These bacon wrapped smokies are cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, then coated in brown sugar and spices and baked to perfection. An easy appetizer option that’s great for feeding a large crowd.

When I’m entertaining, I like to serve a variety of hot snacks such as cheesy bean dip, fried okra and these bacon wrapped little smokies. They’re simple to make and people always go crazy for them!

A serving plate of bacon wrapped smokies with parsley and a side of ketchup.

Bacon wrapped smokies are a classic appetizer for good reason – they’re hearty, fun to eat and totally delicious! My version uses a sweet and savory spice rub to really take the flavors to the next level.

Wrapping appetizers in bacon is always a hit at parties. If you want more ways to use bacon you have to try my bacon wrapped pickles, bacon wrapped dates and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers!

Bacon wrapped little smokies ingredients

Ingredients including smokies, bacon, brown sugar and spices.

This recipe is made with little smokies sausages, bacon, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and parsley.

How do you make bacon wrapped smokies?

Start by cutting your bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each piece of bacon around a little smokie, and roll it in brown sugar and spices. Secure the bacon to the sausages by using toothpicks. Bake the smokies until the bacon is crispy. Add a sprinkle of parsley, then serve and enjoy.

Step by step process shots showing how to make bacon wrapped smokies.

Tips for the perfect bacon wrapped smokies

  • Any flavor of small cocktail sausages will work. I’ve used mini chicken apple sausages with great results. You can also cut full sized hot dogs or sausages into smaller pieces and use them if you prefer.
  • Do not use thick cut bacon for this recipe. Thick cut bacon takes a lot longer to cook through and become crispy.
  • You can serve these smokies as is, or add a sauce on the side such as BBQ sauce or ketchup.
  • These sausages are best when piping hot from the oven. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • You can leave the toothpicks in for serving, or remove the toothpicks for a more elegant presentation.
Sausages wrapped in bacon and secured with toothpicks.

Recipe FAQs

Are little smokies already cooked?

Little smokies are pre-cooked when you purchase them. In this recipe, you’re simply reheating the sausages in the oven, as well as getting the bacon cooked through.

How do you reheat bacon wrapped smokies?

You can reheat your little smokies in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and sausages are heated through.

How long do you put smokies in the oven?

Little smokies sausages take about 10 minutes to cook through in the oven. When they’re in bacon, like this recipe calls for, the cook time is 25-30 minutes so that the bacon has enough time to get crispy.

A sheet pan full of bacon wrapped smokies, garnished with parsley.

Flavor variations

These bacon wrapped sausages are delicious as-is, but you can change up the flavor profile if you prefer a different flavor.

  • Mexican Style: Use 1/2 cup brown sugar along with 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder. You can use hot chili powder if you prefer a little spice.
  • Cajun Style: Mix the brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning.
  • BBQ Style: Try coating your smokies in my homemade BBQ rub, or mix 1-2 teaspoons of store bought rub into 1/2 cup of brown sugar. You can also baste the smokies with BBQ sauce as they cook.

I love how easy this recipe is to make, and the end result is a sweet and smoky snack that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. While this dish is typically served as an appetizer, I’ve even been known to serve these little delights as a main course with mashed potatoes or rice and a green vegetable on the side.

More Delicious Appetizer Ideas

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Video

5 from 18 votes

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

AuthorSara Welch
A serving plate of bacon wrapped smokies with parsley and a side of ketchup.
These bacon wrapped smokies are cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, then coated in brown sugar and spices and baked to perfection. An easy appetizer option that's great for feeding a large crowd.
Time
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Serves 15

Ingredients 

  • 12 ounces little smokies
  • 1 pound bacon do not use thick cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar I use light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  • Place the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Cut each slice of bacon into thirds.
  • Wrap each little smokie in a piece of bacon, then roll the smokie in the brown sugar mixture.
  • Place a toothpick through the little smokie to secure the bacon.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining smokies. Place them all on the sheet pan.
  • Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the smokies over, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
  • Place the smokies on a serving plate. Remove the toothpicks if desired. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Notes

  1. Do not use thick cut bacon for this recipe. Thick cut bacon takes a lot longer to cook through and become crispy.
  2. These sausages are best when piping hot from the oven. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. You can leave the toothpicks in for serving, or remove the toothpicks for a more elegant presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 434mg | Potassium: 109mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Hello! I’m Sara!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My mom made these all the time when I was a kid. But the brown sugar? That’s genius! I’ll definitely be adding that to them the next time I make them!

  2. 5 stars
    Smokies are by far my favorite appetizer, and this is absolutely the best recipe I’ve found. Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. 5 stars
    We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen, cooking as a family lately. It has been fun to involve the kids with recipe research and cooking! We found your recipe and we made it today! It was a success and a hit with everybody! This recipe was so fun to make!

  4. 5 stars
    These tasty little snacks are dangerous to keep around because they’re so good! We’ve been snacking on them nonstop.

  5. This is always a staple at our parties. I may match a batch just for fun! My crew will love it!