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Best Easy Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies Recipe

brown sugar bacon smokies - featured image

These crispy brown sugar bacon smokies are a sweet and salty appetizer made with little smoked sausages wrapped in bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering, they come together in under 30 minutes with just three main ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14 ounces) little smoked sausages
  • 1 pound thin-cut bacon
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top.
  2. Partially cook the bacon: Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bacon is just starting to render fat but is still flexible.
  3. Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise, each half about 3 to 4 inches long.
  4. Wrap each sausage with a half-strip of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick inserted through the overlap.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (if using).
  6. Roll each bacon-wrapped sausage in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently so the sugar sticks. Place on the wire rack, leaving space between each.
  7. Drizzle with maple syrup (optional).
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. After 12 minutes, use tongs to carefully turn each smokie over. Continue baking until bacon is crispy and glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
  9. Let the smokies cool on the wire rack for about 5 minutes.
  10. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.

Notes

Par-cook the bacon every time to ensure crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space between smokies for air circulation. Watch the oven temperature to prevent burning. Use a wire rack for all-over crispiness. Double the recipe for parties.

Nutrition

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