Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies: Best Easy Appetizer
These crispy brown sugar bacon smokies are the perfect party appetizer with only three ingredients. Sweet, salty, and irresistibly crunchy, they disappear before the main course arrives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz Little Smokies (about 40–45 sausages)
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon (12–14 slices)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Lay bacon slices flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each slice into thirds (about 2-3 inches long).
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each little smokie, overlapping the ends slightly. Place seam-side down on the wire rack.
- Pour packed brown sugar into a small shallow bowl. Roll each wrapped smokie gently in the brown sugar, pressing lightly so it sticks. Return to the wire rack, seam-side down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bacon is crispy and brown sugar has caramelized into a deep golden brown. Check at the 12-15 minute mark; if browning too quickly, rotate the pan or lower temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove from oven and let cool on the wire rack for about 5 minutes. The caramelized coating will firm up as it cools.
- Serve warm. Best enjoyed within 15-20 minutes of baking.
Notes
For best results, use thick-cut bacon and a wire rack to ensure crispy bacon. Let bacon sit at room temperature for a few minutes before wrapping for easier handling. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, but roll in brown sugar just before baking. If sugar browns too quickly, reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Optional: add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to brown sugar for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 smokies
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Protein: 13
Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar bacon smokies, easy appetizer, party snack, game day food, sweet and salty appetizer