Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies: A Sweet and Savory Party Favorite

When it comes to appetizers that are both easy to make and impossible to resist, Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies reign supreme. These bite-sized sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet, sticky brown sugar coating are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game-day gathering, or casual get-together, these little smokies are sure to disappear faster than you can say “pass the napkins.”

In this article, we’ll guide you through making this delicious appetizer, discuss its versatility, and provide tips for customization to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the world of sweet-and-savory snacking!

---

Why Choose Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies?

The combination of salty bacon, savory little smokies, and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor trifecta that’s hard to beat. Here’s why this appetizer is worth adding to your repertoire:

Benefits of Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies:

• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and just a few ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun addition to breakfast or brunch.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different flavors or spice levels.

---

Ingredients Breakdown

To create Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies , let’s break down the key components:

1. Little Smokies

The star of the show is the mini sausages:

• Use store-bought little smokies (beef, pork, or chicken) for convenience.
• Alternatively, use cocktail sausages or homemade mini sausages for a fresher option.

2. Bacon

Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky layer:

• Use thin-cut bacon for quicker cooking.
• For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon or prosciutto.

3. Brown Sugar Glaze

The sweet glaze ties everything together:

• Brown sugar provides caramelized sweetness.
• Add a splash of maple syrup or honey for extra depth.

4. Optional Add-Ins

Enhance the flavor with additional ingredients:

• Pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
• Dijon mustard or BBQ sauce for tanginess.
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.

---

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Here’s a detailed guide to creating Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Servings: ~30 pieces

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb little smokies (about 30 pieces)
• 15 slices of thin-cut bacon, halved crosswise
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• Optional: 1/4 cup maple syrup or pineapple juice for extra glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
2. Wrap the Little Smokies:
   • Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise to create shorter strips.
   • Wrap each little smokie with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a splash of maple syrup or pineapple juice (optional) to create a paste-like consistency.
4. Coat the Smokies:
   • Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place them seam-side down on the wire rack.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Baste the smokies halfway through with any remaining brown sugar glaze for extra stickiness.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Arrange on a platter and serve warm with toothpicks for easy handling.

---

Nutritional Information

Per piece (based on 30 pieces):

• Calories: ~80-100
• Total Carbs: ~6g (Net Carbs: ~5g)
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~6g
• Fiber: ~1g

This makes Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies a moderately indulgent appetizer that’s rich in flavor and satisfying to eat.

---

Tips for Success

• Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon cooks faster and crisps up better than thick-cut bacon.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space the smokies apart on the wire rack to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Add a Tangy Twist: Brush with BBQ sauce or Dijon mustard during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the smokies ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

---

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this appetizer is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the brown sugar glaze.
• Pineapple Pairing: Wrap each smokie with a small chunk of pineapple before wrapping with bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all packaged ingredients (like little smokies) are certified gluten-free if needed.
• Low-Carb Version: Use sugar-free brown sugar substitute for a keto-friendly option.

---

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer, combining the salty crunch of bacon, the juicy bite of little smokies, and the sticky sweetness of brown sugar. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, these smokies are perfect for any occasion—from holiday parties to casual gatherings.

Whether you’re serving them as a standalone appetizer, pairing them with other snacks, or using them to elevate your brunch spread, these little smokies deliver big flavor in every bite. Plus, their simplicity and adaptability make them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

So grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. Trust us—once you try these Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Print