Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

These irresistible bacon wrapped little smokies are one of those appetizers that never go out of style! Each bite combines smoky cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, then coated with a sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Whether it’s game day, the holidays, or a casual family get-together, these little smokies are always the first to disappear from the plate.

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A Family Favorite Snack

This recipe has been in my family for as long as I can remember. My mom used to make these every year for parties, and even though the ingredient list was short, hers always tasted amazing. When I tried making them myself for the first time, something was missing. So, I called her up to get her exact method — and it turns out, there are a few small tricks that make a big difference. Today, I’m sharing all of her secrets so you can make the best bacon wrapped little smokies with brown sugar every single time.

If you’re a bacon lover like we are, don’t miss out on our Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta — it’s the perfect dinner idea for a cozy weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make these sweet and smoky appetizers. Simple, but unbelievably delicious!

• Little smokies (cocktail sausages): The star of the show. You can use pork or beef smokies.
• Bacon: Regular sliced bacon works best — thick cut takes longer to crisp.
• Brown sugar: Light or dark, either will give that caramelized sweetness.

Tip: All measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

These bite-sized snacks are so easy to make — just wrap, sprinkle, and bake! Here’s exactly how my mom does it:

1. Wrap the sausages: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon snugly around each little sausage and place them seam-side down in a 13×9-inch glass baking dish. (No need for toothpicks — they’ll stay put as they cook.)
2. Add the sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top. Using a smaller pan helps keep the sugar right on top of the bacon instead of falling between the cracks.
3. Marinate for flavor: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This step lets the flavors mingle and makes the glaze extra rich once baked.
4. Bake to perfection: When ready, remove the cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has melted into a sticky, caramelized glaze.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Cut the bacon small: Cutting bacon into thirds helps it crisp faster. Larger pieces will stay chewy instead of crisp.
• Marinating matters: Don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the bacon and sugar rest together for at least an hour gives the smokies their signature sweet-savory flavor.
• Use glass, not foil: My mom swears by baking in a glass dish instead of a foil-lined sheet. The heat distributes more evenly, and cleanup is easy — just soak the dish in hot water for a few minutes, and the caramelized sugar rinses right off.
• Make ahead: Assemble them the day before and refrigerate. Just pop them in the oven when guests arrive.

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