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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.

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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 81 votes

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

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 packed light brown sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees 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.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 81 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




92 Comments

  1. Leona Berry says:

    5 stars
    These are so easy to make and always gone, no matter what true if gathering I take them to. Thank you.

  2. Larine E Kwolek says:

    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.

  3. Sue says:

    5 stars
    These were a hit at Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing.

  4. Mary says:

    5 stars
    Great recipes

  5. Michael Tridente says:

    5 stars
    Awesome

  6. STACY ANNE MALONE says:

    5 stars
    These are soooo good.

  7. Deborah says:

    5 stars
    Made these for New Years Eve they we’re good couldn’t stop eating them. If you have several people better double up. Thanks for this recipe.

  8. Shayla says:

    5 stars
    Delightful!! Crowd favorite!!🙌🏻

  9. Sara says:

    Could you air fry these? If so what temp and time?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You bet! I’d say probably at 350 for 5-10 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your bacon.

  10. Peter Negrijn says:

    No baking temperature mentioned

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      It’s listed down on the recipe card with the instructions. 🙂 Preheat oven to 325.

  11. Samantha Buntin says:

    5 stars
    The best appetizer ever!! I take these to every get together, they’re always a hit!!

  12. Tia says:

    5 stars
    These were a huge hit at Thanksgiving. My picky eater kids won’t eat Turkey but they devoured these!

  13. Heather Veldman says:

    5 stars
    These are the best. Everyone loves these! Perfect for New Year’s

  14. Sam Buntin says:

    5 stars
    I bring these to every get together everyone LOVES them and they are so easy!!

  15. Natalie Woll says:

    5 stars
    These are amazing…I don’t always put the brown sugar on them, so they’re more savory.

  16. Tammy Goldsmith says:

    5 stars
    These are amazing!!! Our new favorite appetizer ❤️

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad to hear that!! These are my favorite! Thank you!

  17. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    These are a must at any gathering we have! They are usually gone within minutes! So tasty!

  18. Amy L Huntley says:

    5 stars
    Anything wrapped in bacon is delicious! Such a simple appetizer to put together for any party.

  19. Jessica says:

    These sound delicious! Are they still good without the brown sugar and if I use the lil smokies with cheddar?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I haven’t left the brown sugar off, but smokies alone are delicious, so I am sure they will be good 🙂

  20. agreso says:

    5 stars
    Tried these for thanksgiving! OMG!!! They were gone in less than 15 minutes! https://greensowing.vn/ Love them!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      That’s what I love to hear! Thank you for sharing that!

      1. Debbie Valloni says:

        Trying these today on the crockpot. Hope they turn out delish!

  21. Nancy says:

    5 stars
    Delicious, simple and quick. Who doesn’t love bacon.

  22. Linda Crosby says:

    5 stars
    One of our family favorites!

  23. April W says:

    5 stars
    Two of my hubby’s favs together…couldn’t be more perfect!

  24. Jen Adams says:

    5 stars
    These are delicious!!! They always go first at parties.

  25. Sharon Owens says:

    5 stars
    Tried these for thanksgiving! OMG!!! They were gone in less than 15 minutes! Love them!

  26. Amy says:

    5 stars
    Love these for Christmas parties. Perfect amount of sweet and savory.

  27. Ashley Keeney says:

    5 stars
    So delicious! One of our favorite holiday appetizers!

  28. Kim Williams says:

    5 stars
    Bacon – what else do you need in your life!

  29. Kim Williams says:

    5 stars
    Bacon – how can you go wrong!

  30. Lorianne Rosengarten says:

    5 stars
    One of the best appetizers!!

  31. Valery Mullenix Correll says:

    5 stars
    Quick, easy, delish!

  32. Valery Mullenix Correll says:

    5 stars
    Delish!

  33. Valery Mullenix Correll says:

    5 stars
    These are the best!!!
    Quick, easy, and delish! Total winner!!

  34. Jen g says:

    5 stars
    We have made these many times. Always on new years eve. Yum!

  35. Kalissa says:

    5 stars
    These little appetizers are a big hit with my family! I love the salty and sweet taste.

  36. Jasmine says:

    5 stars
    These were so good and easy to make! My kids loved them and ate them up!

  37. April Wright says:

    5 stars
    I have been looking for a great New Year’s Eve snack. I can’t wait to try this one out. The recipe looks really easy to follow.

  38. Lana says:

    5 stars
    So easy and always a hit at my work potluck!

  39. Ashley vowell says:

    5 stars
    These were a hit at our adult Christmas party.

  40. Hazel Eyre says:

    5 stars
    These are delicious! Super easy to make which is a huge plus!!

  41. Tammy Stark says:

    5 stars
    I have made these several times and they are always a crowd pleaser. Easy.Fast. Delicious.
    So good!

  42. Heather says:

    5 stars
    Go to appetizer that the whole family loves!

  43. Katie says:

    5 stars
    These are such a great but easy party snack! They cook up so well and the flavors are great.

  44. Debbie says:

    5 stars
    We love these at our house!

  45. Allison B says:

    5 stars
    These are the best! Always the first thing to go when I take to a party! Plan on making again for New Years.

  46. Natalie Smith says:

    5 stars
    No better combo and a crowd pleaser

  47. Tina says:

    I would like to bake these the night before Thanksgiving, and serve them on my app table in an electric frypan on warm to keep them hot. Do you think this will work? And how long prior should i set them up and at what temp would you recommend? I just don’t have any more crockpots to use.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I personally haven’t tried that. You could keep them in a crock pot on the warm setting or possibly on low.

  48. Lina says:

    5 stars
    LOOKS REALLY AMAZING AND DELICIOUS THANKS FOR RECIPE 🙂

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You are so welcome! They are! Hope you think so, too 🙂 Thank you!

  49. Amanda says:

    Are you suppose to use toothpicks if you’re using the slow cooker instead of the oven?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, the toothpicks secure the bacon & are perfect for picking up 🙂

  50. Misty says:

    5 stars
    My boys are so excited about these!! LIl smokies and BACon together= YUMMY. thanks for the recipe!

  51. Marie says:

    5 stars
    These are the best tasty appetizer EVER!

  52. Lucy says:

    5 stars
    I first has these about 15 years ago at a Bridal brunch. Ive always wanted to make them but wasnt sure on the cook time. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  53. Jocelyn says:

    5 stars
    These little appetizers never last in our house! They are so good!!!

  54. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    We can never make enough of these! There always The first to go and have the best taSte ever. You can make these ahead of time too. An added plus in my opionion.

  55. Beth Klosterboer says:

    5 stars
    Made these for christmas eve and they were a huge hit. Not one was left on the plate after the party.

  56. Jamielyn says:

    5 stars
    One of my favorite appetizers! So easy and so much flavor

  57. AlLi says:

    5 stars
    These are a classic and i also come Back to your recipe when making these. So good!

  58. Sarah Skaggs says:

    5 stars
    My husband’s favorite thing ever!

  59. Joy says:

    5 stars
    These are the tastiest little appetizers! Anything wrapped in bacon is the bomb! We made these for New Year’s & they were gone so fast!

  60. Jennie Little says:

    5 stars
    New Years Eve is my favorite because we get to eat all the yummy appetizer’s! These bacon wrapped smokies were amazing!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      We love these for New Year’s!! Thank you!

  61. Norm Chamberlin says:

    5 stars
    these are the best! late comer to trying them and now this Christmas day will be the 3rd time in December 2018. used them as appetizers twice and once as a treat to go along with a potato bar. delicious!!! if you have not tried them go for it and you will be the hit of the gathering. they a definitely best warm or hot.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thanks for sharing that!! I know what you mean..we make them quite a bit!

  62. kristy says:

    5 stars
    One of the best recipe. I really want to try this in my kitchen.It will be the very delicious snacks.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, you need to! It’s the best appetizer or snack! So yummy!!

  63. Kim says:

    5 stars
    I had these at a party a couple of years ago and yes they are just that good. I have not been able to get them out of mind since. I have bought everything and will be making them for Christmas! I am so excited.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Aren’t they the best! I’m glad you have the recipe now 🙂

  64. pictaram says:

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing the recipe! I’ll have a small party this weekend, these Smokies will be a great dish.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You are so welcome! They will be a hit! Have fun!

  65. Cecilia says:

    Plan on taking this to a potluck party, They will sit out about 2 hrs by the time i make them and arrive. can they be eaten cold. Or is this a bad idea. plz help

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      They definitely taste better warm. You could keep them in a crock pot on the warm setting, so they don’t get cold or a low setting. Hope that helps!! They’ll be a hit!

      1. Patsy says:

        Can you make these up,the night before and then just put in the oven in the morning

      2. Kristyn Merkley says:

        You sure could 🙂

  66. M Dunbar says:

    5 stars
    A winter holiday gathering is not the same without these little meat candy pops. They are a labor of love.
    I bake them on a disposable broiler pan at 375 for 25 minutes. Using a baster to remove the fat and melted sugar, I then reapply the melted sugar and bake again for another 25 minutes. Repeat this process a few times until most of the fat is rendered off and you are left with a deliciously gooey meat candy.

  67. Pam says:

    5 stars
    We call these Pig Candy! Easy and delicious.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      That’s a great name for them!!! 🙂

  68. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says:

    I think I would love these more than the crescent roll wrapped ones! YUM!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Oh man, I haven’t tried the crescent roll ones… better go find that recipe! 😉

  69. tanya says:

    Well I’m convinced I need to try these! We always have snack night for dinner around the holidays and being the bacon loving family that we are, I suspect these we be the first thing to get eaten!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You will have to let me know how you like them. They are seriously SO good!