Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages Recipe
I’m about to share something that’ll make you question why you’ve been serving boring appetizers all this time. These sweet and smoky bacon-wrapped sausages are basically the appetizer equivalent of that friend who shows up uninvited but becomes the life of the party. Sure, wrapping meat in more meat might sound excessive, but trust me on this one. The magic happens when brown sugar meets crispy bacon, creating this caramelized coating that’ll have your guests mysteriously hovering around the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love these Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages
When you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—salty, sweet, smoky, and absolutely irresistible—these bacon-wrapped sausages are your answer.
I mean, what’s not to love about bacon hugging a perfectly seasoned sausage?
The brown sugar creates this gorgeous caramelized coating that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. No fancy techniques required.
These little beauties disappear faster than you can say “appetizer.”
Perfect for game day, parties, or when you need something that looks impressive but won’t stress you out.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its stunning simplicity. We’re talking about three basic ingredients that somehow transform into something absolutely magical when they come together in the oven.
You probably have most of these items sitting in your fridge right now, which makes this recipe perfect for those last-minute entertaining moments. No special shopping trips required, just grab what you need and get ready to create something that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package cooked sausage (Little Smokies)
- 1 (16 ounce) package bacon
- Brown sugar
Ingredient Considerations
Let’s talk about those Little Smokies for a minute. These pre-cooked cocktail sausages are your best friend here because they’re already perfectly seasoned and sized for wrapping. You can find them in the refrigerated section near the hot dogs, and honestly, they’re worth keeping on hand for emergencies like unexpected guests.
When it comes to bacon, regular-cut works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon can be a bit stubborn to wrap around those little sausages, and thin bacon might fall apart during cooking. Look for bacon strips that are relatively uniform in size so your wrapping game stays consistent.
The brown sugar is where the magic happens. You don’t need anything fancy here, just regular granulated brown sugar, either light or dark. Dark brown sugar will give you a richer molasses flavor, while light brown sugar keeps things a bit more mellow. Either way, that sugar’s going to melt and caramelize into this gorgeous glaze that makes everything better.
How to Make these Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages
Getting started with these bacon-wrapped beauties is honestly easier than folding laundry, and way more rewarding. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can go from zero to hero appetizers faster than most people can decide what to watch on Netflix.
Wrapping the Magic
First things first, let’s talk about the wrapping situation. Take each strip of bacon from your 1 (16 ounce) package and wrap it snugly around one of those Little Smokies from your 1 (16 ounce) package of cooked sausage. I like to start at one end and spiral the bacon around, kind of like you’re wrapping a tiny present that happens to be delicious.
Here’s where those toothpicks become your best friend. Secure each bacon-wrapped sausage with a toothpick, making sure to pierce through the bacon on both sides of the sausage. This keeps everything nice and tidy while it cooks, because nobody wants their bacon unraveling like a bad sweater.
The First Bake
Place all your wrapped sausages on a cookie sheet, giving them a little breathing room so they can cook evenly. Pop that pan into a 350° oven for exactly 15 minutes. During this time, the bacon will start to crisp up and render out some of its fat, which is exactly what we want.
The Sweet Transformation
After those 15 minutes are up, pull the pan out and drain off that grease. Trust me, there will be grease, and getting rid of it now means your brown sugar won’t just slide right off later.
Once you’ve got a relatively grease-free situation going on, it’s time for the brown sugar magic. Sprinkle enough brown sugar over those bacon-wrapped gems to cover them generously. Don’t be shy here, that sugar is going to melt down and create this incredible caramelized coating that makes everything better.
Some people like to roll each piece in the sugar, but honestly, just sprinkling works perfectly fine.
The Final Touch
Back into the oven they go, but this time you’re just waiting for that brown sugar to melt and get all glossy and gorgeous. This usually takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on things.
You’ll know they’re ready when that sugar has transformed from granules into a shiny, caramel-colored glaze that makes you question why you don’t make these every single day.
Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages Substitutions and Variations
Since this recipe is basically a framework for deliciousness, you can swap things around and make it your own without breaking any cooking laws. I love using maple sausages instead of regular Little Smokies – they add extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar. Turkey or chicken sausage works great too if you want something lighter.
For the sugar coating? Try maple syrup, honey, or even a brown sugar-cinnamon mix. Want some heat? Add cayenne pepper to your brown sugar. The beauty here is customization without complexity.
What to Serve with Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages
Several classic sides turn these sweet and smoky bites into a proper feast, though honestly, I’ve watched people demolish entire platters without touching anything else on the table.
I love pairing them with creamy coleslaw since the crisp, cool crunch balances all that rich bacon fat.
Mac and cheese works beautifully too, especially the baked kind with crispy edges.
For parties, I’ll add some cornbread, potato salad, or baked beans to round out the spread.
The sausages also shine on charcuterie boards alongside cheese, crackers, and pickles.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, you’ll struggle to find an easier crowd-pleaser than these bacon-wrapped beauties.
I mean, what’s not to love about bacon wrapped around sausage, then kissed with caramelized brown sugar? It’s basically the holy trinity of party foods.
These little gems disappear faster than my willpower around dessert. The sweet-salty combo hits different, you know?
Plus, they’re foolproof. Even if you’re the type who burns water, you can nail this recipe.
Trust me, your guests will think you’re some kind of appetizer wizard.
Sometimes the simplest things create the biggest smiles.
Sweet & Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sausages
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package Little Smokies cooked sausages
- 1 pound bacon strips
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Wrap each sausage with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick.
- Place wrapped sausages on a cookie sheet or baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes until bacon is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and drain excess grease.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each wrapped sausage to cover completely.
- Return to oven and bake until brown sugar melts and caramelizes, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Cut bacon strips in half for easier wrapping and better proportions
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to contain grease and prevent oven mess
- For crispier bacon, cook an additional 2-3 minutes before adding brown sugar
- Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead – wrap and refrigerate, then bake when ready
- Substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar for different flavor profiles
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to brown sugar for a spicy kick
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Prepare These Bacon-Wrapped Sausages Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare them ahead! I’d wrap the bacon around sausages and secure with toothpicks, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Add brown sugar right before serving for best results.
How Do I Prevent the Bacon From Becoming Too Crispy?
I’ll lower my oven temperature to 325°F and watch them closely during baking. I’d also use thinner bacon strips and don’t overbake after adding brown sugar since it cooks quickly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Sausages?
I’d store your leftover bacon-wrapped sausages in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about ten minutes.
Can I Use a Different Cooking Method Besides Baking?
You can definitely grill these instead of baking. I’d cook them over medium heat, turning frequently until the bacon crisps. You could also pan-fry them, though draining grease becomes trickier.
How Long Do These Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?
I’d store these bacon-wrapped sausages in the refrigerator for up to three days maximum. I’ll place them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.