Looking for a party hit that disappears fast? These Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser sweet, salty, smoky, and just a little sticky. Whether you’re hosting a game night or a cozy family gathering, this is one of those appetizers easy finger food ideas that everyone loves and asks for the recipe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and crispy in every bite.
- Only 3 main ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.
- Always a hit at parties and family get-togethers.
Ingredients
This Smokies recipe is simple but full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- Beef little smokies: Juicy and flavorful, they hold up perfectly when baked or broiled.
- Beef Bacon strips: Choose thin-cut bacon so it crisps up nicely around the sausages.
- Brown sugar: This adds that perfect caramelized coating for Smokies with bacon and brown sugar magic.
- Optional spices: A pinch of cayenne or black pepper if you like a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Little Smokies with bacon brown sugar absolutely perfect.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Cut bacon slices into thirds, so each piece is just long enough to wrap one sausage.
- Wrap each beef smokie with a bacon piece and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the tray.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the top of all the smokies for that bacon wrapped lil smokies brown sugar glaze.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar forms a caramelized coating. Serve warm and sticky!
Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes like bacon wrapped smokies can go wrong if you rush. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Don’t use thick-cut beef bacon it won’t crisp fully before the smokies overcook.
- Don’t skip the foil; brown sugar can stick badly to the pan.
- Don’t overbake; sugar burns quickly once caramelized.
Pro Tips
- Use a wire rack on the baking tray to let fat drip away for extra crispness.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Drizzle a touch of maple syrup before baking for a glossy finish.
- For make-ahead prep, wrap the smokies and chill them, then bake just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Little Smokies bacon brown sugar bites with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair beautifully with creamy dips like ranch or chipotle mayo. For a holiday spread, serve them alongside festive bites like our Cheese Appetizers for Christmas Gatherings, New Year’s Eve Cake Ball Drops, or even Christmas Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Wreath.
Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Foil or Parchment Paper
- Toothpicks
- Wire Rack (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) beef little smokies You can substitute with turkey or pork smokies if desired.
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon Cut each strip into thirds for wrapping.
- 1 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar both work well.
Optional Spices
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Optional, for a mild heat.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper Freshly ground, optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Cut bacon slices into thirds so each piece can wrap one sausage.
- Wrap each beef smokie with a bacon piece and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the tray.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the top for a sweet caramelized glaze.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and sugar caramelizes. Serve warm and sticky!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack so fat can drip away while baking.
- Avoid thick-cut bacon it won’t crisp up before the sausages overcook.
- You can wrap and chill the smokies ahead of time, then sprinkle sugar and bake before serving.
FAQs
How to make bacon-wrapped smokies crispy?
Use thin-cut bacon and bake on a wire rack. This lets the hot air circulate around each smokie, making the bacon evenly crisp without sogginess. For extra crunch, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
Can I make these smokies ahead of time?
Yes! You can wrap and refrigerate them a day before baking. When ready to serve, sprinkle the brown sugar just before baking so it melts evenly. This trick keeps your Smokies with bacon and brown sugar glossy and fresh-tasting.
Can I use turkey or pork smokies instead of beef?
Absolutely. While Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are richer and juicier, turkey or pork versions work fine too. Just keep an eye on the baking time—turkey smokies cook faster, so check them at 18 minutes.
Conclusion
These little bites are perfect for holiday gatherings, tailgates, or cozy weekends. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet brown sugar, and crisp bacon is simply irresistible. So next time you want to impress your guests with Little Smokies recipes that look fancy but take minutes to make, give these a try. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for your next party spread!
