Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Appetizer (Printable)

Mini cocktail sausages wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Party-perfect!

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 24 mini cocktail sausages (12 oz)
02 - 12 slices bacon (8 oz), cut in half

→ Glaze

03 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
05 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise.
03 - Wrap each cocktail sausage with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
04 - Place the bacon-wrapped smokies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper if using.
06 - Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the smokies. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for extra caramelization if desired.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bacon is crisp and glaze is bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
08 - Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy handling.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • They disappear faster than you can make them, which means you did something right.
  • Only three main ingredients and zero complicated techniques required.
  • The sweet glaze contrasts perfectly with the smoky, salty bacon and juicy sausage.
  • You can prep them ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't skip lining the pan, the sugar glaze will harden and stick like cement if you bake directly on the sheet.
  • If the bacon isn't crisping up, your oven might be running cool, try bumping the temp to 425°F halfway through.
  • Let them rest a few minutes after baking so the glaze thickens, they'll hold together better and won't be molten hot.
03 -
  • Use thick-cut bacon if you want a meatier bite, but add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • For even crisping, flip the smokies halfway through baking so both sides of the bacon get golden.
  • If the sugar starts to burn before the bacon crisps, tent the tray loosely with foil and keep baking.
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