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Best Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze

bacon-wrapped smokies brown sugar glaze - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped little smokies with brown sugar glaze are the ultimate party appetizer. Sweet, salty, and perfectly caramelized, they come together in just 35 minutes with only 3 main ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14 oz) little smokies (beef or pork cocktail sausages)
  • 1 lb thin-cut bacon (about 1620 slices)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds (about 2-3 inches long).
  4. Wrap one piece of bacon tightly around each little smokie and place seam-side down on the wire rack, leaving space between each.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and optional cayenne or red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  6. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Return to the wire rack, seam-side down.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy and the sugar has melted and caramelized into a glossy glaze.
  8. Let cool on the wire rack for 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

Do not use thick-cut bacon; thin-cut is essential for even cooking. Patting the smokies dry is crucial for crispy bacon. For best results, use a wire rack to allow air circulation. If you don’t have a rack, place directly on foil and flip halfway through. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the glaze. For a spicier version, add 1/8 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar glaze, party appetizer, game day snack, little smokies, bacon wrapped sausages