Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Published: January 27, 2023 Last Modified: January 27, 2023 By Sara 12 Comments

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.

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