Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages; 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Freshly grated black pepper, to taste

There’s something irresistibly sweet and smoky about bite-sized appetizers that just pull you in, right? This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe combines that perfect balance of caramelized brown sugar with crispy bacon wrapped snugly around little smokies for a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows many small bites of sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, arranged neatly in rows on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a deep reddish-brown color from the cooked sausage and a golden-brown crispy texture from the bacon, with some parts showing a slight charring. Each bite is held together with a light brown wooden toothpick pushed through horizontally. The bacon looks caramelized and shiny, with a slightly crunchy crust on top, and the sausages peek out from each end with a smooth, glistening surface. The bites sit close together, fitting tightly in a rectangular arrangement, and the whole scene is brightly lit, showing the moisture and texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I served this recipe at a family get-together — the way the sweet brown sugar caramelized against smoky, salty bacon wrapping those little smokies was a total hit. Everyone kept coming back for more, and I promise you, it’s just that easy brownie-sugary magic that makes it so addictive.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a few staples like bacon, brown sugar, and little smokies, making it a no-fuss recipe to throw together last minute.
Perfect Party Snack: Bite-sized and easy to serve, these make an excellent appetizer or finger food for gatherings and game day.
Satisfying Sweet & Savory Combo: The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to contrast the smoky bacon and savory sausage.
Customizable Crispiness: You can bake or finish with a quick broil to get your ideal bacon crunch every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Make sure your bacon is thin-cut for easy wrapping, and always pat the little smokies dry so the brown sugar sticks beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh little smokies sausages arranged neatly, long thin slices of raw bacon cut into thirds laid flat, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, all ingredients separated and symmetrically placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Little Smokies Sausages: These small smoked sausages are smoky and tender, the perfect base to wrap with bacon and sugar.
Bacon (thin-cut): Thin slices wrap neatly around the sausages and crisp up nicely without being overwhelming.
Brown Sugar: The sugar caramelizes and creates a sticky, sweet glaze that perfectly contrasts the savory bacon and sausage.
Freshly Grated Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of sharpness and warmth that balances the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe really invites you to make it your own. I love to experiment with a few tweaks here and there – it keeps the fun alive and you can cater it to your taste or occasion. Don’t hesitate to try your own spin!

Spicy Kick: I’ve added a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to the brown sugar before coating the sausages, which gives a nice warmth that pairs great with the sweetness.
Maple Syrup Swap: Instead of or along with brown sugar, drizzle a little maple syrup on for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: As long as the little smokies and bacon are gluten-free (many are!), this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

The image shows three small sausages wrapped in crispy bacon on a small, round, white plate with a thin brown rim. The bacon is golden-brown and looks crunchy with some sugar crystals sprinkled on top, giving a shiny and textured look. The sausages inside are a reddish-brown color and slightly visible at both ends. Behind the small plate, there is a larger white plate filled with more of these bacon-wrapped sausages, placed on a white marbled surface. Several toothpicks are scattered nearby, adding to the casual, snack-like presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Wrap Each Little Smokie in Bacon

First, pat your little smokies dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because it helps the brown sugar stick better later on. Then, take a slice of thin bacon and cut it into thirds. Wrap each little smokie with one piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. It’s a bit like crafting tiny savory presents, and getting the wrap snug means it cooks evenly.

Step 2: Coat with Brown Sugar

Drop the brown sugar into a large zip-top bag, then add a few of the bacon-wrapped smokies at a time. Seal the bag and gently shake so every piece gets a sweet coating. Remove and place them spaced out on your prepared pan. Repeat until all are coated. This ensures a glossy, caramelized finish once baked.

Step 3: Add Freshly Ground Pepper and Bake

Sprinkle some freshly grated black pepper over the coated smokies if you like a little contrast to the sweetness. Place the pan in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The bacon will crisp up and the sugar will caramelize. If you want an extra crunchy finish, pop it under the broiler for just a couple minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few neat tricks that make this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe consistently perfect — easy tips that save you from common pitfalls like soggy bacon or sugar that clumps up.

Pat Smokies Dry: Moisture is the enemy of caramelization, so drying your sausages ensures the brown sugar sticks and bakes to that lovely shiny glaze.
Cut Bacon Thinly: Thick bacon takes longer to cook and may dry out the sausage; thinner slices wrap better and crisp up nicely within the bake time.
Use Freshly Ground Pepper: It perks up the flavor and balances the sweetness much better than pre-ground pepper.
Watch the Broil: If you broil at the end for crispiness, it only takes a minute or two—too long and the sugar can burn, so keep your eyes peeled.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness — it brightens up the rich flavors beautifully. Sometimes, a small drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of creamy ranch on the side is perfect for dipping if you want a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

You’ll find these little bites go wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks, a tangy coleslaw, or some creamy mac and cheese. I’ve even served them alongside charcuterie boards with cheeses and crackers for an elevated snack spread that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Try skewering a few of the Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies onto mini cocktail sticks or decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go elegance. For holiday gatherings, arrange them in a festive pattern on a platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs — it’s impressive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your smokies, simply let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to 4 days — perfect for a quick snack or to reheat for a no-fuss appetizer later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these in single layers on a baking sheet first, then transferred them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab just what you need. Frozen, they keep well for up to 2 months — great for prepping ahead for parties or holidays.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the smokies back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon re-crisped. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep that bacon texture perfect — they just get a little soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies and coat them in brown sugar up to a day ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This saves time on party day.

What’s the best bacon to use for this recipe?

I recommend thin-cut bacon because it wraps more easily around the little smokies and crisps up nicely in the recommended baking time without leaving the sausages undercooked. Thick-cut bacon may require longer cooking.

Can I use other types of sausages instead of little smokies?

Yes! While little smokies are the traditional choice for the size and smoky flavor, you can certainly use mini breakfast sausages or cocktail sausages of similar size. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the sausages are bigger.

How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning during baking?

Keep the oven temperature steady at 350°F, and don’t broil for more than 2 minutes if you’re finishing with a broil. Also, shaking the sausages gently in the brown sugar ensures even coating without excess sugar clumps that burn easily.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe has become my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing snacks that bring people around the kitchen island. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do — they’re simple, satisfying, and just downright delicious. So grab that bacon, brown sugar, and little smokies, and get ready for some serious flavor that your friends and family won’t stop talking about.