Save A crowd-pleasing, ultra-simple appetizer featuring savory little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a sweet, caramelized touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or game days.
I first made these bacon-wrapped smokies for a football game night and could hardly keep up with how quickly they vanished from the tray. Everyone loved how simple yet addictive they were. They're now requested for every gathering!
Ingredients
- Cocktail smokies: 24 little smoked sausages (about 14 oz (400 g)), regular or beef
- Bacon: 12 slices, regular thickness (not thick-cut), halved crosswise
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g), light or dark
Instructions
- Prep the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare bacon strips:
- Using a sharp knife, cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 24 pieces.
- Wrap the smokies:
- Wrap each cocktail smokie with a half-slice of bacon, then secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange and sprinkle:
- Place on baking sheet seam-side down. Sprinkle each one evenly with brown sugar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 3035 minutes until bacon is crispy and sugar is caramelized.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sugar will be very hot.
Save
Save This is my family's number one request for any holiday or birthday. Even picky eaters devour these, and it always sparks cheerful competition over who gets the last one.
Required Tools
All you need is a rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, a sharp knife, and plenty of toothpicks for securing each bite.
Allergen Information
Contains pork due to bacon and sausages. Double-check the ingredients list on sausages for possible dairy, gluten, soy, or wheat if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (3 pieces) contains about 220 calories, 14 g fat, 10 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein, making them a satisfying but manageable indulgence.
Save
Save These bacon-wrapped smokies are always a hit. With only three ingredients and simple steps, they make entertaining easy and delicious!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted, but cooking times may vary since it tends to be leaner and thinner.
- → How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much during baking?
Wrapping snugly and securing with toothpicks helps keep the bacon in place. Avoid thick-cut bacon, which may shrink more.
- → What is the purpose of the brown sugar topping?
The brown sugar melts and caramelizes during baking, adding a sweet glaze that balances the smoky and savory flavors.
- → Can I add spice to these smokies?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar before sprinkling adds a pleasant spicy kick.
- → How do I ensure even cooking for all smokies?
Arrange them in a single layer with seam side down on a lined baking sheet to promote even crisping and caramelization.