Bacon Wrapped Butter Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies

🧁 Bacon Wrapped Butter Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies

📜 Description

Bacon Wrapped Butter Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer — smoky, sweet, salty, and crispy all in one bite. Each little sausage is wrapped in bacon, coated with a buttery brown sugar glaze, and baked until caramelized perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings, these irresistible bites are incredibly easy to make and always disappear fast!

🍴 Servings

Serves: 10–12 (about 40–45 pieces)
Serving Size: 4–5 pieces per person

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 (14 oz) package Lil’ Smokies sausages (about 40–45 pieces)

• 1 lb bacon, sliced into thirds

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)

• Toothpicks, for securing

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the bacon crisp evenly).

2. Wrap Smokies: Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each Lil’ Smokie with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

3. Arrange: Place wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared rack.

4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).

5. Coat Smokies: Brush or spoon the mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped sausage.

6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until bacon is browned and the sugar mixture is bubbly and caramelized.

7. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — but watch closely!

8. Serve Warm: Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

💡 Notes

• You can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• For easier cleanup, use foil under the rack to catch drippings.

• If you don’t have a rack, bake directly on parchment, flipping halfway through.

🌟 Tips

• Extra Crispy Bacon: Par-cook bacon for 3–4 minutes before wrapping.

• Add Heat: Sprinkle a little chili powder or crushed red pepper for a spicy-sweet combo.

• Add a Kick: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a glaze twist.

• Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe for large parties!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve these as appetizers alongside:

• BBQ sauce or spicy honey mustard dip

• Cheese cubes and pickles for contrast

• As a game-day snack board centerpiece

🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving of 5 pieces)

(Values approximate; will vary with brand and portion size.)

🌿 Benefits

• Protein-rich from sausage and bacon — great for energy.

• Perfect appetizer that’s both satisfying and portable.

• Crowd favorite that fits any party, from holidays to tailgates.

• Customizable — you can make them sweet, spicy, or smoky!

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Assemble the wrapped smokies, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with glaze just before baking.

Q2: Can I use turkey bacon?
✅ Absolutely. It’ll be less greasy but may need less cooking time — check around 25–30 minutes.

Q3: Can I cook them in an air fryer?
✅ Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze them?
✅ Yes. Freeze assembled (unbaked) smokies on a sheet until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Q5: Why is my bacon not crisping?
✅ Use a wire rack for airflow and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Thinner bacon also crisps faster.