There’s a sizzle, then the sweet-salty smell hitsbrown sugar melting into bacon as it crisps around tender little sausages. These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies are pure crave-mode and pretty much disappear at any party. They’re the kind of appetizer that gets piled onto paper plates faster than you can reload the tray.
They’re simple: just smoky cocktail sausages, thin-sliced bacon, and brown sugar. That’s it. Bake them low so the sugar caramelizes and the edges get sticky in all the right ways. It’s like candy meets campfire. You can prep them ahead, freeze ‘em, or pop a fresh batch in the oven right before kickofffootball food appetizers don’t get easier than this.
I first made these for a game day back in 2015Cowboys versus Packers, chilly air, warm kitchen. When I pulled the tray out, someone actually clapped. Learned quick: cut the bacon short so it doesn’t unwrap while baking. Been showing that trick in tutorials ever since. After years in the test kitchen, this smokies recipe is one of those set-it-and-go crowd-pleasers I always come back to.
Thomas Baker
Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies: Irresistible Football Food
These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies are the perfect football food that everyone will love. Featuring little smokies with bacon brown sugar coating, this recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar and the smoky flavor of bacon for a delicious appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving a tasty snack, these brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies are sure to be a hit.
Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
Dry the little smokies thoroughly using paper towels after removing them from their packaging.
Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around each smokie, then fasten it securely with a toothpick through the center.
Combine the brown sugar and chili pepper in a large resealable plastic bag.
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies into the bag, seal it, and shake gently until each smokie is well coated with the sugar mixture.
Arrange the coated smokies evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
Serve these sweet and savory smokies immediately, paired with barbecue sauce or your favorite honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
You can use beef, pork or turkey smokies instead of the traditional ones for a different flavor. For a little heat, ground chipotle pepper works great but you can swap it with ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper or dark chili powder according to your preference. Maple flavored bacon adds extra depth, but classic smoked bacon works well too. To make cleanup easier, line the baking pan with foil sprayed with cooking spray. These smokies are fantastic when served with barbecue sauce, hot honey, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey mustard as dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
These bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies are the ultimate show-stopping appetizer, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Here’s why they’re always a favorite:
Nostalgic and Indulgent: That perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and a touch of spice offers a warm, comforting flavor that everyone adores.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for football appetizers, Super Bowl parties, or any casual get-togetherwatch these irresistible bites disappear quickly!
Beginner-Friendly: With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and no special tools required, anyone can master this simple recipe.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, offer various dipping sauces, or even try different types of smokies to personalize your dish.
Key Ingredients and Tools
This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in creating its delicious flavor:
‘Lil Smokies: These bite-sized cocktail sausages provide the foundational smoky flavor and tender texture.
Maple Bacon: Cut into thirds, the maple bacon wraps snugly around each smokie, infusing it with rich, savory-sweet flavor as it bakes.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar melts beautifully, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats the bacon.
Ground Chipotle or Ancho Chili Pepper: An optional touch of chili pepper adds a subtle warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Optional Barbecue Sauce: While fantastic on their own, a side of barbecue sauce makes an excellent dipping option.
Tools you’ll need: Toothpicks (to secure the bacon), a sturdy baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and a gallon-sized bag for coating the smokies in sugar.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
Let’s prepare these delicious appetizers step by step:
Prep Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for hassle-free cleanup.
Wrap the Smokies: Take each ‘lil smokie and wrap it tightly with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the middle of the wrapped smokie.
Coat in Sweetness: In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine the brown sugar and chili powder (if you’re using it). Add the bacon-wrapped smokies, seal the bag, and gently shake to ensure they are evenly coated.
Bake and Enjoy: Arrange the coated smokies in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and caramelized.
Pro Tip:
For the best results, cut your bacon into thirds before wrapping. This helps the bacon stay snug and prevents it from unraveling during baking!
Serving and Storing Your Smokies
Once baked, these smokies are best served warm, fresh from the oven. Here’s how to savor and store them:
Serving: Present them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, or honey mustard, for a delightful trio. They’re perfect as finger food for Super Bowl parties or festive holiday gatherings.
Storage: Any rare leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To restore their crispy, melty goodness, warm them up in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
Ingredient and Timing Summary
Ingredient
Quantity
Purpose
‘Lil smokies cocktail links
1 package (14 oz)
Main savory flavor
Maple-flavored bacon
1 lb (cut into thirds)
Wrapping + flavor
Light brown sugar
3/4 cup
Candy-like caramelization
Ground chipotle pepper
1/2 tsp
Optional heat
Barbecue sauce
As needed
Dipping sauce
Expert Says
Wrapping ‘lil smokies in bacon with brown sugar creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. The brown sugar caramelizes during cooking, deepening the taste, while the bacon’s fat keeps the sausages moist and tender. This technique also develops a wonderfully crispy exterior, adding a satisfying texture to every bite of these bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Perfecting Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
After several rounds of tweaking, this bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies recipe finally hit the mark. Early attempts taught me the perfect balance of crispy bacon and caramelized sweetnesstoo much sugar and it burned, too little and the flavor fell flat. Today’s version is the delicious sum of those tasty lessons, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends at any gathering.
FAQs ( Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies )
How long do I cook bacon wrapped smokies for the best result?
For tender, caramelized bacon wrapped smokies, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Turn halfway through for even cooking. This ensures the bacon crisps up without burning and the brown sugar melts to form a delicious glaze.
What’s the best way to wrap the smokies with bacon?
Use half slices of bacon to wrap each little smokie tightly, securing with a toothpick if needed. Wrapping snugly helps the bacon stay in place as it crisps. Also, sprinkle brown sugar over the wrapped smokies before baking to enhance flavor and achieve caramelization.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these smokies a few hours ahead and refrigerate them unbaked. Keep them covered and bake just before serving to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, bake and reheat gently in the oven to keep the bacon from becoming soggy.
What side dishes pair well with the dish?
This meal pairs perfectly with fresh veggie trays, creamy dips, or simple macaroni salad. Serving alongside football food appetizers like chips or a crisp coleslaw complements the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit for any casual gathering.
Can I use other types of sausages or bacon?
Absolutely, mini sausages similar in size will work fine. For bacon, regular cut is best to get crispy results, but turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure bacon crisps without overcooking the sausages.
Conclusion
These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies come together in under an hour, filling your kitchen with an irresistible caramelized, smoky aroma. You’ll love how the crisp bacon perfectly complements the tender smokiesa simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer every time.
For a little extra zing, try swapping the chipotle for smoked paprika, or serve them with a drizzle of spicy mustard on the side. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a low ovena secret I’ve learned from countless football gatheringskeeping that crave-worthy crisp. Easy, tasty, and endlessly adaptable!
I’d love to see your creations or hear if these remind you of any favorite game day treats from your own kitchen. Snap a photo, share your story, and save this recipe for all your upcoming cozy get-togethers. Happy cooking, friendsit’s truly the kind of comfort food that feels like home.
