You know that smellsmoky bacon crisping in the oven, sweet brown sugar bubbling around the edges, a little sizzle from juicy sausages underneath. These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies are the kind of cozy fare that disappears faster than your aunt’s deviled eggs. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or just treating yourself with something salty-sweet and bite-sized.
Each little smoky gets hugged in a strip of bacon, then rolled in brown sugar before baking into caramelized perfection. It’s comforting, wildly simple, and no frying necessary. You get that sticky-sweet bite with a smoky snapit’s like pigs in a blanket met fairground candy bacon. Bonus? You can prep everything ahead and stash it in the fridge until go-time.
Started making these back in 2015, right before my youngest turned ten and wanted “just meat” for his birthday snack. He lined them up like dominoes and declared them “best in show.” I learned then to line the baking sheet with foilless cleanup, and the sugar doesn’t burn. After years researching ingredients and testing accessible recipes, these tiny crowd-pleasers have earned a permanent spot on my game-day table.
Yesica Andrews
Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies: Irresistible Football Food
These bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies are the perfect football food that everyone will love. Featuring little smokies with bacon brown sugar coating, this recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar and the smoky flavor of bacon for a delicious appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving a tasty snack, these brown sugar bacon wrapped little smokies are sure to be a hit.
Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
Dry the little smokies thoroughly using paper towels after removing them from their packaging.
Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around each smokie, then fasten it securely with a toothpick through the center.
Combine the brown sugar and chili pepper in a large resealable plastic bag.
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies into the bag, seal it, and shake gently until each smokie is well coated with the sugar mixture.
Arrange the coated smokies evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
Serve these sweet and savory smokies immediately, paired with barbecue sauce or your favorite honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
You can use beef, pork or turkey smokies instead of the traditional ones for a different flavor. For a little heat, ground chipotle pepper works great but you can swap it with ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper or dark chili powder according to your preference. Maple flavored bacon adds extra depth, but classic smoked bacon works well too. To make cleanup easier, line the baking pan with foil sprayed with cooking spray. These smokies are fantastic when served with barbecue sauce, hot honey, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey mustard as dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple yet impressive: These bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies are a cinch to make, but they look and taste like party perfectionideal for game days, birthdays, or any casual gathering.
Salty-sweet magic: Enjoy that perfect combination of smoky bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and a hint of spice from the chipotle or chili powder.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep everything in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Low stress, big reward!
Mess-free cleanup: Line your pan with foil or parchment for easy serving and cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, requiring just a few key ingredients and tools:
‘Lil smokies cocktail links: Juicy and bite-sized, these are perfect for appetizers.
Maple-flavored bacon: When wrapped around the smokies, each piece becomes wonderfully crispy and adds a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
Light brown sugar: This is the magic ingredient that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet glaze.
Ground chipotle or ancho chili pepper: Optional, but it adds a delightful kick to the sweet coating.
Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon wrap and also makes for easy serving!
You’ll also need a large baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, and a gallon-sized plastic bag for coating the smokies in brown sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil (lightly spritzed with cooking spray).
Dry the smokies: Pat each smoky dry using a paper towelthis ensures the brown sugar coating adheres properly.
Wrap and secure: Cut your bacon into thirds, wrap a piece around each smoky, and secure with a toothpick right through the middle.
Sweet & spicy coating: Mix brown sugar and chili powder in a gallon-sized bag, add the bacon-wrapped smokies, and gently shake until coated evenly.
Bake and crisp: Place them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized to perfection.
Pro Tip: For even cooking, make sure the smokies are in a single layer on the baking sheet without touching.
Timing Chart
Step
Time
Bacon wrapping
10 minutes
Coating in brown sugar
5 minutes
Baking
30 minutes
Total time
~45 minutes
Troubleshooting & Tips
Sugar burn: If your brown sugar starts to burn, check the smokies a bit earlier (around the 25-minute mark) and rotate the baking sheet if needed.
Bacon unwrapping: If your bacon comes loose while baking, try overlapping the ends slightly before securing with a toothpick.
Soft bacon fans: Bake for 5–10 minutes less if you prefer the bacon chewy rather than crispy.
Note: You can skip the chili powder entirely if you prefer a purely sweet flavor, or replace it with a pinch of cayenne for a milder heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with dips: Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, maple syrup, or hot honey are all fantastic companions for these smokies.
Best enjoyed fresh: These are crispiest and tastiest when served immediately, but you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
Storing leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Tips
Storage
Time
Reheating Tip
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Freezer (uncooked)
Up to 1 month
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Pro Tip: Always reheat on a baking sheet to keep the bacon crispy instead of microwaving.
Expert Says
The balance of sweet brown sugar and salty bacon in these Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies not only enhances flavor but also promotes caramelization through the Maillard reaction. This reaction creates a savory crust while locking in moisture, resulting in a tender, flavorful appetizer that is both satisfying and texturally appealing.
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Perfecting My Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
It took quite a few kitchen experiments to find the perfect balance of sweet and smoky for these Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies. One batch was too sweet, another too salty, but each attempt brought me closer to that mouthwatering bite that truly warms up any family gathering. This recipe is the real deal, born from plenty of love and tasty lessons.
FAQs ( Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies )
How long do I cook bacon wrapped smokies for the best result?
For tender, caramelized bacon wrapped smokies, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Turn halfway through for even cooking. This ensures the bacon crisps up without burning and the brown sugar melts to form a delicious glaze.
What’s the best way to wrap the smokies with bacon?
Use half slices of bacon to wrap each little smokie tightly, securing with a toothpick if needed. Wrapping snugly helps the bacon stay in place as it crisps. Also, sprinkle brown sugar over the wrapped smokies before baking to enhance flavor and achieve caramelization.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these smokies a few hours ahead and refrigerate them unbaked. Keep them covered and bake just before serving to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, bake and reheat gently in the oven to keep the bacon from becoming soggy.
What side dishes pair well with the dish?
This meal pairs perfectly with fresh veggie trays, creamy dips, or simple macaroni salad. Serving alongside football food appetizers like chips or a crisp coleslaw complements the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit for any casual gathering.
Can I use other types of sausages or bacon?
Absolutely, mini sausages similar in size will work fine. For bacon, regular cut is best to get crispy results, but turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure bacon crisps without overcooking the sausages.
Conclusion
In just about 45 minutes, these bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies come together with a luscious mix of crispy, sweet, and smoky comfort that fills the kitchen with an aroma that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how quickly they vanish from the table.
Feel free to swap chipotle for cayenne if you prefer a gentler heat, or double the brown sugar for extra caramel goodness. A tip I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: line your pan with foil for easy cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying and less scrubbing. Leftovers reheat beautifully on a baking sheet to keep that bacon perfectly crisp.
Have you tried these at your next family gathering? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your own little twists on this classic bite. Be sure to save this recipe for your upcoming get-togetherit’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a cozy smile to the table every time.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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