If you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to wow your guests, then Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar is the perfect dish! This tasty treat combines the smoky bacon flavor with sweet brown sugar for a scrumptious combination that will make everyone want more!
When guests are coming over, an easy appetizer recipe is always something good to have on hand. This easy recipe for bacon-wrapped smokies with brown sugar is a favorite among many because it's versatile, easy to make, and delicious!
Little smokies are small smoked sausages that can be found in the canned meat aisle of your local grocery store. They come precooked and ready to eat, making them a great addition to any meal.
They can easily be turned into an appetizer with the addition of bacon and brown sugar, which gives them a sweet and smoky flavor. Simply wrap the sausages in bacon, top with brown sugar, and bake until the bacon is crispy and the sugar is caramelized.
This appetizer is great for many occasions, including game day parties, holiday gatherings, and potlucks. It's even a fun snack for movie night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The entire recipe is made with just four budget-friendly ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- No need for any special cooking skills to make them. Simply wrap, sprinkle, and bake to perfection.
- This finger food is easy to serve and has a great balance of sweet and smoky flavors that are sure to please any crowd.
- Make them from start to finish in just one hour!
For more easy appetizer recipes, try our Crock Pot Little Smokies, or these yummy Ham and Cheese Roll ups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon - You'll need one pound of bacon to make this recipe. Each piece gets cut into thirds to fit the small sausages.
- Little Smokies - You can find these sausages where you would find hot dogs at the grocery store. You can also use canned sausage.
- Brown Sugar - Caramelizes on top of the bacon to add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
- Black Pepper - Gives this appetizer a hint of peppery spice.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies With Brown Sugar
Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350° and spray a 13x9 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Then set aside.
Wrap the sausage: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Then wrap each sausage tightly with the bacon and lay the seam side down on the prepared baking dish.
Add the sugar and pepper: Mix the brown sugar and black pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl until combined. Evenly distribute the mixture on top of each bacon-wrapped sausage.
Bake until crispy: Bake for 40-45 or until the bacon is crisp and the brown sugar has caramelized and created a sticky sauce. Remove and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- When choosing bacon for this recipe, do not choose thick-cut bacon, as it will take longer to cook.
- If you can't find little smokies in your local grocery store, try looking for canned sausage. It is a similar product and works just as well!
- Place the bacon seam-side down in the baking dish to ensure that it stays on the sausage, as it will shrink as it cooks.
- The time it takes to make the bacon crispy will depend on the type of bacon you use and how hot your oven is. Generally, this can be accomplished in 40-45 minutes.
Variations
- For a lighter version of this appetizer, use turkey sausages and turkey bacon.
- To make this recipe low-carb, use a low-carb granulated sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit.
- If you can't find small sausages, you can make this recipe using full-sized hot dogs. Just cut them into thirds and follow the recipe as directed.
Seasoning Ideas
Brown sugar and black pepper is a great flavor combination for little smokies! You can also use:
- Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick of heat.
- Honey for an extra sweet and sticky coating.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano for a classic smoked flavor.
- Cajun seasoning for a bold and spicy flavor.
- Italian herbs for an Italian-style flavor.
Storage
Storing: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This appetizer can be frozen before or after baking. Freeze the bacon-wrapped smokies on a sheet tray before baking, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 350° oven until bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQ
Yes, bacon-wrapped smokies can be made ahead of time. To make them ahead, follow the recipe as directed up to baking. Then cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Generally, little smokies come already cooked, so they do not need to be cooked. However, you can double-check the instructions on the package and cook them if necessary.
Yes, you can make these bacon-wrapped smokies in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and then cook for 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized. Enjoy!
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SHARE IT & RATE IT
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Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon (cut into thirds)
- 16 oz package of little smokies (or small cooked sausages)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and spray a 13x9 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Then set aside.
- Cut bacon into thirds lengthwise. Then, tightly wrap each little smokie with one piece of bacon. Lay the wrapped sausages with the seam of the bacon down in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, add brown sugar and black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Evenly pour the mixture over all the little smokies.
- Bake for 40-45 or until the bacon is crisp and the brown sugar has caramelized and created a sauce.
Notes
- To make serving easier, place toothpicks in each bacon-wrapped little smokie.
- To make ahead, follow steps up to #3. Then, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up 48 hours in advance. When ready, bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
- For extra flavor after baking. Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 or until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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