These Bacon–Brown Sugar Smokies are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer that always steals the show. Juicy cocktail sausages are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in barbecue sauce and brown sugar, then baked until caramelized. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re perfect for holiday parties, New Year’s celebrations, and game day gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe :

• Irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor

• Perfect finger food for parties

• Easy to prep ahead of time

• Always a crowd favorite

Equipment :

• Baking sheet

• Aluminum foil

• Small mixing bowls

• Shallow bowls

• Knife

• Cutting board

• Toothpicks

• Oven

Ingredients :

Dip

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Smokies

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon

• 1 (14-ounce) package all-beef smoked cocktail sausages

• Toothpicks

Instructions :

1. Prepare the dip: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and brown sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

3. Place the barbecue sauce in one shallow bowl and the brown sugar in another.

4. Cut each slice of bacon crosswise into thirds.

5. Roll each sausage in barbecue sauce, then coat with brown sugar.

6. Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

7. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 5–7 minutes, then flip each smokie.

9. Continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.

10. Serve warm with the chilled dipping sauce.

Tips & Notes :

• Use thick-cut bacon for best texture.

• Line the baking sheet well to make cleanup easier.

• Fancy toothpicks add a festive touch.

Storage & Make-Ahead :

• Make-Ahead: Assemble smokies up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked smokies for up to 1 month.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve with the creamy barbecue dip

• Add to a holiday appetizer spread

• Pair with other sweet-and-savory snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A1: Yes, cook at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

Q2: Can I make these less sweet?
A2: Reduce the brown sugar slightly or skip the sauce coating.

Q3: Can I use turkey bacon?
A3: Yes, but it won’t crisp as much as pork bacon.