Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Just 3 ingredients to make candied Bacon Wrapped Smokies. They are the ultimate appetizer and always the first to disappear!

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a must for any party we throw! We pair them with some other favorite appetizer recipes like Spinach Puffs, Dill Vegetable Dip, and Jalapeño Poppers.

a family fav – bacon wrapped Lil Smokies!

When I first tried this appetizer recipe years ago, I remember thinking that it was beyond delicious! I may or may not have had about 10 of these babies. They’re just that good!

Since then, we have made these Bacon Wrapped Smokies (aka Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies) for almost every holiday or big family get-together.

Each weenie is wrapped in a piece of bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar, and slowly baked to a perfectly caramelized, savory bite of heaven.

What is it about the flavor combo of brown sugar and bacon that is so incredibly delicious? I don’t know, but what I do know is that this is one of the easiest appetizer recipes you will ever find.

how to make bacon wrapped smokies

Not only are these Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies delicious, but they’re simple! Just THREE ingredients are needed—plus only 5 minutes of prep time!

PREP. Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon. Secure bacon in place with a toothpick.

SEASON. Place smokies on a baking sheet lined with foil. Sprinkle brown sugar over the smokies.

BAKE. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

So simple and perfect for any party or get-together.

Recipe Tips

Smokies are mini smoked sausages that can be made with pork, beef, or chicken. They are fully cooked but are usually warmed up before serving. 

Bacon. This recipe uses pork bacon. I have found regular sliced bacon wraps better than thick sliced bacon. Some common flavors at grocery stores include hardwood smoked, hickory smoked, applewood smoked, and peppered. Any of the flavors will work in this recipe.

Lil’ Smokies Flavor Variations: 

To switch up the flavors, try any of these options:

• Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more or less depending on taste preferences) to the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Baste with BBQ Sauce after baking, and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes until the weenies are sticky.
• Add a small slice of pineapple or jalapeño pepper to each weenie before sprinkling the brown sugar.

Crock pot instructions

Wrap smokies in bacon as usual and place half of them in the bottom of the crock pot. Cover with about ½ cup of brown sugar.

Add another layer of smokies, and cover with another ½ cup of brown sugar. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

STORING tips

Make ahead of time. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon is actually a great make-ahead appetizer. Complete all steps prior to baking, and either put them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for a month or two.

FREEZE pre-baked or baked. Put Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies on a cookie sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag (this prevents them from sticking together in the bag).

Reheat. To reheat unbaked frozen smokies, bake them as usual, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time. To reheat leftovers, put them in the oven for 20 minutes at 325°F. For smaller amounts, microwave them for 20 seconds at a time until heated through.

For more quick appetizers, check out:

• Barbecue Bacon and Chicken Bites
• Caprese Kabobs
• Spinach Puffs
• Homemade Bruschetta
• Deviled Eggs
• Tortellini Skewers