Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
These Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies are an easy party appetizer made with smoky beef sausages, crisp bacon, and a sweet brown-sugar seasoning. They bake in one dish and are delicious served with barbecue sauce for dipping.
They’re perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or an easy snack platter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Servings: About 8–10
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Great for parties and game day
- No complicated cooking steps
- Delicious with barbecue sauce
- Easy to customize with different seasonings
- Served as convenient bite-size appetizers
- Bakes in one dish
- A crowd-pleasing party favorite
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 14 ounces) beef Lil Smokies
- 1 pound bacon
- 2–3 tablespoons Kinder’s Hickory Brown Sugar seasoning
- Barbecue sauce, for dipping
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Lightly grease a square baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Cut the Bacon
Cut each bacon slice into four pieces.
The pieces should be long enough to wrap around each sausage with a small overlap.
Step 3: Wrap the Smokies
Wrap one piece of bacon around each Lil Smokie.
Place each one in the baking dish with the loose end of the bacon facing down. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
Step 4: Add the Seasoning
Sprinkle the Hickory Brown Sugar seasoning generously over the bacon-wrapped sausages.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crispy and the sausages are hot.
If the bacon needs more color, continue baking for a few minutes, checking often so the seasoning doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve
Let the Lil Smokies rest for a few minutes, then transfer them to a serving plate.
Serve warm with barbecue sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
- Use regular-cut bacon; thick-cut bacon may need a longer baking time.
- Place the loose bacon end underneath each sausage so it stays wrapped.
- Arrange the smokies in a single layer so the bacon cooks evenly.
- If using a smaller baking dish, cook in batches rather than crowding the pan.
- Start checking around 25 minutes because bacon thickness and ovens vary.
- For easier cleanup, line the dish with foil, but make sure the bacon isn’t sitting in too much grease.
Can I Use a Different Seasoning?
Yes. Use barbecue rub, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend. Check the label before adding extra salt, since some blends are already salty.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon may cook differently and can be less crisp. Check it early and follow the package directions if they recommend a different cooking time.
Delicious Variations
Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Sprinkle the wrapped sausages with brown sugar before baking for a sweeter, caramelized finish.
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning.
BBQ-Glazed Lil Smokies
Brush the bacon lightly with barbecue sauce during the final 5–10 minutes of baking.
Maple Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Drizzle a little maple syrup over the smokies during the last few minutes of baking.
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Add a small piece of cheddar alongside each sausage before wrapping it in bacon.
Can I Make Them Ahead?
Yes. Wrap the Lil Smokies in bacon, arrange them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day.
Add the seasoning just before baking. If they’re cold from the refrigerator, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Storage
Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, or warm them in an air fryer for a few minutes to help crisp the bacon again.
Can You Freeze Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies?
Yes. Freeze them after baking and cooling. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot. The bacon may be less crisp after freezing, so reheating in the oven works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pieces does this recipe make?
The total depends on how many sausages are in the package. One pound of bacon cut into fourths usually provides enough pieces for a standard package of Lil Smokies.
How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
Place each sausage in the dish with the bacon’s loose end facing down. You can also secure each one with a toothpick.
Why isn’t my bacon crispy?
The baking dish may be crowded or the bacon may be thick-cut. Leave space between the pieces and continue baking until the bacon is browned, checking often.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange them in a single layer and air fry at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes, turning or checking them halfway through. Cook in batches if needed.
Can I serve these without barbecue sauce?
Yes. They’re flavorful on their own, but barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing all make good dips.
Should I drain the grease?
Let the smokies rest briefly, then transfer them with tongs to a paper-towel-lined plate or serving dish. Don’t pour hot bacon grease down the sink.
Pro Tips
Cut the bacon into even pieces, wrap each sausage snugly, and place the loose ends underneath. Keep the pieces in a single layer and check them near the end of baking so the bacon crisps without the seasoning burning.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies are an easy appetizer with smoky sausage, crisp bacon, and sweet brown-sugar seasoning. Serve them hot with barbecue sauce for a simple party snack that’s easy to share.
