These Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer for any occasion. Made with only four ingredients, this simple recipe proves that less is more. The smoky, crispy bacon, combined with a sweet and buttery brown sugar glaze, makes these little smokies irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game day, or just craving a tasty snack, these bacon-wrapped delights are sure to disappear quickly.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 package (14 oz) Little Smokies (cocktail sausages)

• 1 package (12 oz) center-cut bacon, cut into thirds

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup light brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Wrap the Smokies: Cut each strip of bacon into thirds. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick if desired. Arrange the wrapped sausages in a single layer on a baking dish.

3. Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined.

4. Coat the Smokies: Pour the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies.

5. Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, then increase the heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

6. Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the smokies from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy this mouthwatering appetizer hot!

Nutrients (per serving, based on 1 sausage)

• Calories: 547 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 34g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 13g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 68mg

• Sodium: 482mg

• Potassium: 189mg

• Sugar: 53g

• Vitamin A: 374 IU

• Calcium: 52mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the Ultimate Appetizer

There’s something about the combination of bacon and sausages that makes them a universally loved pairing. The smoky, crispy bacon provides a salty, crunchy contrast to the tender little smokies, which burst with savory flavor. When you drizzle the combination with a sweet brown sugar and butter glaze, it creates a deliciously balanced bite—savory, sweet, and just a touch of buttery richness. This sweet-and-savory pairing is a classic that never fails to please, making it the perfect choice for a quick and tasty appetizer.

The beauty of bacon-wrapped smokies lies in their simplicity and versatility. The dish is easy to make, yet it delivers a flavor-packed punch that satisfies even the most discerning palates. They’re the perfect finger food, ideal for picking up and popping into your mouth, making them a great choice for party snacks, potlucks, and casual get-togethers.

The Magic of Bacon in This Recipe

Bacon is often the star of the show when it comes to flavor-packed appetizers, and in this recipe, it shines. The crispy, smoky goodness of bacon is one of the main reasons why these little smokies are so irresistible. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it imparts its rich, savory flavor to the sausages, making each bite explode with smoky goodness.

Not only does bacon add flavor, but it also provides a satisfying texture contrast. The smokiness of the bacon works beautifully against the softness of the cocktail sausages, offering a delightful contrast in each bite. Additionally, the bacon helps to hold the sausages in place, creating a neat, easy-to-serve snack that’s sure to impress your guests.

Sweet and Savory Perfection: The Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze

The brown sugar and butter glaze is what elevates this appetizer from good to extraordinary. The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly complements the salty bacon and smoky sausages, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile. The butter adds a rich, creamy element that binds the glaze together and ensures that the smokies stay moist and tender.

As the smokies bake, the glaze melts and caramelizes, creating a glossy, golden coating that’s both sticky and irresistible. This caramelized finish enhances the overall flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the savory bacon and sausages. The sweetness of the glaze also helps balance out the richness of the bacon, making this dish feel indulgent without being overpowering.

A Simple Yet Impressive Appetizer

One of the reasons why Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are so popular is that they’re incredibly easy to make yet look and taste like a dish that took much more time and effort to prepare. With only four ingredients—Little smokies, bacon, brown sugar, and butter—you can create a flavorful and impressive appetizer in under an hour.

The simplicity of the recipe is one of its biggest advantages. There’s no need for complicated prep work or a long list of ingredients. Just wrap the smokies in bacon, drizzle with the sweet glaze, and bake until crispy. The result is a dish that looks great on the table and tastes even better. These smokies are sure to impress your guests and make you the star of any party, despite the minimal effort required.

The Versatility of Bacon Wrapped Smokies

While the combination of bacon, sausage, brown sugar, and butter is tried and true, there’s plenty of room for customization. This recipe serves as a great base, but you can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

For instance, if you’re looking to make this dish spicier, you can sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top of the smokies before baking. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, consider using smoked paprika or adding a touch of liquid smoke to the glaze. Alternatively, you could try using a different type of sausage, such as spicy chorizo or chicken sausage, to give the dish a new twist.

If you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you could swap out regular bacon for center-cut or turkey bacon to reduce the fat content. You could also experiment with using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener, for those watching their sugar intake.

These little smokies are also great for pairing with different dips. Serve them with a side of creamy ranch dressing, tangy barbecue sauce, or spicy mustard for dipping. This opens up even more possibilities for customization, making the dish adaptable to different tastes and occasions.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are the perfect appetizer for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying game day, or simply looking for a quick snack, this dish fits the bill. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for parties or casual gatherings. They’re also a great addition to a potluck or picnic, where finger foods are a must.

The rich flavors and irresistible glaze make these smokies perfect for both casual and more formal events. For a party or gathering, they can be served as part of a spread of appetizers, alongside other finger foods like chips, dips, and cheese platters. If you’re hosting a game day party, these bacon-wrapped smokies will be a hit with fans and foodies alike.

A Recipe for Meal Prep or Leftovers

While Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are typically enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they also make great leftovers. The smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave. If you want to keep the bacon crispy, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

For meal prep, you can make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy snacks or meals throughout the week. These smokies are great for adding to salads, serving as a topping for pizzas, or simply enjoying on their own. Their versatility makes them a great option for both entertaining and easy meal solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a bite-sized, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of crispy bacon, tender little smokies, and a sweet brown sugar glaze creates a delicious flavor profile that’s irresistible to both guests and family alike. The simplicity of the recipe, along with its versatility and ease of preparation, makes it ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just craving a delicious snack. With just four ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and sophisticated, without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your appetizer repertoire.