Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a simple and delicious appetizer that’s always a hit at parties and gatherings. Imagine little smokies, those tasty mini sausages, wrapped snugly in crispy, smoky bacon. The combination of juicy sausage with the salty, crunchy bacon is just unbeatable.
I love making these because they’re super easy to prepare, and everyone loves pulling one off the plate. I usually bake them until the bacon is perfectly crisp, and the smoky sausages have that nice pop when you bite into them. Sometimes I add a little brown sugar or a touch of barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
These little bites are perfect served warm straight from the oven, but they also taste great at room temperature, making them a great finger food for any event. I always find myself coming back for just one more—they’re that good and simple to enjoy. If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that’ll make everyone smile, this recipe is a must-try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star here. If you can’t find little smokies, cocktail sausages or small smoked sausages work well too. Go for ones that are pre-cooked for easy preparation.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon wraps nicely and crisps up perfectly. If you prefer something leaner, turkey bacon can be used, but the texture will differ a bit. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook.
Brown Sugar (Optional): Adding brown sugar gives a nice sweet glaze that balances the saltiness of bacon. You can swap it with maple syrup or honey for a different sweet touch.
How Do You Get the Bacon Extra Crispy Without Burning?
Bacon cooks fast and can burn if you’re not careful. To get that perfect crisp:
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet so heat circulates around the smokies, helping even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; each piece should have some space to cook evenly.
- Bake at 375°F and check halfway through. Turn them so both sides get crispy without burning.
- If bacon starts to burn before the smokies are done, tent loosely with foil to slow down browning.
Patience is key—crispy bacon with juicy smokies is worth the wait!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to hold the smokies while they cook evenly in the oven.
- Wire rack – helps bacon crisp all around by letting air circulate under the smokies.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Sharp knife – for cutting bacon slices into smaller pieces to wrap smokies.
- Toothpicks – optional but helpful to keep bacon wrapped tightly around the sausages.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking for a sweet, caramelized crust that balances salty bacon.
- Brush with barbecue sauce mid-bake for a tangy, smoky flavor that adds depth.
- Wrap smokies with maple-flavored bacon for a hint of sweetness in each bite.
- Include a small slice of cheese inside the bacon wrap for a melty surprise when you bite in.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon (preferably thin-cut)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a sweet glaze)
- Optional: Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time to wrap the smokies, plus 25-30 minutes to bake them until the bacon is crispy and delicious. Overall, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup simple. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet—this helps the bacon get crispy all around.
2. Wrap the Smokies:
Cut each bacon slice into thirds so that each piece will wrap tightly around one little smokie. Take a little smokie and wrap it with one piece of bacon, securing the bacon with a toothpick if needed to hold it in place.
3. Add the Sweet Touch (Optional):
If you like a sweet glaze, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies or gently roll them in brown sugar before putting them on the baking sheet or wire rack.
4. Bake Until Crispy:
Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies on your wire rack or directly on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching so they cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn them over to get crispy bacon on all sides.
5. Cool and Serve:
When the bacon is crispy and caramelized, take the smokies out of the oven. Let them cool a bit, and then remove the toothpicks if you used them. Serve warm and enjoy these tasty little bites at your next party or snack time!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping with bacon so they cook evenly and safely.
How Should I Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and wrap the smokies in bacon, then refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
What If I Don’t Have a Wire Rack?
No worries! You can place the bacon-wrapped smokies directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Just flip them halfway through baking to crisp the bacon evenly.
