These crockpot bacon-wrapped little smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Smoky, sweet, salty, and just a little sticky—they hit every craving in one bite. I’ve made these for game days, parties, and even a random Tuesday when I wanted something easy and fun.
You wrap, sprinkle, and slow cook. That’s it. Super simple and super worth it.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these for a neighborhood potluck, and people didn’t stop talking about them. They disappeared before I even sat down. Since then, they’ve become my go-to when I need a foolproof appetizer that makes everyone happy.
- Only 3 ingredients
- Crockpot does all the work
- Crispy, sweet, smoky bite in every piece
- Great for feeding a group
- Zero stress, maximum flavor
What You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz) package little smokies
- 1 (16 oz) package bacon (thin-cut)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Toothpicks (optional but helpful)
Pro Tips
- Use thin bacon—it cooks up faster and wraps better
- Chill bacon 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Don’t skip the brown sugar—it caramelizes into a glaze
- Turn them halfway through if your crockpot runs hot
- Use toothpicks for easy serving and flipping
Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
- Black oval crockpot
- Tongs
- Measuring cup
- Small bowl (for brown sugar)
- Optional: parchment paper (to prep the wraps)
Substitutions and Variations
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works, but won’t crisp the same
- Brown sugar: Try maple syrup or honey for a twist
- Little smokies: Swap with chopped kielbasa or mini chicken sausages
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne to the brown sugar
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the bacon-wrapped smokies the night before
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge
- Sprinkle with sugar right before cooking
How Many It Serves
Makes about 35–40 pieces
Perfect for 6–8 people as an appetizer
Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 3 hours on LOW or 1.5 hours on HIGH
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Bacon
Cut all the thin-cut bacon slices in half using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
Step 2: Wrap the Smokies
Wrap each little smokie with half of a bacon slice. Place seam-side down on a plate or parchment-lined tray. Optional: Insert a toothpick through each.
Step 3: Add to Crockpot
Place the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer inside the black oval crockpot.
Step 4: Sprinkle Brown Sugar
Sprinkle 1 cup packed light brown sugar evenly over the top of all the smokies.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW for 3 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 hours, until the bacon is cooked and the sugar has melted into a glaze.
Leftovers + Storage
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to crisp up
- Freezes well—store in freezer bag up to 2 months
Macros (Per Piece – Approximate)
Calories: 90
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Bacon fat + sugar = magic: The fat from the bacon helps dissolve the brown sugar into a glaze
- Slow heat: Gives time for the bacon to cook through without burning the sugar
- Wrapped smokies stay juicy: The bacon seals in moisture while crisping outside
Common Mistakes
- Using thick bacon: Takes too long to cook and stays rubbery
- Too many layers in crockpot: Smokies won’t cook evenly or crisp
- Skipping the sugar: You miss the signature sticky-sweet glaze
- Overcooking: Can dry out the smokies and burn the glaze
What to Serve With
- Toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing
- A dipping sauce bar (BBQ, honey mustard, ranch)
- Chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks on the side
- Cold drinks or party punch
FAQ
Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Yep! Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes on a foil-lined sheet until bacon is crisp.
Do I have to use toothpicks?
Nope! They help with flipping and serving, but you can skip them if you want.
Can I make a double batch?
Yes, but layer carefully and rotate the layers halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
These little bites are pure comfort food. Easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to impress. Make them once, and they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen just like they are in mine. When you try them out, drop a comment and let me know how it went—or what twist you put on them!