Jessica J. Langley When it comes to easy appetizers that wow every time, bacon-wrapped smokies take the crown. These irresistible bites combine the smoky goodness of cocktail sausages with the savory crunch of bacon and the rich sweetness of brown sugar.
They’re so simple yet so satisfying—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that makes them utterly addictive.
This appetizer is a classic favorite for potlucks, game day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve parties. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and are practically foolproof—even for beginner cooks.
If you’re looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this is your go-to recipe. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time, frozen, and baked straight from the freezer.
Let’s dig into how to make this crowd-pleasing classic with some flavor-packed tips along the way!
Servings:
Approx. 30–35 bites
Calories per Serving (2 pieces):
Approx. 210 kcal
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
🧂 Ingredients (with Notes):
- 1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages (Little Smokies): The star of the show—use beef or turkey smokies based on preference.
- 1 lb bacon, cut into thirds: Thin-cut bacon works best—it cooks through evenly and crisps nicely.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark gives a deeper molasses flavor.
- Optional: cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili flakes: Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweet.
- Toothpicks: Soak in water for 15 mins if baking at high heat to prevent burning.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded):
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack over the foil if available to allow fat to drain and bacon to crisp more evenly.
Prepare the Bacon:
Cut the bacon slices into thirds. Each piece should be just long enough to wrap around a smokie without too much overlap.
Wrap the Smokies:
Take one piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around a sausage. Secure it with a toothpick and place it seam side down on the prepared baking tray.
Add Seasoning:
Once all smokies are wrapped and placed on the tray, sprinkle the brown sugar generously over each one. For a kick, add cayenne, cracked pepper, or chili flakes on top.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has melted into a shiny glaze. Broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end for maximum crisp.
Cool Slightly & Serve:
Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm. Don’t forget to serve with the toothpicks intact for easy grabbing!
Optional Additions & Variations:
- Add cheese: Tuck a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack inside before wrapping.
- Use maple syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup before baking for added richness.
- Try different sausages: Use mini chorizo or spicy Italian sausages for variation.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or fresh herbs after baking for garnish and flavor.
- Wrap in puff pastry for a bacon-wrapped pigs-in-a-blanket twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smokies:
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the smokies the night before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Avoid soggy bacon: Use a rack when baking to let fat drip off and bacon crisp up.
- Make it spicy: A dash of hot sauce mixed with brown sugar adds a sweet-heat flavor.
- Cleanup Hack: Use a disposable foil tray if you’re baking a large batch for easy cleanup.
- Double or triple the recipe for parties—they go FAST.
Serving Suggestions:
These are great on their own, but here’s how to level them up:
- Serve with a dipping sauce bar: barbecue sauce, ranch, spicy mustard, chipotle mayo
- Pair with other appetizers like deviled eggs, sliders, or veggie skewers
- Create a grazing board with bacon-wrapped smokies, cheese cubes, olives, and crackers
- Make it a brunch dish with scrambled eggs, biscuits, and mimosas
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- To Freeze: Freeze unbaked wrapped smokies for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen—just add 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re planning a party, prepping for the holidays, or just want a savory snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, these bacon-wrapped smokies are a guaranteed hit.
The perfect balance of smoky, sweet, salty, and spicy in every bite keeps people coming back for more. With endless ways to customize and minimal prep involved, it’s no surprise these bites have become a fan favorite across the board.
Trust us—you’ll want to keep a batch in your freezer at all times!
