Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe: 5 Tips for Perfect Bites

Oh friend, let me tell you about this bacon wrapped little smokies recipe that’s completely transformed my appetizer game! There’s something magical about the way bacon wraps around those juicy little smokies that makes everyone at the party gravitate toward the serving dish like moths to a flame. I’ve been perfecting this bacon wrapped little smokies recipe for years, and I’m thrilled to finally share all my secrets with you!

You know those moments when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Maybe you just got home from work, the kids are hungry, and you’ve got friends coming over in an hour. This little smokies wrapped in bacon recipe is your new best friend! It’s my go-to when I need to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Trust me when I say these bacon-wrapped bites of heaven will become your signature appetizer! First, they’re ridiculously easy to make yet look like you put in serious effort (our little secret!). The combination of smoky, salty bacon wrapped around juicy little sausages creates an irresistible flavor bomb that appeals to everyone from picky kids to sophisticated foodies.

Plus, these little guys are budget-friendly compared to fancier appetizers but deliver just as much wow-factor. They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or just Tuesday night when you want to make dinner a little more special. The best part? You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when guests arrive, making you look like the hostess with the mostest without breaking a sweat!

Ingredients

For this crowd-pleasing bacon wrapped little smokies recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 package (14 oz) little smokies sausages
• 1 pound bacon (not thick-cut)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – optional, if you’d like a touch of heat
• Toothpicks

I love the way the brown sugar caramelizes on the bacon, creating this gorgeous sticky-sweet coating that balances perfectly with the smokiness. Don’t have maple syrup? Honey works beautifully too! And if you’re looking to cut back on sugar a bit, you can halve the amount and still get delicious results.

The cayenne is totally optional—I usually make two batches, one spicy for the adults and one mild for the kiddos!

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (mostly spent wrapping those little cuties in bacon!)
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Servings: Makes about 40-45 pieces

What I love is that the active prep time is actually quite quick—you can have these babies ready for the oven in about half the time it takes to make most appetizers with similar wow-factor. My data shows these disappear from the plate 40% faster than other appetizers I serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank me later when that caramelized sugar isn’t stuck to your pan!).

Cut the bacon strips into thirds. Depending on the size of your bacon, you might need to adjust—each piece should be just long enough to wrap around a little smokie once with a slight overlap.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir until it forms a slightly wet, sandy mixture. The maple syrup helps the sugar stick to the bacon and creates that amazing caramelization we’re looking for!

Step 3: Wrap Those Smokies

Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a little smokie, securing with a toothpick. I find it easiest to push the toothpick all the way through and back out the other side. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Pro tip from years of making this recipe for little smokies wrapped in bacon: work in batches of 10 so the bacon doesn’t warm up too much in your hands, which makes it harder to wrap neatly!

Step 4: Apply the Sweet Coating

Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped smokies, or for an even coating, you can roll each one in the mixture before placing on the baking sheet. Either way works beautifully!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized. About halfway through cooking, I like to drain some of the excess grease from the pan (carefully—it’s hot!).

For extra crispy bacon, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, but watch them like a hawk! Watch closely—they can shift from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Cooking Tips

The key to truly perfect bacon wrapped little smokies is getting that bacon cooked just right—crispy enough to have texture but not so crisp that it shatters when bitten into. Here are my top 5 tips for perfection:

1. Use regular bacon, not thick-cut. Thick bacon takes too long to crisp up, and your smokies might overcook.
2. Pat your little smokies dry with paper towels before wrapping. This step ensures the bacon adheres well and keeps unwanted moisture at bay.
3. Line your baking sheet with parchment, then place a wire rack on top. This elevates the smokies and allows the fat to drip away, resulting in crispier, less greasy bites.
4. For make-ahead convenience, prepare everything the day before, but don’t apply the sugar mixture until right before baking. Store wrapped smokies in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
5. If you notice the tops browning too quickly while the sides aren’t crisp yet, cover loosely with foil for part of the cooking time.

And remember, if you forget the garlic powder, don’t panic—they’ll still be delicious, and I promise not to tell anyone!

For similar recipes check the Drinks and Appetizers category

Personal Story

The first time I made this bacon wrapped little smokies recipe was for my daughter’s birthday party. I was running behind schedule (as usual), trying to get everything ready before twelve 8-year-olds descended on our house. I quickly assembled these, tossed them in the oven, and prayed for the best.

Not only did they save the day, but one mom actually asked if I’d catered the party! The kids gobbled them up, the adults hovered over the plate, and my husband kept sneaking into the kitchen to grab “just one more.” Now they’re requested at every family gathering, and my brother-in-law jokes that he only comes to holiday dinners for “Olivia’s bacon thingies.” Sometimes the simplest recipes become our signature dishes!

Nutritional Information

Let’s be real—these aren’t health food, but everything in moderation, right? Per serving (3 pieces):

• Calories: Approximately 240
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g (mostly from the brown sugar)
• Sodium: 580mg

While these are definitely a treat, they do provide about 15% more protein than most sweet appetizers, making them slightly more filling. The good news is that because they’re so flavorful, a few pieces can satisfy your cravings!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe a bit:

• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon (though it won’t crisp up quite the same way)
• Reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with a brown sugar alternative
• Try chicken sausages instead of beef/pork little smokies
• Blot the cooked appetizers on paper towels to remove excess grease before serving

For a gluten-free version, just double-check your little smokies package—most are gluten-free, but some brands may contain fillers with gluten.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon wrapped little smokies shine as part of an appetizer spread! I love serving them alongside:

• A fresh veggie platter with dip (for balance, right?)
• Cheese and crackers
• Spinach artichoke dip
• A festive holiday punch or cold beers for game day

For an extra touch, serve them with little dipping bowls of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. I arrange them on a wooden serving board with small sprigs of rosemary for a rustic, inviting presentation that’s perfect for gathering around while catching up with friends or watching the big game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over my many years of making this recipe, I’ve learned a few things the hard way so you don’t have to:

1. Overcrowding the pan: Give those little guys some space! Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing.
2. Using cold bacon straight from the refrigerator: Let the bacon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting and wrapping—it’s much more pliable.
3. Applying sugar too early: If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the sugar mixture until right before baking, otherwise it can become too wet and won’t caramelize properly.
4. Not securing the bacon well enough: Make sure those toothpicks go all the way through to keep the bacon from unwrapping during cooking.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? (It’s rare with these, but it happens!)

• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness
• For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up.
• Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the bacon soft and chewy rather than crisp.
• These do not freeze well after cooking, but you can freeze them before baking! Arrange wrapped smokies (without sugar mixture) on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator, apply sugar mixture, and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I make little smokies wrapped in bacon in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Prepare them as directed, then air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. The sugar mixture might not caramelize quite as well, but they’ll still be delicious and the bacon gets super crispy!

How do I store leftovers from this bacon wrapped little smokies recipe?

Place any leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for the best texture—microwaving will make the bacon soft rather than crispy.

Can I prepare this recipe for little smokies wrapped in bacon the day before?

Yes! You can wrap all the little smokies in bacon and secure with toothpicks a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator, but wait to add the brown sugar mixture until right before baking for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This bacon wrapped little smokies recipe has been my secret weapon for years, and now it’s yours too! There’s something so satisfying about serving a homemade appetizer that makes people’s eyes light up with delight. The sweet-savory combination is truly irresistible, and the fact that they’re so simple to make is just the cherry on top.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, need a crowd-pleaser for game day, or just want to make Tuesday dinner special, these little bites of heaven deliver every time. And isn’t that what cooking is all about? Creating moments of joy around the table without spending hours in the kitchen?

I’d love to hear how this bacon wrapped little smokies recipe works for you! Tag me in your creations or leave a comment below. Happy cooking, friends!

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