If you need an appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the hit of any party, Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies Appetizers are exactly what you’re looking for. Juicy little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with sweet brown sugar that melts into a perfect caramelized glaze—what’s not to love? They’re quick to throw together and deliver huge flavor with minimal effort.
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I love simple appetizers that are packed full of flavor and look like you’ve made a big effort, and these fit the bill perfectly. Ready in 25 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, these are crowd-pleasers that are quick to disappear. Perfect for the holidays, for potlucks, and for tailgates. Try them, I think you’ll love them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering appetizer ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 180ºC (350°F), so it’s nice and hot when the smokies go in.
Cut the Bacon
Grab your bacon and slice each strip in half. This way, every little smokie gets wrapped perfectly.
Wrap the Smokies
Take a half slice of bacon, wrap it around each little smokie, and secure it with a toothpick. Don’t worry; the toothpicks will keep everything in place while baking.
Line Them Up on the Tray
Lay some parchment paper on a baking tray and arrange the wrapped smokies in a single layer. Make sure they have some space to get crispy.
Sprinkle with Brown Sugar
Time to add some sweetness! Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of each bacon-wrapped smokie. It’s going to melt and caramelize, making every bite irresistible.
Bake Until Crispy
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t burn.
Serve with Spiced Mayo
Once out of the oven, serve them hot with a side of spiced mayo for dipping. The mayo adds just the right amount of tangy heat to balance the sweetness.
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies Appetizer
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 16 bacon strips thin cut
- 32 little smokies sausages
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Spiced mayo to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Take 16 slices of thin-cut bacon and cut each slice in half. This will give you 32 pieces, enough to wrap each little smokie.16 bacon strips
- Wrap each smokie in a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place the wrapped smokies in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one.32 little smokies sausages
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped smokies. The sugar will melt and caramelize as they bake, giving you that perfect sweet and salty combination.¼ cup brown sugar
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Once they’re done, remove from the oven and serve immediately with spiced mayo or your favorite dipping sauce.Spiced mayo
Notes
- Crispy Bacon Tip: Thin-cut bacon works best here because it crisps up quickly and evenly. If you use thick-cut bacon, you might end up with a chewy texture, and it could take longer to cook, which might overcook the sausages. Go for thin and keep it crunchy!
- Toothpick Trick: Soak the toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven while the smokies cook. It’s a little trick that makes sure your presentation stays on point.
- No Crowding: Space the smokies out on the tray so the bacon crisps up all around. If they’re too close, you’ll get soggy bacon.
- Sugar Control: Adjust the brown sugar to your taste. If you love a sweeter bite, add a bit more. Want it less sweet? Just use a light sprinkle.
- Try a New Twist: If you want to switch things up, you can replace the bacon with prosciutto. It has a slightly different flavor and cooks faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from overcooking. It’s a great way to give your smokies a more gourmet vibe.
- Mayo Upgrade: Make your dipping sauce even more flavorful by adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the mayo a nice balance of heat and smokiness, which pairs perfectly with the sweet, caramelized bacon.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve got a few tips that will make sure your smokies turn out perfect every time.
- Crispy Bacon Tip: Thin-cut bacon works best here because it crisps up quickly and evenly. If you use thick-cut bacon, you might end up with a chewy texture, and it could take longer to cook, which might overcook the sausages. Go for thin and keep it crunchy!
- Toothpick Trick: Soak the toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven while the smokies cook. It’s a little trick that makes sure your presentation stays on point.
- No Crowding: Space the smokies out on the tray so the bacon crisps up all around. If they’re too close, you’ll get soggy bacon.
- Sugar Control: Adjust the brown sugar to your taste. If you love a sweeter bite, add a bit more. Want it less sweet? Just use a light sprinkle.
- Try a New Twist: If you want to switch things up, you can replace the bacon with prosciutto. It has a slightly different flavor and cooks faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from overcooking. It’s a great way to give your smokies a more gourmet vibe.
- Mayo Upgrade: Make your dipping sauce even more flavorful by adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the mayo a nice balance of heat and smokiness, which pairs perfectly with the sweet, caramelized bacon.
How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies
If you have any leftovers (though they usually disappear quickly!), storing them is easy.
Place the cooled Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat them, you can pop them back in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes, just until they’re warmed through and the bacon crisps back up.
Unfortunately, these aren’t great for freezing. Freezing changes the texture of both the bacon and the sausages, making the bacon soggy when reheated. If you need to prep in advance, it’s best to make them fresh and store in the fridge for short-term use.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies are the perfect party appetizer on their own, but if you’re looking to create a full spread, there are plenty of great options to serve alongside them.
For a classic appetizer combo, pair them with a cheese board featuring a mix of sharp and creamy cheeses, crackers, and fruit. The sweet and salty flavors of the smokies go wonderfully with cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a brie.
If you want something a little heartier, sliders or mini sandwiches make a great companion. Pulled pork, chicken sliders, or Turkey Sliders can round out your snack table, giving guests a range of savory bites to enjoy.
For a lighter option, go with a fresh veggie platter, complete with dips like ranch, hummus, or a creamy spinach dip. The crunch of fresh vegetables balances out the richness of the bacon and sugar, offering a refreshing contrast.
And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic party sides like chips and guacamole, deviled eggs, or even a simple pasta salad. These are crowd-pleasers that add variety and texture to your table while still complementing the rich, savory flavor of the smokies.
More Appetizer Recipes You Will Love
If you need more appetizers, then check out some of my favorites.
- Party Crostini
- Turkey Sliders
- Cheese Ball
- Deviled Eggs
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
