Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a simple and irresistible appetizer that's perfect for any gathering. These juicy cocktail sausages get wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, giving you the best of…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a simple and irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. These juicy cocktail sausages get wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite. The combination of the salty bacon and the savory little smokies makes for a classic crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast.
I love making these whenever friends come over because they’re so easy to prepare but still feel special. I usually bake them until the bacon is perfectly crisp and then serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce — like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. A little tip: securing the bacon with toothpicks helps keep them snug and looking nice while cooking.
These bacon-wrapped smokies bring back fun memories of casual parties and game days, where everyone just grabs one (or two!) and enjoys. They’re great to have on hand as a warm, tasty snack that’s guaranteed to bring smiles. Honestly, once you’ve had bacon and smokies combined like this, it’s hard to go back to plain sausages!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are the star here. If you can’t find little smokies, you can try mini sausages or cocktail sausages. They should be small and firm enough to wrap with bacon.
Bacon: Regular or thin-cut bacon works well. Thin bacon crisps quicker, but regular bacon has more chew and flavor. For a slightly healthier option, turkey bacon can be used but it’s less crispy.
Brown Sugar (optional): This adds a nice sweet contrast to the salty bacon. If you want less sugar, try maple syrup or honey drizzled on top before baking.
How Can I Get the Bacon Crispy Without Overcooking the Smokies?
Getting bacon crispy but not burning the smokies can be tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This lets hot air circulate, crisping bacon evenly all around.
- Turn the smokies halfway through baking to avoid burning on one side.
- Keep the oven temperature at 375°F (190°C) — hot enough for bacon to crisp but gentle enough to warm the smokies through.
- If bacon is crisping too fast, you can cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning.
With these tips, expect perfectly crispy bacon wrapped around juicy little smokies every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking lots of bacon-wrapped smokies at once and easy cleanup with foil.
- Wire rack – helps the bacon cook evenly by letting the fat drip away and hot air circulate.
- Sharp knife – handy for cutting bacon slices into smaller strips.
- Toothpicks – useful to hold bacon in place while baking (optional but helpful).
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Brush bacon with barbecue sauce before baking for a tangy, smoky twist.
- Sprinkle wrapped smokies with brown sugar or drizzle honey to add a sweet contrast to the salty bacon.
- Use spicy sausages or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Wrap with pepper jack or cheddar slices along with bacon for a melty cheesy surprise inside.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 12 slices of bacon (regular or thin-cut)
Optional Ingredients:
- About 1/4 cup brown sugar (for a sweet glaze)
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. So, in under 45 minutes, you’ll have hot, crispy bacon-wrapped smokies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet — it helps the bacon cook evenly by letting the fat drip away.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Take your 12 slices of bacon and cut each slice into 3 equal strips. This makes the bacon pieces the perfect size to wrap around each little smokie.
3. Wrap the Smokies:
Wrap each little smokie with one piece of bacon, winding it around snugly. If the bacon seems like it might unravel, use a toothpick to secure it in place. For a sweet touch, you can sprinkle or gently roll the wrapped smokies in brown sugar before baking.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies on your wire rack or directly on the lined baking sheet. Give them some space so they cook evenly and don’t stick together. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through. You’re looking for crispy, browned bacon and warmed-through smokies.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. These tasty little bites will be a hit at any party or snack time!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping with bacon. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare and wrap the smokies, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the bacon is crisp again.
What Are Good Dipping Sauces to Serve?
Try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These complement the smoky, savory flavors perfectly!