Introduction

Best Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies are sweet, smoky, and irresistibly savory—mini sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. This classic party appetizer delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it a guaranteed hit for holidays, game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings. With crisp bacon, juicy centers, and a sticky-sweet finish, these bites disappear fast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Only a few simple ingredients
Sweet-and-savory crowd favorite
Easy oven-baked method
Perfect make-ahead appetizer
Ideal for parties and holidays

Ingredients (serves 8–10; about 40 pieces)

1 (14 oz) package Lil Smokies sausages
1 lb bacon, cut into thirds
¾–1 cup brown sugar
Optional: toothpicks
Optional flavor boosts: black pepper, cayenne, chili powder

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Knife + cutting board
Toothpicks (optional)
Tongs

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the bacon

Cut bacon slices into thirds. Use regular-cut bacon—thick-cut takes longer to crisp and can overpower the sausages.

3. Wrap the smokies

Wrap one piece of bacon around each Lil Smokie. Secure with a toothpick if needed, especially if the bacon overlaps.

4. Coat with brown sugar

Roll each wrapped smokie generously in brown sugar, pressing lightly so it adheres. For extra flavor, sprinkle with black pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

5. Arrange on the pan

Place wrapped smokies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow bacon to crisp evenly.

6. Bake until caramelized

Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is fully cooked and the sugar is melted and bubbling.

7. Rest briefly

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.

8. Serve warm

Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm. Toothpicks make them easy to grab.

Mistakes to avoid

Using thick-cut bacon — undercooked or chewy
Skipping the turn — uneven browning
Overcrowding the pan — steaming instead of crisping
Too much sugar piled underneath — burning risk
Serving immediately — glaze needs a moment to set

Variations of Best Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies

Sweet & Spicy — add cayenne or chili powder
Maple — use maple sugar or drizzle maple syrup
BBQ Style — brush lightly with BBQ sauce near the end
Pineapple — add a small pineapple chunk under the bacon
Air Fryer — cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, turning once

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat in oven or air fryer to re-crisp
Avoid microwaving for the best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need toothpicks?
Optional—seam-side down usually holds well.

Can I use turkey bacon?
It works, but won’t be as good as pork bacon.

Can these be made in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook bacon first, then warm with sugar on LOW.

How many per person?
Plan 4–6 pieces per guest.

Conclusion

Best Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies are the ultimate no-fail appetizer—simple, nostalgic, and packed with sweet-smoky flavor. With crispy bacon, juicy sausage, and a sticky brown sugar glaze, they’re always the first to disappear from the table. Make a double batch—you’ll be glad you did.