Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages; 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Freshly grated black pepper, to taste

There’s something about the sweet and savory combo of bacon and brown sugar that just hits the spot every time. This Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe is a classic party favorite that’s so easy to make and incredibly addictive. The caramelized sugar coating with crispy bacon wrapped around juicy little smokies is nothing short of magic on a plate.

The image shows many small sausage bites wrapped tightly in cooked bacon, arranged closely together in neat rows. Each sausage is wrapped in a strip of bacon that is browned and crispy on the outside, with a slightly rough texture from the cooked meat. Toothpicks stick out from each piece, holding the bacon in place. The sausages inside are red and shiny, contrasting with the golden-brown bacon. A glistening layer of oil coats the bites, making them look shiny and juicy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make this Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe whenever friends come over or for holiday gatherings because it’s always the first thing to disappear! Honestly, it’s that perfect mix of sticky, smoky, and sweet that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Super Simple: Only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep means you can have these appetizers ready before the good stuff even starts.
Flavor Explosion: Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the bacon crisps up, coating the smokies in a perfect glaze.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults loves these, and they’re great for game days, potlucks, or anytime snacking.
Customizable: You can add pepper, spices, or even swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup to put your own spin on it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps it straightforward but the magic lies in how these ingredients complement each other. When you coat those smoky little sausages with brown sugar and wrap them in bacon, you're locking in moisture and flavor while the sugars caramelize for that perfect stickiness.

Flat lay of fresh little smokies sausages, several slices of thin-cut raw bacon, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Little Smokies Sausages: These bite-sized sausages are great because they're already flavorful and cook quickly, which makes them ideal for snacks.
Thin-cut Bacon: Thinner bacon crisps up faster and wraps around the smokies nicely without being too bulky or greasy.
Brown Sugar: This adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the salty bacon perfectly.
Freshly Grated Black Pepper: Just a touch to add some subtle heat and complexity, but totally optional based on your preference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion. Maybe you want a little heat or a smokier flavor—this recipe is really flexible, so don’t hesitate to experiment with it!

Spicy Kick: I once sprinkled a bit of cayenne or chili powder on the brown sugar before coating the smokies; it gave a wonderful spicy-sweet flavor combo that my friends raved about.
Maple Syrup Swap: For an even richer sweetness, try swapping brown sugar for maple syrup—you’ll get a sticky glaze that’s just heavenly.
Herb Infusions: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme tucked under the bacon before baking adds a great herbal note.
Easy Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is great for accommodating friends’ dietary needs without any extra changes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

The image shows three bacon-wrapped sausages on a small round white plate with a brown rim. Each sausage is tightly wrapped in a golden-brown crispy bacon layer, with some parts showing a slightly darker red-brown cooked bacon texture. There are small crunchy crumbs sprinkled on top of the bacon. In the background, there is a larger white plate filled with more bacon-wrapped sausages, all placed on a white marbled surface along with some wooden toothpicks scattered nearby. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked bacon textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bacon Wraps

I start by greasing a baking dish or lining a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Then I cut each slice of the thin bacon into thirds—this size is just perfect for wrapping each little smokie snugly without extra bulk. Patting the smokies dry helps the bacon stick better, so don’t skip that!

Step 2: Brown Sugar Bath

Into a large zip-top bag goes the brown sugar, then a handful of your bacon-wrapped smokies. Shake it up gently until each piece is coated in that sticky sugar goodness. Repeat until all smokies are coated and laid out on your prepared pan. Don’t forget to take your time here so every bite is sweet and caramelized.

Step 3: Season and Bake

A quick sprinkle of fresh black pepper adds a subtle peppery contrast to the sweetness, which really enhances the final taste. Bake everything at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is golden and crispy. If you like it extra crispy, a quick broil at the end does wonders—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

Like when I first made this recipe, I learned a few tricks to get every batch just right. These tips saved me from soggy bacon and ensured that perfect balance of crispy and sticky every single time.

Use Thin Bacon: It crisps faster and wraps neatly, helping the little smokies stay juicy while cooking evenly.
Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the little smokies dry before wrapping helps the bacon adhere better and prevent sogginess.
Shake Gently: When rolling the smokies in brown sugar, be gentle to keep the coating even without losing too much of the sugar in the bag.
Watch the Broil: If you choose to broil for crispiness, keep a close eye on the oven—brown sugar burns quickly and you want that perfect caramelization without bitterness.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

bacon wrapped little smokies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple. A little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of Dijon mustard on the side for dipping, which adds a nice tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

These little bites go great with classic sides like coleslaw or a crisp green salad to freshen the palate. For party spread, I like pairing them with baked macaroni and cheese or garlic bread—comfort food all around!

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served these on a beautiful charcuterie board surrounded by cheeses, pickles, and crackers. For a birthday party, I threaded them onto small skewers with colorful bell peppers, making it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. It’s a fun and festive way to impress without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I let them cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing works great. I flash freeze the wrapped smokies on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. This way, you can bake them from frozen anytime – just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven or air fryer is my go-to to bring back that crispiness. I preheat the oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the bacon is nice and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular bacon instead of thin-cut bacon?

You can, but thin-cut bacon is better for this recipe because it crisps up faster and wraps around the little smokies more easily without making them too bulky. Regular bacon might take longer to cook and can be heavier.

How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning?

To avoid burning, bake the smokies at 350°F and keep an eye on them near the end of cooking. If you use the broiler for crispiness, watch closely as the sugar caramelizes quickly and can burn within moments.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can wrap the smokies in bacon and coat them with brown sugar up to a day ahead, then refrigerate them until ready to bake. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on the event day.

Are there any good dipping sauces to go with these?

Yes! Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo pairs wonderfully with the sweet and smoky flavor of these bacon-wrapped smokies.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe has become one of those dishes I always turn to when I want an easy crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. It’s simple, flavorful, and hits all the right notes every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—you’ll be sharing this one with friends and family for years to come.