or more).
Step One: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Step Two: Wrap each Lil Smokie in a third-slice of bacon. Arrange the wrapped smokies in a single layer in the prepared pan.
Step Three: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped smokies.
Step Four: Tightly cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate. For deeper flavor, marinate 2 hours or overnight.
Pro tip:
Longer marinating time lets the brown sugar and bacon flavors meld with the smokies.
Step Five: Preheat the oven to 375°F just before removing the dish from the fridge.
Step Six: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar over the smokies right before baking.
How long to cook Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Step Seven: Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized.
Pro tip:
Ovens vary—keep an eye on the smokies during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Adjust times slightly as needed.
Step Eight: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the glaze sets and the sausages are easier to pick up.
How to serve Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
These bacon-wrapped smokies are an easy, irresistible appetizer. Serve them warm on a platter with toothpicks or small skewers for guests to grab. They pair well with other finger foods, a cheese board, or a simple dipping sauce such as mustard, barbecue sauce, or a maple Dijon blend. They also travel well in a warming tray or slow cooker set on low for party service.
More bacon ideas:
Try pairing these smokies with oven-baked bacon or bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers for a varied appetizer spread.
How to Store Bacon Wrapped Smokies
In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to help the bacon regain some crispness.
In the freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Will Be the Best Addition to Any Gathering
With only three main ingredients and minimal prep, these bacon-wrapped smokies deliver maximum flavor. The contrast of salty, crispy bacon and sweet caramelized brown sugar over juicy cocktail sausages makes them a guaranteed hit. They’re quick to assemble, easy to bake, and simple to serve—ideal for hosts who want a fuss-free, delicious appetizer.
Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies FAQs
Yes. Lil’ Smokies are fully cooked; this recipe merely heats and caramelizes them with the bacon and sugar.
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Yes. This appetizer works well with most smoked cocktail sausages or cocktail wieners.
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the covered dish for up to a day before baking.
Serve them with dipping sauces, other appetizers, a cheese platter, or alongside savory bites for a balanced spread.
Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 55 minutes (including marinating)
Servings: 44
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lil Smokies cocktail sausages (about 44)
- 1 pound smoked bacon, sliced into thirds
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar, packed (divide into 1 cup and ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Wrap each Lil Smokie with a third-slice of bacon and place seam-side down in a single layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar evenly over the smokies.
- Tightly cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate (2 hours to overnight is fine).
- Preheat the oven to 375°F just before baking.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar over the smokies.
- Bake 25 minutes at 375°F, then increase heat to 400°F and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bacon is crisp and sugar is caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not use thick-cut bacon; it won’t crisp well in this timeframe.
- These are ideal for parties—double the recipe if needed.
- Monitor oven temperatures; adjust cooking time as required for your oven.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 98 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Sugar: 6 g
Find more recipes on social channels
Follow food creators and recipe collections for inspiration.
