Bbq Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Sizzling BBQ Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe for Game Day

Crispy, smoky BBQ bacon wrapped little smokies dance with irresistible flavor that promises pure snacking excitement.

Salty bacon hugs miniature sausages in a delectable embrace guaranteed to make taste buds cheer.

Savory bites combine sweet barbecue glaze and meaty goodness for an appetizer that steals the show.

These tiny treats deliver massive flavor without complicated preparation techniques.

Crowd-pleasing morsels work perfectly for game day, casual gatherings, or spontaneous snack cravings.

Simple ingredients and quick assembly mean you can whip up this crowd favorite in minutes.

Prepare to become the ultimate party hero with these addictive little flavor bombs that everyone will devour.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies for Every Gathering

  • Elevate Party Appetizers: Transform ordinary little smokies into a crowd-pleasing finger food that will wow guests at any gathering, from game day to holiday celebrations.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Wrap, sprinkle, and bake – this recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Sweet and Savory Sensation: The combination of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy BBQ sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that balances richness and zest in every single bite.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: Deliver delicious results in under half an hour, making these bacon-wrapped smokies an ideal solution for spontaneous snacking or last-minute entertaining needs.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Smokies That Stand Out

Main Protein:
  • Little Smokies: Small sausage links that form the core of this appetizer.
  • Bacon: Thin strips that will wrap around each smokie, adding rich flavor and crispy texture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Brown Sugar, BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy ingredients that create a delicious caramelized coating on the bacon.
Optional Serving Accessory:
  • Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks that help guests easily pick up and enjoy the appetizer.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Assembly and Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting it ready for some sizzling action.

Step 2: Bacon Hug

Lovingly wrap each little smokie in a bacon blanket, tucking the bacon ends underneath so they stay snug in the baking dish.

Step 3: Sweet Sugar Shower

  • Brown sugar
  • Gentle touch

Sprinkle a delightful layer of brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped treats, pressing it softly to make sure it sticks like a sweet best friend.

Step 4: First Baking Adventure

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let those smokies bake for 15 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 5: BBQ Sauce Magic

Pull out the baking dish and generously paint each smokie with a luscious coat of BBQ sauce, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 6: Final Crispy Transformation

Return the smokies to the oven for another 10 minutes, waiting until the bacon turns beautifully crisp and the BBQ sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze.

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Let the smokies cool down just enough to handle, then stick a toothpick into each one for easy grabbing and munching.

Tips for Smoky, Juicy, Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

  • Cut bacon strips into thirds to ensure a perfect, tight wrap around each little smokie without excess overhang.
  • Pat bacon dry with paper towels before wrapping to help achieve maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Press brown sugar gently into bacon surface to create a delicious caramelized coating that sticks and adds extra flavor.
  • Choose turkey bacon and reduced-sodium little smokies for a lighter version of this appetizer without compromising taste.
  • Prepare and wrap smokies up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during party prep.

Flavor Ideas for BBQ Bacon Smokies with a Twist

  • Spicy Jalapeño Poppers Smokies: Replace BBQ sauce with a spicy jalapeño cream cheese mixture, wrapping smokies in bacon and topped with diced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Maple Glazed Vegetarian Option: Substitute little smokies with plant-based sausage alternatives, using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce, swap brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, and ensure bacon is nitrate-free for a low-carb diet-friendly appetizer.
  • Hawaiian Pineapple Smokies: Add small pineapple chunks between bacon and smokies, drizzle with teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a tropical-inspired variation.

Plating Bacon Wrapped Smokies as Fun Party Snacks

  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for football watch parties, poker nights, or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.
  • Cocktail Hour Companion: Serve alongside craft beer, bourbon cocktails, or crisp white wine to elevate your appetizer spread.
  • Tailgate Champion: Pack these in a warm container for outdoor sports events, making you the MVP of portable snacks.

Little Smokies Storage for Party Leftovers

  • Store leftover bacon-wrapped smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Wrap individual or grouped smokies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Place smokies on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and crispiness. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery bacon.

FAQs

  • What are little smokies?

Little smokies are small, fully cooked cocktail sausages typically made from beef or pork, popular at parties and gatherings as a quick appetizer.

  • Can I use different types of bacon?

Yes, you can use regular, thick-cut, or even turkey bacon depending on your preference and dietary needs. Just ensure the bacon is sliced thin enough to wrap around the smokies.

  • How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

Secure the bacon by placing each wrapped smokie seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps the bacon stay in place during cooking and prevents it from coming loose.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped smokies ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

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Bbq Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Bbq Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sizzling BBQ bacon-wrapped little smokies bring irresistible party flavors to your gathering. Crispy bacon hugs savory sausages, creating an addictive appetizer you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) package little smokies
  • 12 slices bacon, cut into thirds

Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish for the appetizers.
  2. Carefully encase each little smokie with a slice of bacon, positioning them seam-side down in the baking dish to ensure secure wrapping.
  3. Distribute brown sugar evenly across the bacon-wrapped smokies, gently pressing to create a caramelized coating that adheres to the meat.
  4. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to begin crisping and rendering its fat.
  5. Extract the dish from the oven and lavishly coat each smokie with a generous layer of tangy BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, until the bacon transforms into a crispy, glossy exterior and the BBQ sauce caramelizes.
  7. Once removed from the oven, let the smokies rest briefly to cool and stabilize, then pierce each with a toothpick for convenient serving and elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Choose thin-cut bacon for quicker, more even cooking and crispy texture around the little smokies.
  • Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and turkey bacon for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly version of the appetizer.
  • Keep toothpicks soaked in water before inserting to prevent burning during the baking process.
  • Try different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy chipotle or honey mustard to create unique taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 253
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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