Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re smoky, salty, sweet, and a little sticky—the kind of finger food you can’t stop reaching for. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or holiday parties, they take just a few ingredients and come together quickly.

These little bites have been the star of more than one family gathering in my house. I first tried them at a holiday potluck, where the plate disappeared before half the guests even made it through the door. The smell of sizzling bacon wrapped around smoky sausages, caramelized with sweet brown sugar, was enough to keep everyone hovering near the oven. Now, they’re a go-to recipe whenever I need something easy but irresistible—because no matter how many I make, there are never any leftovers.

Recipe Info

Cuisine: American Party Appetizer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Servings: 12 (about 36 pieces)
Calories: ~220 per serving (3 pieces)

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) bacon (regular cut, not thick)
1 (14 oz / 400 g) package cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (for crispier bacon).

Step 2 – Wrap the Smokies
Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Step 3 – Coat with Sugar
Roll the bacon-wrapped smokies in brown sugar, pressing gently so it sticks. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until bacon is crispy and sugar is caramelized. For extra caramelization, sprinkle more sugar over the top halfway through baking.

Step 5 – Serve
Serve warm right from the tray or transfer to a platter.

Pro Tips

Use a wire rack to keep the bacon crispy and let the fat drip down.
Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-spicy kick.
Double the batch—these disappear fast at parties!

Ingredient Substitutions

Little Smokies: Swap for mini hot dogs or small sausage chunks.
Brown Sugar: Try maple syrup or honey glaze for a different sweetness.
Bacon: Turkey bacon can work, but won’t caramelize as well.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Not ideal for freezing—the bacon loses its crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with toothpicks for parties.
Serve with BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy mustard for dipping.
Add to a holiday appetizer spread alongside cheese and crackers.

Cultural Context

This appetizer is a staple at American gatherings, especially during the holiday season and Super Bowl parties. Its roots are in the long-standing tradition of combining sweet and savory flavors in Southern cooking, and it’s gained popularity nationwide for being both indulgent and incredibly easy to make.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to cooking time.

Q: Can I cook them in a slow cooker?
A: Yes—after baking, keep them warm in a slow cooker on LOW for serving at parties.

Q: How do I keep the bacon crispy?
A: Use a wire rack while baking and avoid overcrowding the tray.

Q: Can I make them spicy?
A: Absolutely—add cayenne, chili flakes, or brush with hot sauce before baking.