Brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies are a baked appetizer many of us make often and love to bring to parties, and for good reason.
They’re sweet, savory, and a little sticky, and they disappear fast once they hit the table.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this bacon wrapped lil smokies recipe. It works any time of year and is especially great during colder months since it’s baked in the oven.
The recipe also doubles easily, making it ideal for parties, game day gatherings, and holiday events.
If you enjoyed our slow cooker lil smokies or British-style pigs in a blanket, these are very similar but finished with brown sugar for extra flavor and crisp edges.
The best part…
- Baked in the oven, no stovetop mess
- Sweet and savory flavor that works for all ages
- Easy to prep ahead for parties
- Uses pantry spices with no complicated steps
Ingredients
- Little smokies: The base of the recipe, bite-sized and easy to serve
- Bacon: Thin sliced bacon wraps best and crisps evenly
- Brown sugar: Creates the caramelized coating during baking
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering
- Paprika: Brings mild warmth and color
- Black pepper: Balances the sweetness
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
How to make bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper until combined.
Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped smokies.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each smokie and sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized.
Serve with
- Vegetable trays with ranch or honey mustard
- Cheese boards with crackers and fruit
- Deviled eggs or jalapeño poppers
- Party dips like queso or spinach dip
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or in the air fryer until warmed through and slightly crisp again.
Helpful Tips
- Use thin sliced bacon for better wrapping and even cooking
- Space the smokies slightly apart so the bacon crisps instead of steaming.
- Line the pan well, the sugar can get sticky as it bakes
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving, the coating firms up as it cools.
FAQs
Yes, but it helps to partially cook it first until just flexible. Thick bacon takes longer to crisp.
They are similar to British-style pigs in a blanket, but this version uses little smokies and a brown sugar coating instead of breakfast sausages and maple syrup.
You can wrap the smokies and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Yes. Brush with barbecue sauce after in the last couple minutes of baking.
Brown sugar bacon wrapped lil smokies are a baked appetizer that checks all the boxes. Easy prep, bold flavor, and dependable results make them a favorite for gatherings big or small.
this bacon wrapped lil smokies recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Happy cooking!
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Sweet & savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Equipment
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds)
- 1 lb little smokies
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each smokie and secure with a toothpick. Arrange seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle about half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped smokies.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then turn each smokie over. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized.
Notes
- Thin sliced bacon works best for even cooking and crisp results. If using thick cut bacon, lightly cook it first until just flexible before wrapping.
- For extra flavor, brush the cooked smokies with barbecue sauce and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- To make these in the air fryer, toss the wrapped smokies in the spiced brown sugar then place them in the air fryer basket. Air fryer at 390°F Air fry for 4 minutes, flip, then cook another 3 – 4 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- Let the smokies rest for a few minutes before serving. The sugar coating firms up slightly as it cools, making them easier to handle.
Nutrition
