Print

Best Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies Recipe

Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies - featured image
Print Recipe

These Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies are the ultimate sweet and salty appetizer. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, you get shatteringly crisp bacon wrapped around juicy cocktail sausages, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze that disappears at every party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz package Lit’l Smokies or Cocktail Sausages
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • Optional: toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top.
  2. Partially cook the bacon: Place bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cook on high for 2-3 minutes until just starting to render fat but still pliable. Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.
  3. Cut the bacon: Once cooled enough to handle, cut each strip into thirds (about 2-3 inches long).
  4. Wrap the smokies: Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a Lit’l Smokie. Secure with a toothpick if desired. Repeat with all smokies.
  5. Roll in brown sugar: Pour packed brown sugar into a small bowl. Roll each wrapped smokie in the sugar, pressing gently to adhere. Coat generously.
  6. Arrange on the rack: Place sugared smokies on the wire rack, leaving space between each for air circulation.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes: Bake for 15 minutes, then use tongs to flip each smokie. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until bacon is crispy and sugar is bubbly and dark amber. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes.
  8. Let them rest: Remove from oven and cool on the rack for 5 minutes. The sugar will harden into a crunchy coating.
  9. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving platter. Best within 30 minutes of baking.

Notes

Don’t skip par-cooking the bacon—it ensures crispiness without burning the sugar. Use a wire rack for even crisping. Watch the sugar closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. For best results, use thick-cut bacon. Can be prepped up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar bacon smokies, crispy bacon smokies, party appetizer, game day snack, sweet and salty appetizer

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/best-crispy-brown-sugar-bacon-smokies-recipe/