These easy Bacon Wrapped Smokies are one of our go to appetizers for parties, holidays, and game day because they’re AMAZING. They are sweet, savory, and made with just a few simple ingredients, which makes them perfect for feeding a crowd.
Years ago my brother’s fiance made this for a family function. We remember thinking that it was the yummiest thing we had ever had, and we’ve been making them ever since. And because they’re so good, the entire family requests them for every gathering (no joke!)
What makes this recipe so good is the combination of smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and caramelized brown sugar. We have made and loved these for years, and it is one of those easy appetizers that never lasts long once it hits the table.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try Beanie Weenies, Cheese Ball, and Crockpot Meatballs.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Simple ingredients. Just three ingredients come together for a flavorful appetizer.
- Perfect for parties. Bite sized and easy to serve for gatherings or game day. Bacon wrapped smokies are a must for any party we throw!
- Sweet and savory combo. Brown sugar and bacon create a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Always a hit. One of those appetizers that disappear fast every time.
Bacon Wrapped Smokie Ingredients
- Hillshire Farm Beef Lit’l Smokies (2 twelve ounce packages): Provides the smoky, savory base that makes these bites so flavorful and easy to prepare.
- Bacon cold, slices cut into thirds (1 pound): Wraps around each smokie and cooks up crispy while adding rich flavor. Keeping it cold makes it easier to wrap.
- Packed light brown sugar (½ to ¾ cup): Melts and caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet glaze that balances the savory bacon and sausage.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
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.
Crockpot Directions
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. Add another layer of smokies, and cover with another ½ cup of brown sugar. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less depending on taste preferences) to the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Add a small slice of pineapple or jalapeño pepper to each weenie before sprinkling the brown sugar.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce after baking, and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes until the weenies are sticky.
- Use thin cut bacon so it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Place smokies on a rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- Turn halfway through baking for even browning.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of black pepper or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- These can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake for easy party prep.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Video
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.
Notes
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less depending on taste preferences) to the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Add a small slice of pineapple or jalapeño pepper to each weenie before sprinkling the brown sugar.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce after baking, and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes until the weenies are sticky.
- Use thin cut bacon so it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Place smokies on a rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- Turn halfway through baking for even browning.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of black pepper or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- These can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake for easy party prep.
- Crockpot directions. 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. Add another layer of smokies, and cover with another ½ cup of brown sugar. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
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. 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 the bacon through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Place leftovers 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.
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.
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 the bacon through.
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This recipe was first shared December, 2013.
These are such a great but easy party snack! They cook up so well and the flavors are great.
We love these at our house!
These are the best! Always the first thing to go when I take to a party! Plan on making again for New Years.
No better combo and a crowd pleaser
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.
I personally haven’t tried that. You could keep them in a crock pot on the warm setting or possibly on low.
LOOKS REALLY AMAZING AND DELICIOUS THANKS FOR RECIPE 🙂
You are so welcome! They are! Hope you think so, too 🙂 Thank you!
Are you suppose to use toothpicks if you’re using the slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, the toothpicks secure the bacon & are perfect for picking up 🙂
My boys are so excited about these!! LIl smokies and BACon together= YUMMY. thanks for the recipe!
These are the best tasty appetizer EVER!
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!