Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer, made with just three ingredients! Crispy bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and juicy smoky sausages create a bite-sized snack that’s perfect for game days, parties, and holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients – simple and quick to make
• Sweet, smoky, and savory – the perfect flavor combination
• Great for parties – easy to make in batches
• Crispy bacon caramelization – thanks to the brown sugar coating
• Gluten-free – naturally without any modifications

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (16 oz) package Little Smokies sausages
• 1 lb thin-cut bacon (sliced into thirds)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• Black pepper (optional, for added spice)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Wrap the Smokies in Bacon

• Cut each bacon strip into thirds.
• Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.

3. Coat with Brown Sugar

• Roll each bacon-wrapped Smokie in brown sugar, ensuring an even coating.
• Place on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.

4. Bake Until Crispy

• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and caramelized.
• Optionally, sprinkle with black pepper for a touch of spice.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Let cool slightly before serving.
• Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the brown sugar.
• Maple Glazed: Drizzle with maple syrup before baking.
• BBQ Twist: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Cheesy Smokies: Sprinkle with grated cheddar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use thick-cut bacon?

Thin-cut bacon works best, as it crisp up faster. Thick-cut takes longer to cook.

2. How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake on a wire rack so the bacon crisps on all sides.

3. Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate overnight before baking.

4. Do I need to use toothpicks?

Not necessarily! Just place them seam-side down to keep the bacon in place.

5. Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon works but won’t crisp as much as regular bacon.

6. How do I keep them warm for serving?

Keep them in a slow cooker on warm or a low-temperature oven.

7. Can I add other seasonings?

Yes! Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.

8. Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Bake and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.

9. What’s the best dipping sauce?

Try BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or sriracha mayo.

10. Can I make them without sugar?

Yes! Substitute brown sugar with sugar-free sweetener or leave it off for a savory-only version.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are an irresistible, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Try them for your next party, game night, or holiday gathering!

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