Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies: Easy 15-Minute Recipe
These Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer, ready in just 15 minutes. Little smoked sausages wrapped in thin-cut bacon and coated with a caramelized brown sugar crust that shatters when you bite into them.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (4 pieces per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz package little smoked sausages (about 40 sausages)
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon (about 40 slices)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using a wire rack, place it on top and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds, so you have pieces about 2-3 inches long.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with optional maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each smoked sausage, overlapping slightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, spacing about ½ inch apart.
- Generously sprinkle and press the brown sugar mixture onto the top of each wrapped sausage, coating evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. At the 8-minute mark, check and flip each piece if not using a wire rack. Bake until bacon is crispy and sugar is deep amber and caramelized.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sugar will harden as it cools.
Notes
Use thin-cut bacon, not thick-cut, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. If brown sugar is hard, microwave it for 10-15 seconds with a damp paper towel on top to soften. For even crispiness, use a wire rack or flip halfway through. Do not overcrowd the pan; leave at least ½ inch between pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 10
Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar bacon smokies, easy appetizer, game day snack, party food, sweet and savory