Bacon Wrapped Smokies Brown Sugar

Bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar are the kind of party food that disappears in minutes and gets everyone talking. This irresistible appetizer layers sweet and salty in every bite making it perfect for holidays game days or any time you want to treat your crowd. My family insists I make a double batch or there are never enough.

I remember the first time I made these at my sister’s birthday party. People hovered around the oven waiting for them to come out and now it is the most requested dish for our gatherings.

Ingredients

• Bacon sliced: choose thick cut for meaty bites but not too thick or it will not crisp well
• Little smokies sausages: these mini smoked sausages hold up beautifully when baked and stay juicy
• Butter unsalted: binds the sugar and adds rich flavor opt for high quality
• Brown sugar: the key to the sweet sticky glaze use fresh soft sugar for best results

Instructions

Prep the Smokies:

Pat the little smokies dry with paper towels so they will crisp up and the sugar glaze will cling well

Wrap with Bacon:

Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each piece tightly around a smokie pressing the edges to seal and place seam side down into a casserole dish. Make sure the wrapped sausages are close together but not stacked

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees F for gentle baking that renders the bacon fat slowly so it crisps

Make the Brown Sugar Butter:

In a saucepan melt butter over low heat stirring in one cup of brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy

Pour and Sprinkle:

Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon wrapped smokies in the dish. Take the second cup of brown sugar and sprinkle it over everything covering as much surface as possible for maximum caramelization

Bake the Smokies:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until you see the bacon starting to render and edges turning golden

Crisp It Up:

Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and bake for five minutes or longer until the bacon is deeply golden and crisp and the sugar is bubbling

Let Cool Slightly Before Serving:

Allow the smokies to cool for a few minutes so the glaze can set and they are safe to handle

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My favorite ingredient is the brown sugar because of how it bubbles up and turns into a sticky caramel crust on the bacon. I will never forget my son sneaking the crispy edges right out of the pan before anyone else got a taste.

Storage Tips

Bacon wrapped smokies store well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the bacon back up. For make ahead parties you can wrap and assemble everything ahead then bake right before guests arrive.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey bacon for a lighter version though it will not get quite as crisp. Maple or hickory smoked bacon adds extra flavor if you have it. If little smokies are not available try sliced cooked Kielbasa or cocktail hot dogs.

Serving Suggestions

These shine on a platter with cocktail picks and a little bowl of grainy mustard or spicy ketchup on the side. We have served them along with deviled eggs and mini quiches and they always steal the spotlight at every occasion.

A Bite of History

Mini sausages and bacon have long been classic party food but the magic of brown sugar giving them that candied crunch likely started with American potluck traditions. These have shown up in church cookbooks and tailgating spreads for decades making them a nostalgic treat.

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Make a double batch because these bacon wrapped smokies never last long. You cannot go wrong with something this easy and irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the bacon from unraveling while baking?

Place bacon seams facing down in the baking dish; if desired, secure with toothpicks for extra hold.

→ Can you prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them up to one day ahead. Bake just before serving for best texture.

→ What type of bacon works best for wrapping?

Use regular sliced bacon for easier wrapping and thorough crisping in the oven.

→ Should the brown sugar mixture be poured over or under the smokies?

Pour the butter-brown sugar sauce over the smokies before baking, then sprinkle additional sugar on top.

→ How do you tell when they’re done baking?

They're ready when the bacon is deep golden and crispy and the sugar has caramelized nicely.