Print

Perfect Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

bacon wrapped little smokies brown sugar glaze - featured image

These Perfect Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies with Brown Sugar Glaze are sticky, sweet, salty, and have a caramelized crunch on the outside. They’re the first thing to disappear at every party and require only 3 main ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz package little smokies (Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville recommended)
  • 1 lb thin-cut bacon
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Soak toothpicks in water for 10 minutes.
  2. Cut bacon slices into thirds. Place bacon pieces on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, cover with another paper towel, and microwave on high for 1 minute until partially cooked but still flexible. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Wrap one piece of par-cooked bacon around each little smokie and secure with a soaked toothpick. Place on the wire rack, leaving space between each.
  4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using) until combined into a thick paste. Spoon half the glaze over the wrapped smokies and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon remaining glaze over smokies, and return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until bacon is crispy and glaze is dark amber and bubbling.
  6. Let rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.

Notes

Par-cooking the bacon is essential for crispy results. Soak toothpicks for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning. Watch the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning the glaze. Can be assembled (without glaze) up to 24 hours ahead. For air fryer: cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, brown sugar glaze, party appetizer, game day food, little smokies, easy appetizer