Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Introduction
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer—sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crispy. These bite-sized sausages wrapped in brown sugar glazed bacon are sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 oz package of little smokies (or small cooked sausages)
- 15 slices bacon, each cut into 3 smaller sections
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan or a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel. Wrap each sausage with a bacon piece and secure it with a toothpick.
- Step 3: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add a few bacon-wrapped sausages at a time, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat them evenly. Repeat until all sausages are coated.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated sausages in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bacon is browned and caramelized.
- Step 5: For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and broil the sausages for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, but watch the cooking time as it crisps faster.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor complexity.
- Substitute cayenne with chili powder for milder heat.
- Serve with toothpicks and a side of mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to maintain crispness, or microwave briefly for convenience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped sausages and coat them with the sugar mixture a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet works well as a substitute. Just make sure it has sides to catch any drippings from the bacon.
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Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 45 bacon-wrapped little smokies 1x
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring small sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. Perfectly baked until caramelized and slightly crisp, these bite-sized treats balance savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, making them ideal for parties or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 16 oz package of little smokies (or small cooked sausages) (I use Hillshire Farm brand)
Bacon Wrap
- 15 slices bacon, each cut into 3 smaller sections
Glaze & Seasonings
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less, according to your tastes)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet and preheat oven. Line a jelly roll pan or a large baking sheet with a rim with aluminum foil, then lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap sausages with bacon. Pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel. Wrap each individual sausage with a piece of the cut bacon and secure it with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place during baking.
- Coat sausages with sugar and spices. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add a few bacon-wrapped sausages at a time, seal the bag, and gently shake to thoroughly coat each sausage with the sugary spice mixture. Repeat this process until all sausages are coated.
- Bake the bacon-wrapped sausages. Arrange the coated sausages in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the bacon is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Optional broil for extra crispiness. For a crispier finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the sausages for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon; soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Light brown sugar helps create a caramelized glaze; pack it firmly when measuring for best results.
- To make cleanup easier, line the pan with foil and use non-stick spray.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack for best flavor and texture.
- Can be kept warm in a low oven before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bacon wrapped little smokies, appetizer, party food, bacon appetizers, sweet and spicy sausage bites
