Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies

If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that completely disappears before dinner is even served, these bacon wrapped smokies are it. Sweet, salty, and a little smoky — they hit all the right notes. I make these every holiday season because they’re a guaranteed crowd favorite and are so simple to make! The bacon crisps up beautifully in the oven while the brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky glaze that’s absolutely irresistible.

With only three ingredients (yes, just three!), these bite-sized appetizers are proof that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to impress a crowd. The combination of smoky bacon, savory little sausages, and caramelized brown sugar creates the perfect flavor – sweet, salty, and smoky in every bite.

I make these all year long — for neighborhood get-togethers, game days, and even cozy Friday nights at home. They’re simple enough for a last-minute snack but special enough to serve at your holiday table.

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Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Smokies

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with this recipe the first time you make it. Here’s why these bacon wrapped smokies deserve a permanent spot in your party appetizer lineup:

• Only 3 Ingredients: Simple, no-fuss, and affordable — you probably already have everything you need.
• Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Each bite packs smoky, sweet, and savory flavor in perfect balance — all from just a few pantry staples.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them hours (or even a full day) in advance, then bake right before guests arrive.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These disappear every single time — kids, adults, everyone loves them.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holiday parties, game days, backyard barbecues, or cozy nights in — they fit right in anywhere.
• Foolproof Results: No special tools, no guesswork — just wrap, bake, and enjoy.

As someone who’s tested and served more appetizers than I can count, I can confidently say this one never fails. It’s that magical combination of easy prep and impressive payoff that makes a recipe truly everyday-worthy.

Ingredients

• Smokies: These cocktail sausages bring savory richness and a satisfying bite-size shape.
• Bacon: Regular-cut bacon crisps up beautifully without overpowering the smokies. (Skip thick-cut bacon — it takes longer to cook and doesn’t caramelize as well.)
• Brown Sugar: The secret to that glossy, irresistible glaze. As it bakes, it melts into the bacon, creating a caramelized crust that’s sweet, sticky, and delicious.

Pro Tip: For a little gourmet twist, brush the bacon with maple syrup halfway through baking or sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes on top.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

This recipe couldn’t be simpler — which is exactly why it’s one of my most-requested appetizers.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact ingredients amounts.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Add a baking rack on top of the sheet. This simple step helps the bacon crisp evenly as the fat drips away underneath — a total game-changer for texture.
• Cut the bacon into thirds. Each piece should be just long enough to wrap once around a smokie.

• Wrap each smokie tightly with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick — or, for a fun serving twist, thread several smokies onto a single skewer instead. (It makes them easy to flip, serve, and grab at parties!)

• Arrange the smokies on the rack in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one for airflow.

• Sprinkle generously with brown sugar. Make sure to coat the tops evenly so the sugar caramelizes into that irresistible sweet-smoky glaze.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
• Optional Finish: For extra caramelization, broil 1–2 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on them.
• Cool briefly before serving. Letting them rest for 5 minutes helps the glaze set, making them easier (and less sticky) to grab.

That’s it — no fancy steps, no frying mess, just simple oven-baked perfection.

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, which is exactly why it’s one of my go-to appetizers. Whether you’re working with what you have or want to change up the flavor, here are a few easy ways to make it your own:

• Turkey Bacon: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option. It cooks faster, so start checking around the 18-minute mark.
• Maple Twist: Brush the tops with maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra-sticky, sweet glaze.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes before baking to balance the sweetness with a hint of heat.
• Skewer Style: Instead of toothpicks, thread several smokies onto a wooden skewer for a fun, easy-to-serve party presentation. It also makes flipping easier in the oven.
• Everything Bagel Topping: Sprinkle a little everything bagel seasoning over the brown sugar before baking — it adds a subtle savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze.
• Gluten-Free Option: Most smokies are already gluten-free, but double-check your package labels. This recipe works great with any gluten-free sausage or bacon variety.
• Air Fryer Variation: Cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping. Perfect for small batches!

The beauty of these bacon wrapped smokies is that they’re nearly impossible to mess up — so feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

After testing this recipe over and over for parties and casual get-togethers, here are the little tricks that make a big difference:

• Use Regular-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut takes too long to cook — regular-cut crisps perfectly without overbaking the smokies.
• Line Your Pan: Always use foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup — brown sugar can caramelize and stick fast!
• Add a Baking Rack: Place a metal rack on top of your baking sheet to lift the smokies slightly. This allows the fat to drip away, helping the bacon crisp evenly on all sides.
• Sprinkle Sugar Last: Add the brown sugar after arranging the smokies on the pan. It’ll melt beautifully into the bacon instead of pooling underneath.
• Try Skewers for Serving: Thread a few smokies onto one skewer instead of using individual toothpicks — it’s a fun serving idea and makes them even easier to grab for parties.
• Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allow 5 minutes for the glaze to set — it helps the caramelized sugar firm up and keeps things a little less sticky.
• Batch Bake for a Crowd: Double the recipe and bake two trays at once, rotating halfway through for even crisping.
• Flavor Boost: Brush the tops with a little maple syrup midway through baking or sprinkle with smoked paprika for an extra hit of flavor.
• Keep Warm the Smart Way: Once baked, transfer to a slow cooker on “warm” to keep them fresh and glossy for hours.

Watch How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Press play to see just how easy these Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze come together! In this quick video, you’ll see how the bacon crisps perfectly at 425°F while the brown sugar caramelizes into that glossy, sweet-and-smoky glaze everyone loves.

How to Store Bacon Wrapped Smokies

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they go fast!), these bacon wrapped smokies store and reheat beautifully — making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying again the next day.

• Refrigerate: Once completely cooled, transfer the smokies to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze will firm up slightly but softens again when reheated.
• Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until hot and crisp again. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked texture.
• Freeze: To freeze, arrange cooled smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes..

These store so well that I often double the batch — half for the party, and half tucked away for easy snacks later in the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bacon wrapped smokies ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the smokies up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then sprinkle on the brown sugar just before baking. This makes them perfect for party prep — all the work is done ahead of time, and you simply bake and serve when guests arrive.

Do I need to use a baking rack?
While it’s optional, I highly recommend it. Using a baking rack helps air circulate underneath the smokies so the bacon crisps evenly on all sides. It also keeps them from sitting in grease as they bake, which makes for a cleaner texture and an easier cleanup.

Can I use thick-cut bacon?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp and may cause the brown sugar to burn before the bacon fully cooks. Regular-cut bacon gives you the perfect crisp-to-tender ratio.

What temperature should I bake bacon wrapped smokies?
I bake mine at 425°F for that perfect caramelized glaze and crispy bacon finish. If your oven runs hot or you prefer a softer texture, reduce the heat to 400°F and bake a few minutes longer.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll crisp up beautifully — just don’t overcrowd the basket so the bacon cooks evenly.

How do I keep bacon wrapped smokies warm for serving?
After baking, transfer them to a slow cooker set on “warm.” This keeps them hot and glossy for hours without drying out — perfect for parties and buffets.

What are some fun ways to serve them?
You can serve them with toothpicks or thread several onto skewers for a party platter. They also look beautiful arranged on a tray with fresh rosemary or cranberries during the holidays.

You’ll Also Love These Recipes

If you loved these Bacon Wrapped Smokies, try a few more of my easy, family-favorite recipes:

• Pasta & Meatball Bite Appetizer — adorable skewered bites combining pasta, meatballs, and a sweet glaze for a fun twist on a classic.
• Bang Bang Chicken Skewers — juicy chicken skewers drizzled with creamy, sweet-spicy sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Cruffins — flaky, buttery, garlic-parmesan spiral bites that are perfect for snacking or appetizer boards.
• Pull-Apart Pizza Muffins — cheesy, pepperoni-packed muffins that pull apart into bite-sized pizza morsels.