BBQ Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Appetizer!

Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are not just an appetizer; they are a culinary celebration, a symphony of flavors that promises to be the star of any gathering. I’ve always found immense joy in sharing dishes that bring smiles, and this particular recipe never fails to deliver. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crisped bacon, enveloping a tender, savory mini beef sausage, all generously coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy BBQ glaze. It’s an irresistible combination that ignites taste buds and creates instant cravings, making it impossible to stop at just one.

This beloved party staple, while a relatively modern evolution of classic American comfort food, draws its charm from the simple joy of shared, delicious bites. Little smokies have long been a go-to for casual entertaining, but the addition of smoky bacon and a rich BBQ sauce transforms them from a simple snack to an unforgettable experience. It’s a testament to how familiar ingredients, when combined with a touch of culinary creativity, can result in something truly extraordinary—a modern classic that transcends the ordinary.

People adore these because they offer a fantastic blend of textures—the delightful crunch of the bacon gives way to the succulent smokie—and a complex flavor profile that hits all the right notes: salty, sweet, savory, and a hint of smoky tang. Beyond their incredible taste, they are remarkably convenient, making them perfect for game days, potlucks, or simply a delicious treat for your family. I promise, once you try making these Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, you’ll understand why they’re a permanent fixture on my entertaining menu, always disappearing first!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” Base:
  • 3 (14-ounce) packages Beef Little Smokies (look for a high-quality brand, as the flavor of the sausage truly shines through) – this will give you approximately 90-100 little smokies.
  • 2 pounds Thick-Cut Bacon (I highly recommend thick-cut bacon; it renders beautifully without becoming overly crisp too quickly, providing that perfect chewiness around our little smokies. Standard cut bacon can also work, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-crisping.)
  • About 100-120 Wooden Toothpicks (essential for securing the bacon wraps during cooking)
• For the Irresistible Sweet & Smoky BBQ Glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups of your favorite BBQ Sauce (I love a good smoky and slightly sweet sauce for this recipe, but feel free to choose one that perfectly matches your personal preference, whether it’s tangy, spicy, or extra sweet. This is where you can truly make the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” your own!)
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed (don’t skimp on this; it adds that gorgeous caramelization and sweetness that pairs so well with the savory bacon and smokies)
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted (butter adds richness and helps the glaze cling beautifully to every piece)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (a secret weapon for adding a profound umami depth to the glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (complements the garlic and enhances the overall savory profile)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (this is crucial for reinforcing that smoky barbecue flavor, even if your BBQ sauce isn’t overly smoky)
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (just a touch for a little warmth and bite)
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle kick that awakens the palate without overpowering the other flavors)

Gathering Your Tools and Preparing for the Best Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

1. First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when our little delights go in, they start cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to perfectly crispy bacon and wonderfully warm smokies.
2. Next, prepare two large baking sheets. I find that using two is essential to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steamed rather than crispy bacon. Line each baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is a true lifesaver for cleanup, as the delicious glaze can get quite sticky. Once foiled, place a wire rack on top of each baking sheet. Cooking the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” on a wire rack allows the hot air to circulate all around them, promoting even crisping of the bacon and preventing them from sitting in any rendered fat or glaze, which could make them soggy. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in texture!

Preparing the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” Base

3. Now, let’s get to the heart of our appetizer: the little smokies and bacon. Open your packages of beef little smokies and drain off any liquid. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the bacon adhere better and encourages crispier results.
4. Next, it’s time to prep our bacon. Lay the slices of thick-cut bacon flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each slice of bacon into thirds. The exact length might vary slightly depending on the brand of bacon, but aiming for roughly equal segments is key. Each piece should be long enough to wrap around a little smokie with a slight overlap.
5. This is where the magic truly begins to take shape for our “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies”. Take one piece of the cut bacon and wrap it snugly around a single beef little smokie. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly. The goal here is to cover as much of the little smokie as possible, ensuring every bite has that delightful bacon flavor. Once wrapped, secure the bacon firmly with a wooden toothpick. Push the toothpick through the overlapping ends of the bacon and into the little smokie to hold it in place. This prevents the bacon from unraveling as it cooks. Repeat this process with all of your little smokies and bacon pieces. This part can be a bit time-consuming, but trust me, it’s worth every second for the ultimate appetizer. As you finish wrapping each one, arrange them in a single layer on your prepared wire racks, making sure there’s a little space between each “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” for optimal air circulation.

Crafting the Irresistible Sweet and Tangy BBQ Glaze

6. While your oven is preheating and your little smokies are being wrapped, let’s whip up that incredible glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the glaze: your chosen BBQ sauce, packed light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the cayenne pepper.
7. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. As the mixture heats, the brown sugar will dissolve, and the butter will fully incorporate, creating a beautifully smooth and cohesive sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and helps the glaze to thicken slightly. You’re looking for a consistency that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable. This rich, aromatic glaze is what will truly elevate our “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” from good to absolutely phenomenal! Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.

Baking Our “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” to Perfection

8. Carefully transfer your baking sheets, laden with the raw “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies”, into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Place one sheet on the upper rack and the other on the lower rack to ensure even heat distribution.
9. Now, let the cooking begin! Bake for 20 minutes. During this initial baking period, the bacon will start to render its fat, begin to crisp up, and gently cook around the little smokies. The smokies themselves will heat through and become plump.
10. After 20 minutes, open the oven and carefully rotate the baking sheets. Move the sheet from the upper rack to the lower rack, and vice versa. This ensures that all your “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” receive even heat exposure, preventing some from becoming too crispy while others are undercooked.
11. This is a crucial step for infusing maximum flavor. Retrieve your warm BBQ glaze. Using a pastry brush, generously brush about half of the prepared glaze over all the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies”. Don’t be shy; ensure each bacon-wrapped gem is thoroughly coated. The heat from the smokies and bacon will help the glaze spread and adhere beautifully.
12. Return the glazed “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” to the oven for another 15 minutes. During this stage, the glaze will begin to caramelize, deepen in color, and create a sticky, glossy coating that is utterly delicious. The bacon will continue to crisp, developing that irresistible crunch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of this period to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn, especially if your oven has hot spots.

The Grand Finale: Glazing and Finishing Your Appetizer

13. After that second baking period, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven once more. Now it’s time for the final glaze application, which truly seals in the flavor and gives them that perfect presentation. Apply the remaining half of your sweet and tangy BBQ glaze generously over all the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies”. This second layer of glaze ensures every piece is glistening and bursting with flavor.
14. Return the glazed smokies to the oven for a final 10-15 minutes. This last baking stage is where the magic truly happens. The glaze will become deeply caramelized and wonderfully sticky, and the bacon will reach its peak crispiness – beautifully browned and irresistible. Keep a close watch during these last few minutes, as ovens can vary, and you want that perfect balance of crispy bacon and rich, set glaze without any burning. You’re looking for a deep mahogany color on the bacon and a sticky, glossy finish on the glaze.
15. Once they are perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed, carefully remove the “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” from the oven. They will be incredibly hot and the glaze will be molten, so handle with care. If you want, you can sprinkle them with a little fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness, though this is purely optional.
16. Allow them to cool on the wire racks for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time is important for two reasons: it allows the glaze to set up even more, becoming perfectly sticky without being runny, and it prevents you from burning your mouth on the molten glaze. Serve these delectable “Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies” warm, directly from the baking sheets or transferred to a large serving platter. They are fantastic as an appetizer for parties, game days, or just a special treat. The toothpicks make them incredibly easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You’ll find they disappear remarkably quickly, so be prepared to make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, fellow food enthusiasts! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet incredibly satisfying creation that I genuinely believe will become a staple in your entertaining repertoire. If you’ve been searching for that perfect appetizer that consistently delivers on flavor, ease, and sheer crowd-pleasing power, then look no further. My recipe for these delectable Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The irresistible combination of smoky beef, crispy, savory bacon, and that signature sweet-and-tangy BBQ glaze creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unmatched. Every bite offers a delightful crunch from the perfectly rendered bacon, followed by the juicy, flavorful little smokie, all coated in that finger-licking glaze that leaves you craving just one more. I promise you, making these will not only fill your home with an intoxicating aroma but will also guarantee empty platters and satisfied smiles from everyone who tries them.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Experience:

While these little gems are absolutely phenomenal on their own, served straight from the oven or slow cooker, there are a few ways to enhance their presentation and versatility. For a casual gathering, simply arrange them artfully on a large platter, perhaps with a garnish of chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. They are an absolute star at game day parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings – trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “appetizer”! If you’re feeling fancy, consider pairing them with a small bowl of a creamy dip on the side; a classic ranch, a zesty honey mustard, or even a bold blue cheese dressing can offer a delightful counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors. For a slightly more substantial snack, consider serving them alongside crunchy celery sticks or crisp apple slices. The freshness of the produce provides a wonderful palate cleanser between bites of the rich, savory smokies. Don’t forget, they’re also excellent when added to a larger appetizer spread, complementing anything from cheese boards to mini quiches.

Creative Variations to Keep Things Fresh:

One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its adaptability. While I adore the classic version, don’t hesitate to experiment with different glazes to suit your taste or the occasion. For those who love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ glaze – perhaps a sriracha-infused BBQ sauce for a fiery kick. If you’re a fan of sweeter profiles, a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar in the glaze can create a wonderful candied effect on the bacon as it bakes. You could also venture into different bacon varieties; thick-cut peppered bacon adds a robust spice, while a slightly smoky applewood bacon deepens the overall flavor. For a truly decadent twist, consider using a bacon seasoned with a touch of brown sugar and chili powder for a sweet and savory, slightly spicy crust. Another idea is to introduce a different spice blend directly onto the smokies before wrapping them – a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can add another layer of aromatic complexity. Don’t limit yourself to just BBQ sauce either; a sweet chili sauce, a teriyaki glaze, or even a spicy grape jelly concoction can transform these into entirely new culinary delights. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this recipe to any preference or dietary consideration (if you swap out the beef smokies for a poultry alternative, for instance, though I’m a big fan of the classic beef!).

So, what are you waiting for? I’ve shared all my secrets, tips, and tricks for creating what I believe is the ultimate easy appetizer. It’s now your turn to bring this magic into your kitchen. I genuinely encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give these Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies a try. You won’t regret the minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. And once you’ve experienced the deliciousness, please come back and share your culinary adventures with me! I absolutely love hearing from you. Did you try a unique variation? Did you find a perfect dip pairing? Or perhaps you just want to brag about how quickly they vanished at your last get-together? Your feedback, photos, and personal twists are what make this community so vibrant and inspiring. Let’s make some delicious memories together!

BBQ Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: The Ultimate Appetizer!

Bbq Beef Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are not just an appetizer; they are a culinary celebration, a symphony of flavors that promises to be the star of any gathering. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crisped bacon, enveloping a tender, savory mini beef sausage, all generously coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy BBQ glaze. It’s an irresistible combination that ignites taste buds and creates instant cravings, making it impossible to stop at just one.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
50 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
90-100 pieces

Ingredients

• 3 (14-ounce) packages Beef Little Smokies
• 2 pounds Thick-Cut Beef Bacon
• 100-120 Wooden Toothpicks
• 1 ½ cups BBQ Sauce
• ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with foil and top with wire racks.
2. Step 2
   Drain and pat dry beef little smokies. Cut each beef bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each smokie with a bacon piece, secure with a toothpick. Arrange wrapped smokies in a single layer on prepared wire racks.
3. Step 3
   In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4
   Place baking sheets with smokies into preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate sheets (top to bottom, bottom to top). Brush half of the prepared BBQ glaze generously over all smokies. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
5. Step 5
   Remove from oven again. Apply remaining BBQ glaze generously. Return to oven for a final 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is deeply caramelized, sticky, and the beef bacon is crispy. Carefully remove from oven. Let cool on wire racks for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.