Brown Sugar Bacon Lil Smokies

This is by far the most requested, best loved appetizer at my parties! Whether it be Christmas or tailgating, these Brown Sugar Bacon Lil Smokies will be a hit and usually the first to go. I’ve been making them for years and actually got the original recipe out of a holiday appetizer magazine but I’ve made some changes.  I’ll also give you my tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years.

What you’ll need:

1 package of Bacon (I recommend Center Cut)
1 package of Lil Smokies (I use all Beef)
1/2 cup (approx) light brown sugar (be sure it’s fresh)

How To:

1.  Line a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with non stick cooking spray (spraying is very important or they will stick)
2.  Cut each piece of bacon into three even pieces. *I like using Center Cut and have found this works best. It’s leaner and the pieces are more even.
3.  Pour the brown sugar into a bowl to dredge each of the wrapped smokies. *I say to use fresh brown sugar because I find it sticks best and is less clumpy than sugar that’s old.
4.  Next, wrap each smokie with bacon. I find if I slightly stretch each piece of bacon around the smokie, it holds better.
5.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until the bacon is cooked.

**{NEW Easier Method}**
This year I tried to make things easier on myself and used the sugar in bag method. Kind of like old school Shake and Bake. Freeze the bacon first for 30 minutes or so. It makes cutting and wrapping SO much easier! Wrap the smokies as usual but stick a toothpick into each one to secure the bacon. I add about 8-10 at a time to a ziplock bag filled about 1/4 full of Brown Sugar. Shake a few times and then lay out on the foil lined cookie sheet.

I serve these on a plate or in a bowl with decorative toothpicks for easy access and eating.