bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar in a baking dish and on a platter
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Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar (Easy Oven Recipe)

Bacon wrapped smokies are the party appetizer that disappears first, every time. Little smokies sausages are wrapped in bacon, covered in brown sugar and baked until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is sticky. You need just three ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on work.

Why you will love these bacon wrapped smokies

  • Three ingredients: little smokies, bacon and brown sugar.
  • Feeds a crowd. One package makes about 48 bites.
  • Make ahead. Wrap them the day before and bake when you need them.
  • Sweet, salty and smoky. The brown sugar turns into a sticky glaze as the bacon cooks.

They are one of the hot bites in our easy Christmas appetizers list, and they are just as good for game day and New Year’s Eve.

Ingredients

  • Little smokies: one 14-ounce (400 g) package of cocktail sausages. Beef or pork both work.
  • Bacon: 1 pound (450 g) of regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to crisp around such small sausages.
  • Brown sugar: light or dark, packed.
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

How to make bacon wrapped smokies in the oven

wrapping little smokies in bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and then parchment paper. The sugar gets sticky, so this saves a lot of scrubbing.
  2. Cut the bacon. Cut each slice into thirds. Each piece should wrap once around a smokie with a small overlap.
  3. Wrap. Wrap a piece of bacon around each smokie and push a toothpick through to hold it. Set them seam side down on the sheet, close together.
  4. Add the sugar. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Add the cayenne now if you like heat.
  5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the sugar is bubbling.
  6. Cool 5 minutes. The sugar is very hot straight from the oven. Move them to a plate while the glaze is still soft so they do not stick.
baked bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar glaze in a white baking dish

Little smokies are already fully cooked, so you are cooking the bacon. Bake until the bacon is crisp, not pale or floppy. Leftovers and make-ahead batches should be reheated until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C). See the FoodSafety.gov safe temperature chart for more.

Air fryer bacon wrapped smokies

Short on oven space? Wrap and toss them in the brown sugar, then air fry in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Line the basket with a parchment liner to catch the sugar. Work in batches.

Make-ahead tips

  • Wrap the day before. Wrap the smokies, cover and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the sugar right before baking.
  • Keep warm. After baking, move them to a small slow cooker on the warm setting. They stay soft and sticky for about 2 hours.
  • Leftovers. Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

How to serve them

bacon wrapped smokies platter with dipping sauces on a christmas appetizer table

Serve bacon wrapped smokies on a platter with the toothpicks in, and set out a dip or two: barbecue sauce, honey mustard or ranch. For a full party spread, add our cranberry baked brie, a bowl of 10-minute guacamole with chips, and a tray of crispy air-fryer potato wedges.

How many to make: plan on 4 to 5 per person if other appetizers are on the table. One package (about 48 pieces) feeds 10 to 12 people.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make bacon wrapped smokies in a crockpot?

You can keep them warm in a crockpot, but the bacon will not crisp in it. Bake them in the oven first, then move them to the slow cooker on warm.

Why is my bacon not crispy?

The bacon is too thick or the smokies are too crowded. Use regular-cut bacon, keep a little space between them, and bake a few minutes longer. A minute under the broiler at the end also helps, but watch closely so the sugar does not burn.

Do I need toothpicks?

They help the bacon stay closed and make the smokies easy to grab. If you skip them, place each one seam side down, close together.

Can I make them without brown sugar?

Yes. Brush with barbecue sauce or maple syrup instead, or bake them plain for a less sweet bite.

baked bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar glaze in a white baking dish

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Little smokies wrapped in bacon, covered in brown sugar and baked until crisp and sticky. A 3-ingredient party appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (about 48 pieces)
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz little smokies cocktail sausages 400 g, 1 package
  • 1 lb regular-cut bacon 450 g, about 16 slices
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 150 g
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, then parchment paper.
  2. Cut each bacon slice into thirds.
  3. Wrap a piece of bacon around each smokie and secure with a toothpick. Place seam side down on the sheet, close together.
  4. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top, plus cayenne if using.
  5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the sugar is bubbling.
  6. Cool 5 minutes (the sugar is very hot), then move to a plate while the glaze is still soft.

Notes

  • Air fryer: toss wrapped smokies in the sugar and cook in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
  • Wrap up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge. Add the sugar just before baking.
  • Reheat leftovers until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C). Keep in the fridge up to 3 days.

Planning a party menu? Serve these with our crockpot grape jelly meatballs, or see the full list of easy New Year’s Eve appetizers.

This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.

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