Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

These bacon-wrapped little smokies, glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar coating, are an irresistible appetizer that will disappear in minutes! Inspired by classic comfort food recipes and perfect for any gathering, these Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are incredibly easy to make with just three simple ingredients. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing treat!

Close up photo of Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies on a plate

If you’re searching for the ultimate appetizer that’s both incredibly delicious and effortlessly simple, look no further. These bacon wrapped little smokies are a timeless favorite for a reason. Imagine savory smoked sausages embraced by crispy bacon and then elevated with a luscious brown sugar glaze. This recipe takes the humble little smokie to a whole new level of flavor and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party, game day celebration, or casual get-together. Drawing inspiration from the hearty and approachable style of Pioneer Woman recipes, this appetizer embodies comfort food at its finest – easy to make, satisfying to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The Magic of 3 Ingredients

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You only need three ingredients to create these addictive bites:

Little Smokies Sausages: The star of the show! These pre-cooked smoked sausages offer a fantastic savory base that pairs perfectly with bacon and brown sugar.
Bacon: Choose regular-cut bacon for the best crispy texture. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp up properly in the baking time.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar creates that signature sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Perfection

Making these Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped little smokies is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for appetizer success:

Prep the Bacon: Begin by cutting each bacon strip into thirds. This is a crucial step to ensure the bacon becomes perfectly crispy and wraps neatly around the little smokies. Shorter strips prevent the bacon from remaining soggy during baking.
Wrap and Arrange: Take one piece of bacon and tightly wrap it around a little smokie sausage. Place the wrapped sausage seam-down in a 13×9 inch glass baking dish. There’s no need for toothpicks – simply arranging them seam-down will keep them secure. Repeat this process until all the little smokies are wrapped in bacon. A glass baking dish is recommended as it helps the bacon crisp up nicely and the sugar caramelize without burning too quickly.

Wrapped sausage in bacon
Sprinkle with Brown Sugar: Once all the sausages are wrapped, generously sprinkle packed brown sugar evenly over them. Using a smaller dish for this step is helpful, as it concentrates the brown sugar on top of the bacon-wrapped smokies rather than letting it fall between the rows. Ensure a good coating of brown sugar for that signature sweet and savory flavor.

Brown sugar being sprinkled on Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Chill for Enhanced Flavor (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. While you can bake them immediately, allowing them to chill with the brown sugar coating enhances the overall taste as the flavors meld together. This step is a secret tip for truly exceptional bacon wrapped little smokies!

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies topped with brown sugar
Bake to Crispy, Caramelized Perfection: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remember to uncover the baking dish before placing it in the oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, starting to check for doneness around the 40-minute mark. They are ready when the bacon is beautifully crispy and the brown sugar has melted and caramelized into a sticky, irresistible glaze.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies in a pan

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Don’t Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Stick with regular-cut bacon for optimal crispiness. Thick-cut bacon may not fully cook and crisp up in the allotted baking time.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare these appetizers ahead of time! You can assemble them, refrigerate them, and bake them just before your guests arrive. This makes party prep much easier.
Glass Baking Dish is Key: Using a glass baking dish is highly recommended. It distributes heat more evenly, helping the bacon crisp and the sugar caramelize perfectly. Avoid using foil-lined baking sheets as they can hinder crisping.
Easy Clean-Up Trick: Cleaning a baking dish with caramelized sugar can be simple! After serving, fill the hot dish with hot tap water and let it sit for a few minutes. The caramelized sugar will dissolve away, making cleanup a breeze.
The Flavor Secret: Marinating Time: Letting the bacon wrapped little smokies sit with the brown sugar for at least an hour before baking truly elevates the flavor. This “marinating” time allows the brown sugar to penetrate and infuse the sausages, creating a deeper, more complex sweet and savory taste.

Close up photo of Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped little smokies are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or simply want a delicious snack, these little bites are always a hit. Their simplicity and incredible flavor make them a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Get ready to watch them disappear quickly!

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Inspired by classic comfort food and perfect for sharing, these 3-ingredient bacon wrapped little smokies are a must-try appetizer!

5 from 172 votes

Print It Rate It Save It Saved!Prevent your screen from going dark

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Calories: 392 kcal
Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

1 pound bacon, regular cut, NOT thick sliced
14 oz package little smoked sausages
1 cup packed brown sugar

Things You’ll Need

13×9 inch glass baking dish

Before You Begin

Cut the bacon into thirds before wrapping.
For best flavor, refrigerate wrapped smokies with brown sugar for 1-2 hours before baking.
Use a glass baking dish for optimal crisping and caramelization.

Instructions

Cut the bacon into thirds. (1 pound bacon)
Tightly wrap one piece of bacon around each little sausage. Place seam down in a glass 13×9 inch dish. Repeat with remaining little smokies. (14 oz little smoked sausages)
Sprinkle evenly with packed brown sugar, ensuring a thin layer over all. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for enhanced flavor. (1 cup packed brown sugar)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover little smokies and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and sugar is deeply caramelized. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later! Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!

Originally posted November 25, 2018.

Follow along

Amanda Davis

President at Amanda’s Creative Studio, Inc.
Amanda Davis is a mom of four grown children and stepchildren. With her husband, Chef Antoine, she creates recipes for this blog. Amanda also enjoys crafting and home decor. She is a crafting expert and kitchen enthusiast, featured in online and print publications. Author of five craft books and product developer, she also owns FunFamilyCrafts.com. Find her on social media!