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Bacon Wrapped Smokies are sweet, salty, and caramelized from the brown sugar. Each bite is wrapped in a crispy piece of bacon, which always makes the kind of appetizer that disappears before you even set the platter down.
“Bacon wrapped lil smokies, baked in a sugar coating. This is the perfect, simple appetizer for any party!”
-Becky
If you want something effortless but unforgettable for parties or holidays, these sweet smokies will become your go to recipe that never fails you. Serve them out of the oven as they are, or brush with your favorite bbq sauce before serving, making them even better.
For more simple entertaining ideas, my party guests love these Fruit Skewers, Grape Jelly Meatballs, Berry Caprese Salad, or Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Don’t forget to include some of these cocktails and mocktails for your party too!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Lil Smokies – One package of classic cocktail sausages for the base.
- Bacon – One package of bacon cut into thirds so each strip wraps perfectly around a single smoky.
- Brown sugar – Adds that caramelized sweetness that makes these irresistible.
- Paprika – Adds warmth and depth.
- Optional heat – A little cayenne pepper or chili powder for those who like a touch of spice.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Variations
Sweet and Spicy: This recipe has bacon cooked like my Millionaire Bacon recipe and is delicious! And just like that recipe if you want a little heat, add a small pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the brown sugar mixture.
Maple Glazed: Brush each smoky lightly with maple syrup before baking for a richer caramelized finish.
Peppered Bacon Smokies: Add a generous sprinkle of cracked black pepper before baking for a bold savory twist.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees f, and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each piece tightly around a smoky. Arrange the wrapped smokies seam side down, in a single layer, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix brown sugar with paprika and optional cayenne or chili powder. Sprinkle generously over the top. You can also roll each piece for an even coating.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is fully cooked and the sugar has melted into a golden caramel glaze. (If using thick-cut bacon, cook time may need to be adjusted by adding a few extra minutes.)
- Optional: Brush with BBQ sauce before serving. Serve warm on toothpicks for easy appetizer, or plated.
Expert Tips
Use parchment paper or foil: It keeps the sugar caramel from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cut bacon evenly: Consistent pieces wrap better and cook more evenly.
Do not skimp on sugar: Brown sugar melts into a glossy coating that makes these irresistible.
Add heat carefully: A tiny pinch goes a long way. Adjust based on taste.
Bake until deeply golden: More caramelization creates richer flavor and better texture.
Troubleshooting Your Bacon Wrapped Smokies
My bacon is not crisp enough: Bake a little longer or broil briefly while watching closely.
The sugar is burning: Lower the oven temperature slightly or move the pan up one rack.
The bacon is unraveling: Place each smoky seam side down or secure with a toothpick.
The smokies are sticking to the pan: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removal (and clean up) easy.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies FAQs
Yes. You can assemble them ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the brown sugar mixture right before baking so it caramelizes properly.
Yes. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen and add a little extra time.
You can, but turkey bacon does not crisp or caramelize the same way. The texture will be different.
Warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave because it softens the bacon.
Yes. Just use multiple baking sheets and rotate them as needed so everything cooks evenly.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Appetizers
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Appetizers
Dipped Strawberries
Sauce Recipes
Homemade Gravy
Holidays
Halloween Bark
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 package Little Smokies
- 1 package bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional: cayenne or chili powder or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees f, and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy clean up.
- Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each piece tightly around a smoky. Arrange the wrapped smokies seam side down, in a single layer, on the prepared baking sheet
- Mix brown sugar with paprika and optional cayenne or chili powder. Sprinkle generously over the top. You can also roll each piece for an even coating.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is fully cooked and the sugar has melted into a golden caramel glaze. (If using thick-cut bacon, cook time may need to be adjusted by adding a few extra minutes.)
- Serve warm and enjoy how fast they disappear.
Notes
Cut bacon evenly: Consistent pieces wrap better and cook more evenly.
Do not skimp on sugar: Brown sugar melts into a glossy coating that makes these irresistible.
Add heat carefully: A tiny pinch goes a long way. Adjust based on taste.
Bake until deeply golden: More caramelization creates richer flavor and better texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are delicious, I ate all of them, so so good and an easy recipe to follow
Super fast and easy appetizer that is perfect for the holidays or any party!