I first tasted candied bacon-wrapped Little Smokies at a New Year’s Eve party years ago and immediately knew I had discovered a new favorite appetizer. The combination of mini sausages wrapped in bacon and finished with a seasoned brown sugar glaze is irresistible: sweet, salty, and perfectly handheld for parties.
These bite-sized treats are simple to make and endlessly popular. Little Smokies rolled in bacon and coated with a brown sugar mixture become crisp, caramelized morsels that work well served warm or at room temperature—ideal for busy evenings or game-day gatherings.
Although I’ve made variations like barbecue Little Red Smokies and Little Smokies pigs in a blanket, wrapping them in candied bacon adds another level of flavor and texture. Thick bacon caramelized with brown sugar or maple creates a candy-like crust that pairs brilliantly with the savory sausage.
What is Candied Bacon?
Candied bacon is simply bacon coated in brown sugar or maple syrup and baked until the sugar caramelizes. The result is crispy bacon with a sweet, crunchy coating that tastes almost like candy. It’s often served on its own at parties, but when combined with Little Smokies it becomes an even more addictive appetizer.
Pairing mini sausages with candied bacon produces a perfectly balanced bite—sweet, salty, and satisfying—making these ideal for New Year’s Eve, holiday parties, or any gathering where easy-to-eat appetizers are needed.
Candied Bacon Wrapped Smokies
This recipe is quick to assemble and requires only five ingredients. You can prepare them ahead of time and serve them warm or at room temperature, which is especially convenient when entertaining. The little kick from cayenne balances the sweetness, so don’t skip it even if you prefer milder flavors.
Ingredients Required
- Little Smokies sausages
- Bacon
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
The cayenne pepper is used sparingly to balance the sweetness; it doesn’t make the appetizer overly spicy but adds a subtle contrast that keeps the flavors bright.
Instructions
Start by cutting each strip of bacon into three equal pieces. I like to cut an entire pound of bacon at once to save time. Place a Little Smokies at the end of each bacon piece, roll it up, and secure it with a toothpick. For best results, push the toothpick through both sides so less wood is exposed and it’s less likely to char while baking.
Repeat until all sausages are wrapped. Arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack set in the center and preheat the oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the bacon-wrapped sausages and gently press so it adheres.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and the sugar has caramelized. Remove from the oven when crisp and allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a serving tray with tongs.
These are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Leave the toothpicks in for easy serving if you like. Be warned: they’re addictive, and it’s hard to stop at just one.
Looking for more party-worthy bites? Try other appetizer ideas and adapt seasonings or glazes to suit your taste—maple syrup, honey, or a touch of mustard can all be excellent alternatives to the brown sugar glaze.
Enjoy!
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Candied Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon-wrapped Little Smokies coated in a brown sugar mixture for a perfectly sweet-and-salty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce Little Smokies sausages
- 1 lb. bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack in the pan.
- Cut each bacon strip into three pieces. Wrap each Little Smokies with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange on the prepared rack.
- Mix brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the wrapped smokies and press lightly to adhere.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 151
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 14mg
Sodium: 24mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 1g