Bacon Wrapped Smokies or lil smokies are a classic appetizer made even better by basting with brown sugar, butter and bourbon.
If you like this recipe check out my Bacon Candy next!
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My little smokies recipe is a bit different than the rest. I always found that trying to sprinkle dry brown sugar is a tedious process. Most of it just ends up wasted on the baking sheet. So to remedy that, I make a glaze. I use the same amount of brown sugar for coating the bacon-wrapped smokies. But I mix that brown sugar with some melted butter, bourbon and two kinds of pepper. I think this method makes sense and allows more of the brown sugar goodness to bake into the bacon and lil smoky sausages. This is crowd-pleasing party food for any time of the year. But especially for the holidays or on a big game day.
More classic appetizer recipes
Ingredients for bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar and butter
- Lil Smokies – Hillshire Farms actually labels them as “lit’l smokies”. This is the brand I prefer but you can use any type of cocktail sausages for this recipe.
- Bacon – One pound of regular bacon is cut into thirds for the wrapped sausages. Each sausage is wrapped in one third of a piece of bacon. You’ll have some bacon leftover. Save it for a Quiche Lorraine.
- Toothpicks – Plain wooden toothpicks are necessary to secure the bacon wrapped around each little sausage.
- Brown Sugar – Melts together with the bacon grease to form the crust on these addictive appetizers.
- Butter – Helps to make the glaze for brushing onto the sausages, plus it helps to brown the bacon.
- Bourbon – I love to pair bourbon with bacon. If you aren’t a bourbon drinker, use apple or white grape juice or even apple cider vinegar instead.
- Black Pepper – I like to add an extra punch of flavor to any recipe I am creating.
- Cayenne Pepper – The gentle heat from the cayenne really pairs well with sweet and smoky flavors of this easy recipe.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a one pound package of bacon into thirds.
In a microwave-safe small bowl or measuring cup, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and both peppers. Add the bourbon and stir until combined.
Wrap each little smoky sausage with a third strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Lay them in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
Use a silicone pastry brush to brush the top half of each little bacon wrapped smoky with the sticky brown sugar glaze. Flip them over and brush the other side evenly with the brown sugar glaze.
Bake the smokies at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Flip them over and continue to bake for 15 additional minutes to ensure crispy bacon.
Cooking tips
- This is an appetizer that can be made ahead! Wrap the smokies in bacon. Place the bacon wrapped sausages in a freezer bag for up to one month. Then prepare as directed in my free printable recipe card.
- Flipping the bacon wrapped sausages during cooking time will help them to brown on all sides evenly.
Serving suggestions
They really don’t need it, but serve these bacon wrapped smokies with a honey mustard dipping sauce or bbq sauce. These are also perfect for a retro appetizer spread! Here’s some of my recipes that would go great with them –
Storage directions
Wrap the already baked sausage in plastic wrap. Or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Or place them in a freezer bag and freeze the for up to one month.
Kitchen tools
- Sheet pans for baking these easy appetizers
- Parchment paper for easy clean up
- Bamboo toothpicks for securing the bacon wrapped around the lil smokies
- Metal tongs for flipping them over during cooking time
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter
Equipment
- 1 Sheet Pan
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 14 oz little smokies one package
- 16 oz bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cut the package of bacon into thirds, so each slice will be three pieces.
- Wrap each lil smokie in one third slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. You'll have some bacon leftover. Save for another use.
- Place the bacon wrapped smokies on the parchment lined baking sheet in an even layer.
- In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, melt the butter. Then stir in the brown sugar, bourbon, black pepper and cayenne pepper until smooth. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each bacon smokie with the butter and brown sugar mixture.
- Bake the smokies for 15 minutes. Use tongs to carefully flip them over and cook for 15 minutes more, or until the bacon is nicely browned.
- Remove them to a clean plate and serve.
Nutrition
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