Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Add Preferred SourceThese bacon-wrapped smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized. Wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a brown sugar spice blend, they bake up sticky and irresistible. Ideal for game day, holiday parties, or anytime you need easy, dependable finger food.
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I’ve never seen a dish of food disappear as quickly as these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. I mean, bacon wrapped ANYthing is delish, but the smoky-salty-fatty-cripsy goodness of these little gems puts them over the top.
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Buy Now!Yes, there’s a bit of wrapping involved, but once you get them wrapped in bacon and held with a toothpick, the rest of the recipe is super easy. Plus, you can get them prepped ahead of time, baking just before serving so that the bacon stays crispy. These really are the best snack!
Ingredients
- Sliced bacon – Use regular slice bacon, but you can totally use pepper bacon, jalapeño bacon, or whatever you like.
- Little smokies – Use any kind you like: beef, cheddar, turkey, etc.
- Brown sugar – Not packed.
- Cayenne pepper – You can use chipotle powder if you prefer.
- Paprika – If you like it spicy, use smoked hot paprika.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground has the best flavor.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with exact measurements.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This helps the bacon crisp evenly and makes cleanup easier.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper until well combined. Wrap each little smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with toothpicks, then arrange them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped smokies. Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes, until the bacon begins to render and the sugar starts to melt.
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip each smokie. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and return the pan to the oven. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and deeply caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let the smokies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to allow the sugar coating to set slightly before serving. Serve warm.
Chef Jenn’s Recipe Notes
- I’ve tested this recipe with thick-cut bacon and it doesn’t work. It just doesn’t render enough fat and get crispy enough. You need that crisp – texture matters in this recipe.
- For extra flavor, I love to brush the cooked smokies with BBQ sauce and broil for 2–3 minutes. One time I even brushed them with sauce AND sprinkled them with a tiny bit of chipotle powder – wow, they were good, but spicy!
- Stick with original flavor Smokies, some of the flavored ones don’t work well with bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm straight from the oven as a party appetizer. They pair well with other finger foods like sliders, Zucchini Poppers, deviled eggs, or veggie trays. Toothpicks make them easy to grab and go.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crisp.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Equipment
- foil
- toothpicks
Ingredients
- 1 pound sliced bacon cut into thirds
- 1 pound little smokies
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Mix the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl, then set it aside.
- Wrap each smokie with ⅓ of a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick; arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the smokies.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated 350°F oven, then flip each smokie.
- Sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture and bake for another 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve warm
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
-
- Thin-sliced bacon works best for even cooking and crisp edges.
- For extra flavor, brush the cooked smokies with BBQ sauce and broil for 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
