Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies (Brown Sugar Baked)

35-minute holiday appetizer, sweet-smoky, crispy bacon, party-proof for New Year’s Eve and game day.

Bite-size sausages wrapped in caramelized bacon with a glossy brown-sugar finish that disappears fast from any platter.

Why You’ll Love It

• Smokies With Bacon And Brown Sugar flavor: salty-sweet, lightly spicy, ultra-crisp edges.
• Appetizers Easy Finger Food: toothpick-ready, zero plates needed—perfect Event Food and Nye Party Food.
• Works for every Little Smokies Recipes search and your Best Appetizer Recipes board.
• Easy method covers How To Make Bacon-wrapped Smokies in oven, air fryer, and slow cooker keep-warm.
• Built for Holiday Appetizers and New Years Appetizer Ideas—batch, bake, and keep warm.

More party dishes (internal links): set out a lucky bowl of black-eyed pea salad for freshness, a cozy pot of Southern black-eyed peas for tradition, and a sweet tray of cookies-and-cream fudge:
black-eyed pea salad • Southern black-eyed peas • cookies-and-cream fudge

Ingredients — notes only

Core

• Little smokies (cocktail sausages), patted dry for better crisp.
• Thin-cut bacon (crispens fastest); cut into thirds so it hugs each link.
• Brown sugar for a caramelized crust.

Seasoning & Glaze Options

• Smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder (optional heat + smoke).
• Maple or a splash of bourbon with the sugar for a lacquered finish.

Tools

• Toothpicks, foil-lined sheet pan + wire rack (best crisp, easy cleanup).

Step-by-Step (Oven, 35 minutes)

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with foil; set a wire rack on top and spray lightly.
2. Mix rub: 1 cup brown sugar with ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp garlic powder (optional).
3. Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each smokie with 1 piece; secure with a toothpick.
4. Dredge each piece in the sugar mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Arrange on rack seam-side down.
6. Bake 25–30 min until bacon is deep golden and sugar is bubbly.
7. Crisp: Broil 1–2 min if you want extra char (watch closely).
8. Rest 5 min so the sugar sets. Serve hot with toothpicks.

Doneness cues: bacon browned with caramelized edges; sausages sizzling; sugar glossy, not gritty.

Pro Tips

• Thin bacon > thick for quick, even crisp.
• Pat dry smokies; moisture fights caramelization.
• Wire rack keeps bottoms crisp and avoids burnt sugar puddles.
• Pre-bake hack: 5 minutes of solo bacon in the oven speeds crisp on very fatty brands.
• Keep warm on LOW in a slow cooker (add a spoon of water; vent lid slightly).
• Batching: bake on two racks; rotate pans at 15 minutes.

Variations

• Little Smokies Bacon Brown Sugar (classic): as written; finish with extra brown sugar sprinkle.
• Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies Brown Sugar + Maple: 2 Tbsp maple mixed into sugar.
• BBQ glaze: brush with ¼ cup BBQ sauce in last 5 minutes.
• Spicy: ½ tsp cayenne + hot-honey drizzle.
• Everything-bagel: roll in brown sugar + everything seasoning.
• Air Fryer: 380°F (193°C) 10–12 min, in batches, turning once.
• Turkey bacon: par-cook 3–4 min first, then wrap and bake.

How to Serve

Pile onto a platter with toothpicks and cups of BBQ, honey-mustard, and chipotle ranch. Pair with bubbly for New Year’s Eve House Party spreads or add to New Years Eve Meals alongside sliders and salads.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate (dredge in sugar just before baking).
• Freeze unbaked on a tray; bag up to 2 months; bake from frozen +5–8 min.
• Leftovers: fridge 3–4 days; reheat 350°F, 8–10 min or air fryer 360°F, 4–5 min.

FAQs

How to make bacon-wrapped smokies extra crispy?
Use thin bacon, a wire rack, and broil briefly at the end.

Do toothpicks need soaking?
Not for this oven temp; if broiling longer than 2 minutes, soak 10 minutes.

Can I make them without brown sugar?
Yes—use a BBQ or maple glaze; they’ll be less caramelized but still great.

How many per person?
Plan 4–6 per guest for Holiday Appetizers and New Years Appetizer Ideas.

Simple Nutrition (estimate, per 4 pieces)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Sodium
230	18g	7g	14g	16g	540mg
Estimates only; varies by bacon and sausage brand.