Save
Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering or casual party offering a perfect combo of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. This recipe brings together smoky bacon and juicy Lil Smokies cocktail sausages coated in rich brown sugar for a delightful caramelized crust that keeps everyone coming back for more. The process is simple but yields impressive results that look and taste like they took hours.
I first made these for a casual barbecue and was amazed how fast they disappeared. They have become my go-to appetizer whenever friends come over because they taste gourmet but are so easy to throw together.
Ingredients
- Lil Smokies cocktail sausages: about forty-four pieces ensure every bite is bite-sized and juicy
- Smoked bacon: sliced into thirds for perfect wrapping around each smokie& choose thick cut for extra chewiness
- Light brown sugar: packed adds caramelized sweetness and helps create the sticky, shiny glaze& fresh brown sugar will give the best texture and flavor
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Lightly spray a nine by thirteen baking dish with nonstick spray so the smokies do not stick during cooking then set the pan aside
- Wrap the Smokies:
- Take each Lil Smokie and wrap one slice of bacon around it winding tightly& this helps keep the bacon crispy and holds the smokie inside as it cooks Place each wrapped smokie snugly in the prepared pan
- Add the First Sugar Layer:
- Sprinkle one cup of packed brown sugar evenly over all the smokies This layering starts the glazing process and infuses sweetness
- Marinate:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour This step lets the flavors meld and improves the overall taste and texture
- Preheat the Oven:
- When ready to bake remove the dish from the fridge and preheat the oven to three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit
- Final Sugar Sprinkle:
- Scatter the remaining quarter cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the smokies just before baking This ensures a thick caramelized crust forms during cooking
- Bake in Two Stages:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for twenty-five minutes This cooks the smokies through and allows the sugar to melt Then raise the oven temperature to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional ten minutes This final high heat crisps the bacon and caramelizes the sugar perfectly
- Rest Before Serving:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for five to ten minutes This resting time lets the glaze set slightly making them easier to handle
I love how the brown sugar caramelizes into the bacon creating a sticky but crunchy coating that is addictively good. These smokies bring back great memories of late summer cookouts where everyone gathered around with plates in hand chatting and laughing.
Storage Tips
Store leftover smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain the glaze texture For longer storage you can freeze them for about one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Lil Smokies you can use small cocktail sausages or even chopped hot dogs as a substitute Smoked bacon works best but regular bacon can be used simply expect a less intense smoky flavor Brown sugar can be swapped for maple syrup for a different but equally delicious glaze option
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with toothpicks for easy snacking and pair with spicy mustard or a smoky barbecue sauce to add more layers of flavor A crisp green salad and some fresh cut veggies balance the richness wonderfully They are also fantastic alongside baked beans or mac and cheese for a full Southern-inspired spread
This easy recipe pairs bold smoky and sweet flavors that please every palate. Perfect for any season or occasion it is a sure crowd favorite.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Lil smokies or small cocktail sausages are ideal due to their size and smoky flavor, allowing quick, even cooking wrapped in bacon.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, wrapping and marinating the smokies in brown sugar ahead helps deepen the flavors before baking.
- → What does the brown sugar do?
The brown sugar adds a sweet caramelized glaze that balances the savory bacon and smoky sausages perfectly.
- → How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
Increasing the oven temperature near the end of baking crisps the bacon without overcooking the smokies.
- → What is the best way to serve these?
Allow them to rest 5–10 minutes after baking so flavors settle; they’re perfect as appetizers or party snacks.