The BEST Little Smokies Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

Little Smokies are the classic crowd-pleasing appetizer. This amazing recipe takes them to a whole new level! These sweet and salty bites are made with just 3 ingredients in the oven or slow cooker in a few minutes. They’re the perfect party food for game day, holidayentertaining, and everyday get togethers.

Bite-sized smokies are as easy to make as they are to devour. They keep you running back for more and you have to, because they disappear!

They are quick and easy, taking just 5 minutes to prep. co*cktail weenies are wrapped in bacon and sprinkled with brown sugar that caramelizes as they cook in the oven or slow cooker. The rich and flavorful sauce is irresistible!

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are one of my childhood favorites. Through the years, I have tested and perfected this recipe using my experience as a caterer that takes them to a whole new level – and readers agree!

“You just can’t eat one!!! Mmmm good.”

— BONNY —

This childhood favorite makes an elegant Hors d’oeuvres or a casual appetizer. Your choice!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Bacon –Center cut bacon has less fat and grease, but you can use your favorite bacon including hickory smoked bacon, turkey bacon, etc.
• Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar caramelizes with the bacon grease creating an incredible sauce.
• co*cktail Weenies – Small hotdogs also known as co*cktail wieners, co*cktail 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!

How To Make Little Smokies

See printable recipe card below.

In the Oven

1. Prep – Preheat oven.
2. Assemble – Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place – Place tight in a baking dish and generously coat with brown sugar.
4. Bake – As directed. Drizzle sauce in the bottom of the pan over the little smokies, halfway through baking time. Bake again.

   

In a Slow Cooker

1. Assemble – Cut bacon into thirds. Wrap each weenie with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
2. 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

• Make Ahead – Wrap weenies with bacon, sprinkle with brown sugar, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Bake or transfer to a slow cooker and serve.
• Low and Slow – Baking or cooking these in a slow cooker low and slow allows the flavor to marinate.
• Serve Warm – Place them in the oven at 200 degrees F or in in a slow cooker on low.
• Make without Toothpicks – Place seam down. The sugar will caramelize and seal as they bake. I prefer making them with toothpicks because it is easy to transfer and serve them.
• Easy Clean Up – Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for easy cleanup. Use oil or butter spray for a clean release. Fill the pan with hot water to dissolve sugar.

See Also

Jalapeno Popper Corn FrittersDelicious Roast Beef Sliders - Mom EndeavorsYou Need to See These Hilarious Thanksgiving MemesHazelnut-Almond Big Apple Linzer Cookies Recipe | ChefDeHome.com

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.

{Wheat Photography}