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Best Easy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze

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These bacon-wrapped little smokies are the ultimate party appetizer, featuring a sweet and smoky brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a crunchy shell. They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and always disappear first at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz package Little Smokies (cocktail sausages)
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon (about 16 oz package)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (mild)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 40–50 toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise to create about 40 half-strips.
  3. Place a little smokie at one end of a bacon half-strip and roll it up tightly. Secure with a toothpick through the middle. Place on the wire rack. Repeat with all smokies, leaving space between each.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until a thick paste forms.
  5. Spoon or dollop the glaze over each wrapped smokie, covering them evenly.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, carefully flip each smokie with tongs, and spoon any pooled glaze from the foil back over them.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until bacon is dark and crispy and glaze is deeply caramelized.
  8. Let rest on the rack for 5-10 minutes to allow glaze to set into a crunchy shell.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter, leaving toothpicks in for easy grabbing. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Use thick-cut bacon for best results; thin bacon will shrink and tear. Don’t skip the wire rack—it ensures crispy bacon all around. Let the smokies rest after baking to allow the glaze to set. For a make-ahead option, wrap the smokies up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5 extra minutes to baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped little smokies, brown sugar glaze, party appetizer, game day snack, easy appetizer, bacon wrapped sausages, sweet and smoky

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