Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies

Irresistible Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies combine sweet, smoky, and savory flavors into perfect bite-sized party appetizers. These addictive morsels wrap juicy cocktail sausages in crispy bacon glazed with caramelized brown sugar, creating an appetizer that disappears faster than you can make them.

The first time I brought these to a Super Bowl party, they vanished within minutes. Now I always make a double batch because everyone hovers around the plate waiting for them to cool enough to grab.

Essential Ingredients

• Little Smokies: choose quality cocktail sausages for best flavor
• Bacon: regular cut works better than thick-cut
• Brown sugar: dark or light both work beautifully
• Toothpicks: wooden ones work best for securing

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Cut bacon strips into thirds. They should be just long enough to wrap around each Little Smokie with slight overlap. Too much overlap creates chewy spots rather than crispy bacon.

Step 2:

Secure each wrapped Smokie with a toothpick, making sure to catch both ends of the bacon. Place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.

Step 3:

Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each piece. The sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a sweet glaze that perfectly complements the salty bacon.

Step 4:

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Watch carefully near the end - the sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly.

Step 5:

Let rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving plate. The sugar needs time to set slightly.

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My mother-in-law taught me to slightly press the brown sugar onto each piece before baking. This simple step ensures the sugar stays put and caramelizes beautifully.

Temperature Control

Keep the oven at a steady 350°F - too hot and the sugar burns, too cool and the bacon won't crisp properly.

Make-Ahead Magic

Wrap and sugar-coat the smokies up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Party-Perfect Tips

Set up in batches if serving a large crowd. Fresh-from-the-oven batches keep guests coming back.

Creative Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of cayenne for heat or a dash of black pepper for extra bite.

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These little bites of heaven have become my signature party appetizer. They're the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and they never fail to impress guests while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the bacon crispy?

Broil for a few minutes at the end of baking time for extra crispy bacon.

→ Can I make these ahead?

You can wrap the smokies in bacon and refrigerate, then add sugar and bake just before serving.

→ Why pat the sausages dry?

Patting them dry helps the bacon stick better and ensures proper browning.

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of thin-cut?

Thin-cut bacon is recommended as it wraps easier and cooks more evenly.

→ Do I need toothpicks?

Yes, toothpicks help keep the bacon wrapped around the sausages while cooking.