Let’s set the scene:
You walk into a holiday party carrying a tray of something warm, shiny, and wrapped in bacon.
Before you can even find a place to set it down, hands appear out of nowhere. Voices whisper, “Are those what I think they are?” Someone in the back yells, “Save me some!” Spoiler alert: they won’t.

These Candied Bacon Little Smokies are tiny, addictive, sweet-heat bites of pure glory. They’re the first thing to vanish at every gathering. The perfect mix of salty bacon, juicy sausage, caramelized sugar, and that unmistakable Rub Yer Meat swagger.

And the best part?
They’re ridiculously easy.
Like… dangerously easy.
Like… “you’ll make these every weekend for no reason at all” easy.

This is your new go-to appetizer. Your crowd-pleaser. Your “I didn’t know little smokies could do that” moment.

Let’s get to rubbing.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-oz.) package Little Smokies
• 1 lb bacon, cut into thirds
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• Rub Yer Meat (use a 2:1 mix with the brown sugar)
  • Example: ⅓ cup brown sugar + 2 tablespoons Rub Yer Meat
  • Adjust the total to equal your ½ cup mixture
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment.
(This is your insurance policy against molten sugar cementing itself to your pan.)

Wrap each Little Smokie with a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Try not to eat half the bacon while you do this. We believe in you.

Line them up on the baking sheet like tiny soldiers ready to bring joy.

2. Sweet-Heat Sprinkle

In a small bowl, mix your 2 parts brown sugar + 1 part Rub Yer Meat.
This blend is the magic dust that gives each bite that caramelized, smoky-sweet slap of flavor.

Sprinkle the mixture generously over the wrapped Little Smokies.
It’ll melt, glaze, bubble, and transform into sticky perfection.

3. Bake and Devour

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has turned into shiny candy armor.

Let them cool for a minute (sugar lava is real), then watch them disappear faster than your willpower at a BBQ buffet.

Serving Ideas

These little flavor bombs thrive anywhere:

• Holiday parties
• Tailgates
• Potlucks
• Game nights
• Random Tuesdays where you just need a win

Serve them warm and watch people hover like you’re giving away free money.

Tips for Maximum Deliciousness

• Use thin-cut bacon. It crisps better and wraps easier.
• Don’t skimp on the rub. Rub Yer Meat brings the heat and the attitude.
• Line your pan. Sticky glaze is vicious.
• Double the batch. Trust us.

Final Thoughts

These Candied Bacon Little Smokies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, smoky, and slightly naughty—all wrapped together with a toothpick and begging to be eaten in embarrassing quantities.

They’re easy. They’re delicious. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes people follow you around the party.

And most importantly…

They taste like you rubbed your meat with confidence.