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Little Smokies are the easiest appetizer! They’re made with just three ingredients in just minutes of hands on time. These bacon wrapped smokies are the perfect party food to serve a crowd.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are one of those recipes that is passed down from your mom and served at every get together. A couple little tips will take them to a whole new level in this recipe!
They’re great for game day or holiday entertaining, and always a crowd pleaser. Let’s make them together!
This appetizer recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, salty and savory flavors, they are so delicious, I promise you they will be a hit with everyone! I can’t believe you only need three ingredients to make such a tasty treat!
It only takes 5 minutes to prep these bite sized treats before adding them to the oven for 30 minutes. If you are hosting a large crowd, it’s really easy to double the recipe for a bigger batch. This classic recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike – and it’s easy to see why!
You can make bacon wrapped smokies in the oven or slow cooker (without toothpicks) – your preference!
You’ve enjoyed this classic appetizer for years, but I’m sharing tips and tricks to make them better than the rest!
I’m a fan of ALL the appetizers and I know you are too! Plus, little smokies are perfect for game day! Don’t skip my incredible Super Bowl Recipe Guide for all your planning needs!
Looking for more amazing bacon recipes? Head over to some of these recipes to satisfy your cravings and don’t skip my round-up of 20 Bacon Appetizers!
Why You’ll Love these Little Smokies
- Three Ingredients
- Make Ahead
- 10 Minutes Hands On Time
- Perfect for Parties
★★★★★
5 STAR REVIEW
“You just can’t eat one!!! Mmmm good.”
— BONNY —
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bacon – Center cut bacon is my go-to for less fat (and grease), but you can use your favorite bacon including hickory smoked bacon, turkey bacon, etc.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar caramelizes with the bacon juice.
- Cocktail Weenies – Small hotdogs also known as cocktail wieners, cocktail franks, little smokies or baby wursts. Pork Little Smokies, Beef Little Smokies, Turkey Little Smokies, Cheddar Little Weiners all work well. It’s your choice!
Variations
- Spice It Up – Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon cayenne, fresh cracked ground black pepper on top or wrap with a slice of jalapeño.
- Make them Cheesy – Add blue cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Extra Sweet – Wrap with a half date or slice of pineapple.
How To Make Little Smokies in the Oven
- Prep – Preheat oven.
- Assemble – Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake – Place tight in a baking dish and generously coat with brown sugar.
Bake for 15 minutes. Using a spoon, take the grease and brown sugar mixture from the bottom of the pan and distribute on top of weenies. Bake another 15 minutes. I bake these lower and slower to really allow the flavor to marinate.
In a Slow Cooker
- Assemble – Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Fill – Place half of them in the slow cooker. Cover with half of the brown sugar. Add another layer of smokies and cover with remaining brown sugar. Cover with lid and cook 3+ hours.
Tips
- Serve Warm.
- Keep them Warm – Store them in the oven at 200 degrees F or in a crockpot on low.
- Make without toothpicks – Simply place seam down. The sugar will caramelize to seal. I prefer making and serving them with toothpicks because they’re easy to transfer and serve.
- Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for easy cleanup. You can use a little oil or butter spray if you’d like as well. Fill the pan with hot water and the sugar will dissolve.
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Make Ahead
You can assemble little smokies ahead of time making them perfect for gatherings where you’re making multiple hors d’oeuvres!
Wrap the weenies in the bacon and secure them with the toothpicks and place them in the pan and cover with brown sugar. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Bake and enjoy!
These are perfect for the Super Bowl! Don’t miss my family favorite free printable Super Bowl Bingo cards, too.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – These bacon wrapped lil smokies can sit out for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – Refrigerate in an airtight container up to four days. Reheat in oven preheated to 350F for 15 minutes or in the microwave 15 seconds at a time until heated through.
- Freeze – Freeze in baking dish for 10 minutes to set. Transfer to freezer bag and freeze up to three months. Refrigerate to thaw and follow reheating instructions above.
More Appetizer Inspiration
Appetizers
Little Smokies
Bacon wrapped smokies are the ultimate party appetizer! They're made with just 3 ingredients in minutes!
Yield
Ingredients
- 12 strips bacon
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 14 ounces cocktail weenies about 35
Equipment
- Toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease glass or ceramic baking dish.
- Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick or place seam down to seal.
- Place tight in dish and generously coat with brown sugar. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Using a spoon, take the grease, brown sugar mixture from the bottom of the pan and distribute on top of weenies. Bake another 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool 3 minutes before serving or transferring them to a platter.
Tips
Variations
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon cayenne, fresh cracked ground black pepper on top or wrap with a slice of jalapeño.
- Add blue cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Wrap with a half date or slice of pineapple.
Make in a Slow Cooker
- Assemble – Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Fill – Place half of them in the slow cooker. Cover with half of the brown sugar. Add another layer of smokies and cover with remaining brown sugar. Cover with lid and cook 3+ hours.
Tips
- Serve Warm.
- How to Keep them Warm – Store them in the oven at 200 degrees F or in a crockpot on low.
- Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for easy cleanup. You can use a little oil or butter spray if you’d like as well. Fill the pan with hot water and the sugar will dissolve.
To Store
- Refrigerate – Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in oven preheated to 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or in the microwave 15 seconds at a time until heated through.
- Freeze – Freeze in baking dish for 10 minutes to set. Transfer to freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. Refrigerate to thaw and follow reheating instructions above.
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 49kcal (2%), Carbohydrates: 5g (2%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 3g (5%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Cholesterol: 5mg (2%), Sodium: 51mg (2%), Potassium: 21mg (1%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 3IU, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Bonny MacVicar says
You just can’t eat one!!! mmmm good
Julie Blanner says
Thanks for taking a moment to rate!
Julie Blanner says
Yelena, they are so easy and delicious. Your kids can even help make them! Hope you enjoy them as much as our family does!
Yelena Strokin says
So cute! I am definitely going to make these. They are tiny, it takes a short time to make them and I think that my kids will love them. Thank you so much!
🙂