Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe

These bacon-wrapped little smokies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. They can be assembled ahead of time, chilled, then baked just before serving for an easy, impressive appetizer.

Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon

These little smokies are wrapped in thin-sliced bacon, coated with brown sugar and spices, then baked until the bacon is crisp and caramelized. The sweet-salty combination makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day.

The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients: little smokies, thin-sliced bacon, brown sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika. For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne. The flavors are simple but bold—sweet, smoky, and savory.

Key tips for best results:

• Plan ahead – After wrapping, refrigerate the assembled smokies for 1–2 hours so the brown sugar adheres and the flavors meld.
• No toothpicks required – Place each smokie on the baking sheet seam-side down so the bacon stays secured while baking.
• Use thin-sliced bacon – Thin slices wrap easily and crisp faster than thick-cut bacon.
• Serve hot or at room temperature – They’re delicious straight from the oven and remain tasty as they cool, making them convenient for buffet-style serving.

Ingredients

• Little smokies – About 2 pounds, use your preferred type (plain, cheese-filled, cured or uncured).
• Bacon – 1 pound thin-sliced, cut into thirds for easy wrapping.
• Brown sugar – 3/4 cup (light or dark).
• Spices – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. For heat, add 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice each bacon strip into thirds so each piece will wrap around a smokie.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Wrap each smokie with a bacon piece and place the seam-side down.
5. Roll each bacon-wrapped smokie in the brown sugar mixture, coating all sides.

6. Arrange the smokies on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, seam-side down. They can be placed close together if you prefer.
7. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar evenly over the top.
8. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to set.

9. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Use a rimmed baking sheet – The bacon renders a lot of grease; a rimmed sheet or casserole dish keeps your oven clean.
• Line with foil – Foil makes cleanup quicker and easier.
• Thin-sliced bacon works best – It wraps snugly and crisps evenly.
• Spacing – You can place smokies close together for presentation, or space them slightly if you want more even airflow.
• Make ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours before baking; keep covered and refrigerated until ready to bake.

More Delicious Appetizers

• White Bean Dip
• Cocktail Meatballs
• Onion Tart
• Flatbread Crackers

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and share a photo — tag @beyondthechickencoop on Instagram to let me know how they turned out.