These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are sweet, salty, and slightly spicy, baked until sticky and caramelized. They're an easy oven-baked appetizer that always disappears fast at any gathering.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies With Brown Sugar (Sweet, Sticky & Crispy Party Appetizer)
I make these bacon wrapped smokies whenever I need an easy appetizer that actually works for a crowd. The bacon crisps, the brown sugar turns sticky and caramelized, and the bacon wrapped little smokies stay juicy, exactly what I want in a party appetizer.
What I trust most is making bacon wrapped smokies in the oven. They bake evenly, the brown sugar glaze turns bubbly and glossy without any fuss, and the cayenne gives that sweet-and-salty flavor a gentle little kick. And when I want to surprise guests, I'll sometimes add a tray of bacon-wrapped dates alongside them.
Ingredients
Here's the breakdown of what's in this recipe:
- Mini Smokies: I use mini smokies because they stay juicy and give you that perfect bite, especially when you're serving a crowd.
- Bacon: I like regular sliced bacon cut in half so it wraps neatly and crisps up well in the oven.
- Brown Sugar & Cayenne: Brown sugar is what turns into sticky and caramelized, and the cayenne adds a gentle kick that keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Toothpicks: I always use toothpicks so each piece stays secure while baking and serves easily as a party appetizer.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Smokies
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Mix the brown sugar and cayenne pepper on a small plate until evenly combined.
2. Wrap the Smokies: Cut the bacon in half, coat each piece in the sugar mixture, then wrap each mini smoky and secure with a toothpick.
3. Arrange and Finish: The wrapped smokies seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top.
4. Bake until Caramelized: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the bacon is cooked and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Snug Wraps Matter: I like to wrap the bacon tightly around each smoky so it crisps evenly and stays put while baking.
Watch the Sugar Closely: I keep an eye on them toward the end so the sugar caramelizes without burning.
Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven until warm and sticky again.
Try These Recipes With Bacon Next!
Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Ingredients
- 280 g Mini Smokies - About 18
- 200 g Sliced Bacon - Cut into half
- 70 g Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small plate, mix together the brown sugar and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
- Cut the bacon in half, coat each piece on both sides in the sugar mixture, then wrap each mini smoky with one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped smokies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture evenly over the smokies.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is cooked and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Susana says
This Harissa Salmon is such a smart way to bring bold flavor to the table without overcomplicating dinner.