Name: Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) package little smokies sausages; 1 lb thin-cut bacon, each slice cut into three; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Freshly grated black pepper, to taste

There’s something irresistibly comforting about sweet, smoky bites wrapped in bacon, and this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe nails it every time. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a cozy snack, these little sausages with a caramelized brown sugar glaze are pure magic.

The image shows many small sausage bites wrapped tightly in cooked bacon, arranged closely together in neat rows. Each sausage is wrapped in a strip of bacon that is browned and crispy on the outside, with a slightly rough texture from the cooked meat. Toothpicks stick out from each piece, holding the bacon in place. The sausages inside are red and shiny, contrasting with the golden-brown bacon. A glistening layer of oil coats the bites, making them look shiny and juicy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe for a game day gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “pass me another.” The combo of crispy bacon, tender smoky sausages, and that sweet brown sugar glaze is just unbeatable.

Simplicity: It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy days or last-minute hosting.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet, salty, smoky, and peppery all in one bite.
Snackable Size: Little smokies make the perfect finger food for any occasion.
Customizable: You can easily tweak sugar amounts or spices to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe plays a cozy, delicious role. The smoky sausages wrapped in crisp bacon get a glossy, caramel-like coating from the brown sugar that balances salty and sweet perfectly.

Flat lay of fresh little smokies sausages, several slices of thin-cut raw bacon, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Little smokies sausages: Pre-cooked and smoky, they're the perfect size and meaty base.
Thin-cut bacon: Wrapping bacon adds rich flavor and crisp texture without overwhelming the sausage.
Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the oven to create that sticky glaze.
Freshly grated black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to balance the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe depending on the event or season. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—there’s simple room to personalize!

Spicy kick: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper before baking for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Maple syrup swap: Instead of brown sugar, try brushing the little smokies with maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness I adore in cooler months.
Herb infusion: Adding a little fresh rosemary or thyme to the baking pan gives an unexpected aromatic lift worth trying at least once.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

The image shows three bacon-wrapped sausages on a small round white plate with a brown rim. Each sausage is tightly wrapped in a golden-brown crispy bacon layer, with some parts showing a slightly darker red-brown cooked bacon texture. There are small crunchy crumbs sprinkled on top of the bacon. In the background, there is a larger white plate filled with more bacon-wrapped sausages, all placed on a white marbled surface along with some wooden toothpicks scattered nearby. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked bacon textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparation is key

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a baking dish with nonstick spray or foil lined for easy cleanup. I pat the little smokies dry with a paper towel—this keeps the bacon from slipping when you wrap it and helps the sugar stick better later.

Step 2: Wrap those sausages with bacon

Cut each slice of thin-cut bacon into thirds (makes for nice, bite-sized wrapping). Wrap one piece of bacon snugly around each little smoky sausage and use a toothpick to secure it. I find this helps everything stay together without bacon unraveling during baking.

Step 3: Coat in brown sugar & pepper

Here’s my favorite trick: pour ¾ cup of packed brown sugar right into a large zip-top bag. Toss a handful of your bacon-wrapped sausages inside, seal it tightly, and shake gently until they’re all evenly coated. Repeat until all are coated. Spread them out on your baking sheet and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated black pepper for a nice balance.

Step 4: Bake until bubbly and crisp

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the sugar glaze turns shiny and caramelized. If you want them extra crispy, switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes but watch closely so they don’t burn. Let them cool a bit—this step helps the glaze thicken up perfectly.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips will help your Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe shine every time.

Dry sausages first: Patting the little smokies dry prevents the bacon from sliding off and helps the brown sugar stick better for a perfect glaze.
Don't skimp on shaking: Tossing the sausages in the sugar inside a bag ensures even coating without mess—it’s way easier than sprinkling individually.
Watch the broiling: Broil only at the very end for crispiness, and keep a close eye since the sugar can burn quickly.
Use toothpicks smartly: Make sure to insert toothpicks where the bacon overlaps to keep everything together and easy to serve.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a touch of freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes add just the right spark if guests like it spicy.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggie sticks, classic ranch dip, or simple potato chips for easy nibbling. For gatherings, I’m a fan of pairing them with coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance all that sweet and smoky goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these little bites in mini muffin tins or on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of contrasting sauces like honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled and stored airtight in the fridge—they keep well for up to 3 days. I usually reheat them in the oven to keep that bacon crispy instead of using the microwave.

Freezing

This recipe freezes brilliantly. Just wrap them individually in foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend an oven set at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the bacon, unlike the microwave which tends to make bacon soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?

You can absolutely use thick-cut bacon, but keep in mind it may need a bit longer to crisp up and could overpower the little smokies a bit. Thin-cut bacon wraps nicely and crisps more evenly, which is why I prefer it.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To cut down on the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar by about a quarter or swap some of the sugar for a touch of smoked paprika or chili powder to add smoky, spicy layers that balance the flavor.

Can I prepare Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the sausages with bacon and coat them in brown sugar up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake just before you plan to serve for the freshest taste and best texture.

Is it necessary to use toothpicks?

Using toothpicks is the easiest way to keep the bacon securely wrapped while baking since the bacon tends to shrink and might slip off. If you're serving to kids, consider wooden or colorful toothpicks to make it fun and safe.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Bacon Little Smokies Recipe is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing snacks that I always keep in my back pocket. It brings people together and feels like a little celebration in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making these for every get-together and cozy night in. So grab some bacon, little smokies, and brown sugar—it’s time to impress your friends (and yourself) with this simply delicious treat!