These Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are the perfect appetizer for game nights or a summer BBQ. They’re easy to make and will keep guests coming back for more!
I can really feel that summertime is on its way when the sun shines brightly until 9 o’clock, the air still carries the warmth of the day, and evenings are happily spent around the fire pit sharing stories and laughter. When I have friends and family over to enjoy a cool summer evening in my backyard, I love to set out a delightful spread of snacks, including a colorful crudité platter of vegetables, roasted nuts, aged cheeses, and of course, these irresistible bacon-wrapped smokies.
These little smokies have become a beloved treat in my home, and every time I serve them, they disappear in the blink of an eye! The combination of crispy, tender bacon with juicy cocktail wieners is truly heavenly. And let’s not forget the delightful touch of brown sugar that mingles perfectly with the mouthwatering flavor of the pork.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. You can have them prepped in 20 minutes or less, and then just pop them in the oven. As your kitchen fills with the savory, sweet aroma of crispy pork and caramelized sugar, you’ll know they’re almost ready. Serve them on a lovely platter with your favorite dipping sauces, and maybe some quick pickles, and you’re ready to greet your guests!
Are Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Healthy?
This bacon-wrapped smokies recipe is definitely not the healthiest option. It’s a classic example of an indulgent party appetizer designed for its yummy flavor and enjoyment rather than for its nutritional value. To make it slightly healthier, skip the brown sugar, and you can replace the bacon with smoked turkey bacon since it’s generally lower in saturated fat and calories compared to pork bacon. If you want to leave the bacon out altogether, you can also replace it with thin strips of zucchini to wrap around the wieners. This recipe is technically gluten-free; however, you should double-check the ingredient list to ensure there aren’t any traces of gluten in the ingredients you’re using.
The Best Dipping Sauces
What I love most about these tiny smokies is that they are perfect for dipping into my favorite sauces. Whenever I make this recipe, I always have a few dishes filled with a homemade aioli like this delicious Chipotle Aioli, honey mustard, and ketchup. I prefer to keep it pretty basic; however, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can serve them alongside some spicy salsa, an array of your favorite hot sauces, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even some Japanese mayonnaise. If you want a healthy dipping option, you can serve it with this Cucumber Sauce made from Greek yogurt or this scrumptious Avocado Dip.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once they are fully cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
While these bacon-wrapped smokies are absolutely delicious on their own, they’re even better when served alongside some side dishes! I recommend serving them with Homemade French Fries and a bowl of this Watermelon Fruit Salad. Other fun options would be Easy Cauliflower Tater Tots or Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. To turn it into a full meal, you can serve it with this delicious BLT Grilled Romaine Wedge Salad Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce package cocktail wieners
- 1 pound bacon slices cut into thirds
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Wrap each cocktail wiener with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped wieners on a baking sheet. Mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt until combined.
- Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over them. Bake in the preheated oven until the bacon is crispy, about 35-40 minutes.
- If desired, broil the bacon-wrapped smokies at the end of cooking to caramelize the brown sugar, being careful not to let the toothpicks burn.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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