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Best Candied Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

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These candied bacon-wrapped smokies are the ultimate game day appetizer—sweet, salty, crispy, and juicy all at once. Made with just three main ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14 oz) little smoked sausages (e.g., Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies)
  • 1 lb thin-cut bacon (e.g., Wright Brand or Oscar Mayer)
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. Cut the bacon strips into thirds, each piece about 2-3 inches long.
  3. Pour the brown sugar into a small bowl. If using optional spices (smoked paprika, cayenne), mix them in now.
  4. Wrap each little smoked sausage with a piece of bacon, overlapping slightly.
  5. Roll each wrapped sausage in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place seam-side down on the prepared wire rack or parchment.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, flip each smokie using tongs for even caramelization.
  7. Optional: In the last 5 minutes, brush each smokie with maple syrup for extra shine and sweetness.
  8. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon for best results—thick-cut takes too long to crisp and may overcook the sausages. Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave about an inch between each smokie for even crisping. Flip halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization. If sugar burns before bacon crisps, lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake longer. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; bake just before serving. Freeze unbaked smokies for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied bacon-wrapped smokies, brown sugar glaze, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, bacon wrapped sausages, party food

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/best-candied-bacon-wrapped-smokies-with-easy-brown-sugar-glaze/