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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.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies on a white plate stuck with toothpicks.


a family fav Appetizer

Years ago my brother’s fiance made this appetizer recipe for an event. I remember thinking that it was beyond delicious and that she was going to fit right in! 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, game day party, 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.

Lil' smokies, bacon, and toothpicks ready for prepping.

Just Season and Bake!

Not only are these bacon wrapped little smokies delicious, but they’re simple! Just THREE simple 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.

Crock pot instructions

Easily make these bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar in a slow cooker.

PREP. Wrap bacon around each smokie as usual and place half of them in the bottom of the crockpot. Cover with about ½ cup of brown sugar.

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

Smokies wrapped in bacon and stuck with a toothpick.

Recipe Tips

Add some spice to these little smokies wrapped in bacon to give them a bit of kick!

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. 

Flavor variations: 

To switch up the flavors of these brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies, try any of these options:

  • Add ¼ teaspoon 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.
Brown sugar sprinkled on bacon wrapped smokies.

STORING tips

Freeze pre-baked or baked. Put this little smokies recipe on a baking 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). They can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months.

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.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies held together with toothpicks.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of bacon do I use for bacon wrapped smokies?

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

Can I make bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time?

I prepare these ahead of time almost every time I make them. Wrap the smokies with bacon and secure them with a toothpick. You can either put them on the baking pan and keep them covered in the fridge or put them in an airtight container to place on the pan later. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t forget to add the brown sugar before baking.

For More Easy Appetizers, Check Out:

5 from 79 votes

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

By: Lil’ Luna
Just 3 ingredients to make candied bacon wrapped smokies. They are the ultimate appetizer and always the first to disappear!
Servings: 12
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 (12-ounce) packages Hillshire Farm Beef Lit’l Smokies
  • 1 pound bacon cold, slices cut into thirds
  • ½-¾ cup light brown sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
  • Wrap each smokie with a piece of cold bacon. Secure bacon in place with a toothpick.
  • Place smokies on prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle brown sugar over smokies.
  • Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until bacon is cooked as you prefer.

Video

Notes

Make ahead of time. These smokies can be prepared through Step 4 up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Increase the bake time if needed to cook bacon through.
Variations: 
o Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more or less, to taste) to the brown sugar for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
o Baste with barbecue sauce after baking, then broil for an additional 3–4 minutes until the smokies are sticky.
o Add a small slice of pineapple or jalapeño pepper to each weenie before wrapping in bacon and sprinkling on the brown sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.05g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 255mg, Potassium: 87mg, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 14IU, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




91 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Everyone goes crazy for these! I did pre-cook the bacon a bit in the micrwave so it took a little less time to bake. (Limited oven time where I served them). Disappeared quickly. Minimal prep time too.