No appetizer table is complete without some delicious bacon wrapped smokies with bbq sauce. These little bite sized hot dogs are savory and a little sweet with an added sprinkle of brown sugar.

This easy recipe is the perfect appetizer for a game day spread or cocktail party whenever you need something easy and quick.

Every year, my family declares SuperBowl Sunday as “appetizer day” and it’s one of my favorite days of the year!

Some of our other favorites are air-fyer pigs in a blanket, buffalo chicken crescent rolls, and Bisquick sausage balls. Mercy!

What I Love about BBQ Bacon Little Smokies

• Easy to make
• Sweet and Savory
• Warm appetizer
• Crowd-pleasing snack
• Finger food

Ingredients Needed

This is such a great appetizer because you only need 4 simple ingredients. And everyone loves them! That’s a winning combination if you ask me.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 package mini sausages (I like Hilshire Farm Lit’l Smokies)
• 12 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
• Optional – 1 TBSP butter if you want a brown sugar mixture with a little added richness

How to Make Them

The term bacon-wrapped smokies doesn’t leave much guesswork, but I am sharing the visual process below if that is helpful. You can see the full printable instructions on the recipe card at the end of this post.

To get started, preheat oven to 375°F.

Cut your bacon slices into thirds. You’ll need as many pieces of bacon as you have lil smokies.

Wrap each small sausage with a slice of bacon and place it in an oven safe baking dish or baking sheet.

Be sure to arrange in a single layer.

Sprinkle brown sugar on top of all the bacon wrapped little smokies, pressing the sugar into the top of the bacon.

Note: if adding butter, use a fork to cut in cold butter and brown sugar until mixed. The mixture will still be crumbly.

Bake for 15 minutes and remove the pan from the oven. Check each piece of bacon to be sure it’s fully cooked. Then brush tops with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.

Cool slightly before serving and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

This little smokies recipe is such a classic and I love how delicious it is for being so simple.

• Transfer cooked bacon-wrapped little smokies to a slow cooker to keep warm at a party.
• Reheat using an air fryer or microwave.
• Add a tooth pick to each smokey sausage if serving on a platter or place nearby for easy snacking.
• Add a little bit of liquid smoke with your barbecue sauce to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Spice it up with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in with the brown sugar.

How to Store

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat using your favorite method.

Print the Recipe

Lil’ smokies are one of my favorite recipes for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, watching football, or a work potluck. I hope you love this family favorite!