Few appetizers bring people together quite like Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies. These bite-sized sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in brown sugar create a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that are irresistible at any gathering.
Whether you’re preparing for a family party, game day, or simply want a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to delight. The caramelized brown sugar adds a deliciously sticky glaze while the freshly cracked black pepper provides a hint of spice to complement the smoky bacon.
- A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite
- Simple prep and easy to scale for any crowd size
- Great for parties, potlucks, or a fun appetizer any day
Ingredients
- Little Smokies Sausages: A 16-ounce package of cocktail-sized smoked sausages, providing the main protein with a smoky flavor.
- Thin-cut Bacon: One pound of thinly sliced bacon, each slice cut into thirds, to wrap around each sausage for crispy, smoky goodness.
- Brown Sugar: Three-quarters cup, packed, adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking to create a sticky glaze.
- Freshly Grated Black Pepper: To taste, enhances the flavor with a slight kick and balances the sweetness of brown sugar.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan
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Begin by greasing a baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even cooking and caramelization later on.
- Wrap Each Sausage
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Pat the little smokies dry to help the bacon adhere better. Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Coat with Brown Sugar
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Place the brown sugar in a large zip-top bag. Add a handful of the bacon-wrapped sausages to the bag and shake gently until they are evenly coated in brown sugar. This process helps create a delicious, sticky crust once baked.
- Arrange on Baking Pan
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Remove the coated sausages from the bag and place them on the prepared baking pan in a single layer. Repeat the coating process with the remaining sausages for consistent flavor on all pieces.
- Add Pepper and Bake
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Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper over the sausages to add a subtle spice. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is browned and cooked through.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
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If you prefer the bacon to be crispier, briefly broil the sausages for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This will give a nice, crunchy finish to the bacon wrapping.
- Serve and Enjoy
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Allow the Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies to cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and make a perfect finger food for any occasion.
- Use thin-cut bacon for even cooking and easier wrapping around the sausages.
- Do not skip drying the sausages before wrapping to avoid soggy bacon.
- Adjust brown sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these smoky, sweet bites with toothpicks alongside mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces. They also pair well with cheese boards or as a hearty addition to party platters.
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper in the brown sugar bag for a spicy kick.
- Line your baking pan with foil for easier cleanup and to catch caramelized drips.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
FAQs
- Can I use thick-cut bacon?
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Thick-cut bacon can be used but may require longer cooking time and be harder to wrap around the little smokies.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the wrapped sausages and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before coating with brown sugar and baking.
- Are there alternatives to brown sugar?
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Packed white sugar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives, though they will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
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Securing with toothpicks and patting sausages dry help keep the bacon wrapped tightly during cooking.
- Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
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Yes, it can be cooked in an air fryer at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies
Equipment
- 1 baking dish greased with nonstick spray or lined with foil
- 1 oven preheated to 350°F
- 1 large zip-top bag
- 1 toothpicks
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package little smokies sausages
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon each slice cut into three
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- Freshly grated black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with foil and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pat the little smokies dry with paper towels.
- Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place brown sugar in a large zip-top bag, add a few bacon-wrapped sausages, and shake until coated.
- Remove coated sausages from the bag and place them on the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining sausages.
- Season the sausages with freshly grated black pepper, if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bacon is browned.
- For crispier bacon, broil the sausages for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use foil-lined pans for easier cleanup.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the bacon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
