Description

The ultimate game day appetizer featuring cocktail wieners wrapped in bacon and coated in a sticky, sweet, and salty brown sugar glaze. This foolproof recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) cocktail wieners (smokies)
12–16 slices standard sliced bacon
1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup for extra stickiness

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. If using a wire rack, place it on the pan.
Wrap each cocktail wiener with a slice of bacon. If a slice is too long, overlap the ends slightly; if too short, use two slices. Secure with a toothpick if necessary, though it is optional.
Arrange the wrapped smokies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers (about 3-4 minutes). Alternatively, heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.
Bake the smokies for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the glaze generously over each smokie. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to set the glaze and allow it to caramelize.
Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side for dipping.

Notes

Grease the foil or rack well to prevent the brown sugar from sticking. Use standard sliced bacon rather than thick-cut for better crisping. Do not brush the glaze on at the beginning of baking as the sugar will burn; apply it after the bacon is mostly cooked. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes while watching closely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 smokies
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 18
Protein: 12

Keywords: bacon wrapped smokies, game day appetizer, brown sugar glaze, cocktail wieners, easy party food, sweet and salty snacks, oven baked appetizers