Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages; 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Freshly grated black pepper, to taste

There’s something undeniably addictive about the sweet-and-savory combo of bacon and brown sugar, especially when it wraps around little smokies. This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfectly sticky, tender, and packed with flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

The image shows many small bites of sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, arranged neatly in rows on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a deep reddish-brown color from the cooked sausage and a golden-brown crispy texture from the bacon, with some parts showing a slight charring. Each bite is held together with a light brown wooden toothpick pushed through horizontally. The bacon looks caramelized and shiny, with a slightly crunchy crust on top, and the sausages peek out from each end with a smooth, glistening surface. The bites sit close together, fitting tightly in a rectangular arrangement, and the whole scene is brightly lit, showing the moisture and texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe is one of my go-to appetizers because it hits the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and smoky with minimal effort. I’ve made these for everything from family game nights to holiday potlucks, and they always disappear fast.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once assembled, these bake themselves while you focus on other dishes or entertaining.
Irresistibly Flavorful: The brown sugar caramelizes over bacon-wrapped sausages, creating a sticky glaze that tastes incredible.
Meal-Friendly & Snack-Worthy: Perfect as a party appetizer or even a fun twist for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe plays an important role. The brown sugar adds the caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the salty bacon and smoky sausages. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you shop and prep with confidence.

Flat lay of fresh little smokies sausages arranged neatly, long thin slices of raw bacon cut into thirds laid flat, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, all ingredients separated and symmetrically placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Little smokies sausages: These mini sausages are just the right size, so each bite packs a meaty punch. Make sure to pat them dry before wrapping to avoid sogginess.
Thin-cut bacon: Using thin slices makes wrapping easier and ensures the bacon cooks evenly without overpowering the sausage.
Brown sugar (packed): The key to that sticky, glossy glaze. Using packed brown sugar keeps the coating consistent.
Freshly grated black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances sweetness—don’t skip this if you like a bit of contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this recipe depending on the occasion. It’s so flexible that a little adjustment lets you put your own spin on it, whether that means dialing up the spice or playing with presentation.

Add Some Heat: I’ve tossed in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar for a subtle kick—it’s always a hit with spice lovers.
Maple Syrup Swap: Sometimes I swap half the brown sugar for maple syrup to deepen the sweetness and give it that lovely sticky texture.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your sausage brand to be safe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

The image shows three small sausages wrapped in crispy bacon on a small, round, white plate with a thin brown rim. The bacon is golden-brown and looks crunchy with some sugar crystals sprinkled on top, giving a shiny and textured look. The sausages inside are a reddish-brown color and slightly visible at both ends. Behind the small plate, there is a larger white plate filled with more of these bacon-wrapped sausages, placed on a white marbled surface. Several toothpicks are scattered nearby, adding to the casual, snack-like presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by greasing a baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray. You can also line the pan with foil for easier cleanup—the sticky brown sugar glaze tends to caramelize on the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready once you assemble everything.

Step 2: Wrap Those Little Smokies

Pat your little smokies dry with a paper towel. This helps the bacon adhere and prevents soggy bites. Then, cut each strip of thin bacon into thirds and carefully wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick to keep everything snug.

Step 3: Coat with Brown Sugar

Pour the packed brown sugar into a large zip-top bag, add a handful of your bacon-wrapped smokies, and give it a gentle shake to coat them evenly. This step creates that perfect sweet crust. Remove them from the bag and place on your prepared baking dish. Repeat until all are coated.

Step 4: Season and Bake

Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper on top for a balanced flavor. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the bacon is golden and caramelized. If you want extra crispy bacon, pop the tray under the broiler for a couple of minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe multiple times, a few little tweaks can really elevate the final dish. These tips helped me avoid sticky messes and achieve the perfect balance on every try.

Dry Your Smokies Thoroughly: Moisture prevents the brown sugar from sticking well and makes the bacon less crispy—pat them dry before wrapping every time.
Use Thin Bacon: Thick bacon takes longer to cook and can make the sausages chewy instead of tender—thin cut crisps nicely and wraps easily.
Don't Skip the Toothpicks: They keep the bacon tight, so it doesn’t slip off during baking, which keeps everything looking neat and tasting great.
Watch the Broiler Closely: If you want crispier edges, broil for just a minute or two—it happens fast, and you don’t want to burn that delicious brown sugar glaze.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. It balances the richness nicely and makes the plate look a little more festive.

Side Dishes

These smokies pair wonderfully with creamy dips like ranch or spicy mustard. For a heartier spread, try serving with mac and cheese, roasted veggies, or even a simple cheese platter to round out the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these on decorative toothpicks in a beautiful wooden board alongside pickles and olives. Another fun idea is layering them in small phyllo cups or stuffing them into slider buns for bite-sized sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat them within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture. The glaze stays sticky but the bacon softens slightly.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! Just wrap individual smokies in parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to get that glaze warm and the bacon crispy again.

Reheating

I find reheating them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes restores the best texture, especially if you want the bacon crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bacon a bit soggy, so oven reheating is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.

Is it necessary to use toothpicks for this recipe?

Using toothpicks helps secure the bacon so it won’t unravel while cooking. It’s not mandatory, but I highly recommend it for the best results and easy handling.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the sausages with bacon and coat them with brown sugar up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake right before serving.

How do I make the bacon crispier without burning the brown sugar?

Bake at the recommended temperature, then switch to broil for just 1-2 minutes while closely watching. The sugars caramelize fast, so broiling briefly crisps the bacon without burning the glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again. It’s easy to make but feels special enough to share with friends and family. If you want a sweet, savory appetizer that practically melts in your mouth, this is your recipe. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!