These irresistible Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are the perfect party appetizer or game day snack. Each bite-sized smoked sausage is wrapped in maple-flavored bacon, then coated in a sweet and spicy brown sugar and chipotle seasoning. Baked until the bacon is perfectly crispy, these savory-sweet smokies are best served hot with a side of your favorite barbecue dipping sauce. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re the ultimate bacon-wrapped appetizer for any occasion.

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies Recipe – The Ultimate Party Appetizer

I’m not sure who first thought to wrap cocktail sausages in bacon, but they were onto something brilliant. My boys devour these bacon-wrapped smokies by the handful! No matter the season or which sport is currently on our screen, this recipe is a must-have for game day, potlucks and party food spreads. Much like pigs in a blanket, these little smokies are a great appetizer that’s always a crowd favorite. This is one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare them, wrapped in maple-flavored bacon, which perfectly balances the smoky heat of the chipotle pepper seasoning.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make simple Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Little Smokies Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Sausages – One package of little smokies. You can use your favorite brand.
Bacon – I used maple flavored bacon for added flavor, you can also use classic bacon.
Sugar – Light brown sugar for sweetness. The sugar caramelizes while baking which amps up the flavor.
Spices – Ground chipotle powder or ancho chili powder for a hint of spice.
Dipping Sauces – Barbecue sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard or any of your favorite dipping sauces.

ingredients-to-make-bacon-wrapped-smokies

How to Make the Best Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies Recipe

Barbecue is the Sauce of Choice for our Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies. North Carolina is well know for it’s love of pork and barbecue and it seems only fitting that I serve these with barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. This recipe easily doubles, go ahead and make a double batch, you’ll be so happy you did!

Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil spritzed with cooking spray. Set aside.
Pat Dry the Smokies – Remove the little smokies from packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
Wrap with Bacon – Wrap each smokie with one piece of bacon, secure with a toothpick.
Make the Brown Sugar Mixture – In a large Ziploc bag mix together the brown sugar and ground chipotle pepper.
Toss Smokies in Brown Sugar – Add the bacon wrapped smokies to the bag, seal and shake in the brown sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Transfer to the Pan – Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A large sheet pan fitted with an oven safe rack or a broiler pan.
One gallon size Ziploc bag for coating the smokies with brown sugar.
Sharp knife and chopping board for slicing the bacon.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Toothpicks or mini skewers.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Sausages – You can use beef, pork or turkey smokies for this recipe.
Spice – I add ground chipotle pepper to the brown sugar coating to give these smokies a little kick. You can omit it or adjust the amount. You can also replace it using ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper or dark chili powder.
Bacon – You can use classic smoked bacon in place of maple flavored bacon. Maple bacon just adds another layer of flavor.
Alternate Pan – If you choose to bake these directly on the sheet pan, line the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray to facilitate clean-up.
Dipping Options – Serve these little smokies with barbecue sauce, hot honey, maple syrup or honey mustard on the side for dipping.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – You can wrap the smokies with bacon one day in advance and store them in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for a time saver. When assembling them in advance wait and toss with the brown sugar and chipotle pepper, just before baking.
Leftovers – Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Reheat leftovers on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven, in an air fryer or in the microwave.
Freezer – Wrap the smokies with bacon and skip tossing with the sugar mixture. Flash freeze them on a sheet pan, then pop them into a freezer bag or container. Thaw the ‘lil smokies in the fridge and toss with the brown sugar mixture just before baking.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes and Finger Foods to Make

There’s never a wrong time or occasion to have small bites on the menu to get things started. More easy appetizer recipe you may like to try:

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs come with easy clean-up, too.
Whip-up a batch of my Southern Pimento Cheese and serve it with celery stocks, crackers, pretzels or fritos for dipping.
These Irish inspired Reuben Nachos are made using waffle fries.
My Crab Rangoon recipe is better than any you’ll pay top dollar for in a restaurant.
Easy Italian Meatball Bites are simple to put together with just a few ingredients.
Country Ham and Cheese Biscuit Bites are a fan favorite.
Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls are crispy and delicious.
Strawberry Pineapple Salsa from Real Housemoms.

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