Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are a fun and tasty snack that always gets the party started! These little sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon, creating the perfect mix of smoky, salty, and juicy flavors. The bacon gives them a nice crunch on the outside while keeping the smokies tender inside.
I love making these for game days or family gatherings because they’re so easy to prepare and almost everyone loves them. One simple tip I’ve found is to secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep everything together while cooking, so they come out perfectly every time. Plus, you can add a little glaze with brown sugar or your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet touch if you like.
Serving these warm right from the oven with some dipping sauces like mustard or ranch makes them even more irresistible. They’re great finger food, so no forks needed—just grab one and enjoy! Whenever I bring these to a get-together, they disappear fast, and people often ask for the recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These small sausages give the dish its signature smoky, juicy flavor. If you can’t find them, mini cocktail sausages or small smoked sausages work well too.
Bacon: Bacon wraps each smokie and crisps up beautifully in the oven. I prefer regular sliced bacon because it crisps nicely without overpowering the sausage. Thick-cut bacon works too but may take longer to cook.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup (Optional): Adding a sweet glaze balances the salty bacon and smoky sausage. If you want, substitute brown sugar with honey or a fruit jam like apricot for a different twist but still keep it easy and tasty.
Toothpicks: Essential for holding the bacon wraps tight while cooking. Wooden toothpicks are perfect. Just remember to remove them before serving!
How Can You Get the Bacon Crispy Without Burning It?
Cooking bacon while keeping it crispy and not burnt can be tricky. Here are my tips:
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet so fat drips down and air circulates around the bacon for even crisping.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) – this temperature crisps the bacon but doesn’t rush it, allowing it to cook fully without burning.
- Turn the smokies halfway through baking to ensure all sides get crispy.
- Keep an eye toward the end—oven temps vary, and bacon can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Following these steps helps you get perfectly crispy bacon-wrapped smokies every time without a burnt taste or chewy spots.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a basic must-have to hold your smokies as they cook evenly in the oven.
- Wire rack – helps air circulate around the bacon for extra crispiness and catches the drips below.
- Sharp knife – to cut bacon slices in half for the perfect wrap size.
- Toothpicks – essential for keeping the bacon wrapped tightly around each smokie while baking.
- Basting brush (optional) – handy if you want to add a sweet glaze like brown sugar or maple syrup evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try different sausages like spicy chorizo or breakfast links for a new flavor twist that’s still bite-sized.
- Sprinkle with a little chili powder or cayenne pepper before baking if you like a mild kick of heat.
- Add a small cube of cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) inside the bacon wrap with the smokie for a gooey surprise.
- Brush with BBQ sauce instead of brown sugar for a tangy, smoky glaze perfect for summer cookouts.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Smokies:
- 1 lb (450g) Little Smokies sausages
- 12 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- Optional: 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (for a sweet glaze)
- Optional: Toothpicks for securing bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 to 30 minutes to bake in the oven. So, from start to finish, plan on about 35 to 40 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for last-minute snacks or get-togethers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Tools:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you want your bacon extra crispy, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to let the heat circulate around the little smokies.
2. Wrap Your Smokies:
Cut each slice of bacon in half. Take each Little Smokie and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place by sticking it through the bacon and sausage.
3. Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional):
If you like a touch of sweetness, brush each bacon-wrapped smokie lightly with brown sugar or maple syrup.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the smokies upright on your prepared wire rack or directly on the lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway so all sides get nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end so the bacon doesn’t burn.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Take out the toothpicks, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you want, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, BBQ, or ranch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before wrapping and cooking. This helps the bacon cook evenly and prevents excess moisture.
Can I Cook Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the wrapped smokies for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the bacon again before serving.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, bake them fresh for the best crispy texture and flavor.