These Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect party snack! They’re juicy little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet brown sugar glaze.
Trust me, they disappear fast—like magic! 🪄 Whenever I make them, I keep a close eye to make sure I get my fair share! They’re super easy to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These cocktail sausages are the star! If you can’t find them, consider using regular cocktail sausages; just remember they won’t have the same flavor punch. Turkey or chicken Little Smokies are also a great option for a lighter version.
Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe. You might use thick-cut for more chewiness, but it may take longer to cook. For a healthier touch, turkey bacon is a fine alternative, although it won’t get quite as crispy.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness of brown sugar is key here! If you’re out, try granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar flavor. For a lighter option, coconut sugar can also do the trick, just keep in mind the taste will be slightly different.
How Do You Get the Bacon Crispy and the Sugar Perfectly Caramelized?
Getting your bacon crispy while ensuring the brown sugar turns into a sticky glaze can be tricky. Here’s the secret:
- Preheating the oven correctly makes a big difference in how evenly everything cooks.
- Using a wire rack allows the fat to drip away, keeping the bacon crispy! If you don’t have one, placing them directly on foil works too—just be ready for a bit of a mess.
- Watch the cooking time! Turning the sausages halfway through gives both sides a chance to crisp up and helps the sugar caramelize without burning.
Take a quick peek towards the end as everyone’s oven can vary—you’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color!
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 Little Smokies sausages (cocktail sausages)
- 12 slices of bacon (regular cut)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- Toothpicks
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then about 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes to get these tasty treats ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This setup will help the bacon get nice and crispy as it cooks!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Grab your bacon and cut each slice in half. This will give you 24 pieces, which is perfect for wrapping your Smokies. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly cut—just aim for halves!
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Now, take one Little Smokie sausage and wrap it tightly with one half-slice of bacon. Once it’s wrapped, use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. Repeat this step for all of the sausages. It’s like a little pig in a blanket—the bacon makes it so delicious!
4. Coat with Brown Sugar:
Next, pour the packed brown sugar into a bowl. Roll each bacon-wrapped Smokie in the brown sugar, making sure each one is well-coated. A little press helps the sugar stick better. Place them evenly on the wire rack that’s on your baking sheet.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to turn the Smokies halfway through cooking—this helps the bacon crisp up evenly. Keep an eye on them as they cook, as the brown sugar can caramelize quickly!
6. Let Cool and Serve:
Once the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has melted into a sticky glaze, take the Smokies out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Enjoy these sweet and savory bacon-wrapped Smokies as a delicious finger food perfect for parties or game days! They will definitely impress your friends and family.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are traditional for this recipe, you can use any bite-sized sausages you prefer, such as cocktail sausages or even kielbasa. Just keep the cooking time in mind if you choose a different size!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy them as a quick snack!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped Smokies in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few additional minutes if needed!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?
These Smokies are fantastic as finger foods at parties. You can serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair them with some dipping sauces like barbecue or ranch for an extra flavor boost!
