Best Easy Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies Recipe
Three ingredients and an oven are all you need to make these sweet, salty, and smoky bacon-wrapped smokies with a caramelized brown sugar shell. Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering where you want to disappear in a bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) package Lit’l Smokies (or any small smoked sausage)
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
- Optional: Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
- Cut each bacon slice into three equal pieces (about 2 inches long).
- Wrap each Lit’l Smokie with a piece of bacon, stretching the bacon slightly so it’s snug. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Pour the packed brown sugar into a shallow bowl. If using smoked paprika or cayenne, mix it into the sugar. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar, pressing gently to adhere. Place seam-side down on the wire rack.
- Arrange the smokies in a single layer on the rack, leaving space between each for air circulation.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until deep golden-brown and the bacon is crisp around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest on the rack for 5 minutes. The sugar will be molten hot.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm. Remove toothpicks if desired.
Notes
The wire rack is essential for crispy bacon—it lifts the smokies above the grease. Thin-cut bacon is non-negotiable; thick-cut will be chewy. Let the wrapped smokies sit in the brown sugar for 10-15 minutes before baking for a more even caramel coating. For make-ahead, prep the night before, cover with plastic wrap in the fridge, and bake as directed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 12
Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar bacon smokies, easy appetizer, game day snack, party food, crispy bacon, sweet and savory