Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies

Sweet, smoky, crispy, and just the right amount of spicy, these Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies are an easy appetizer that’s hard to resist. Wrapped in regular bacon, coated with barbecue rub, and finished with sticky brown sugar and hot honey, these little bites bring big flavor to any gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a holiday get-together, or looking for a delicious appetizer to share, these bacon-wrapped smokies are always a hit. Best of all, the smoker does most of the work, giving the bacon time to render before the sweet and spicy glaze turns golden and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies Recipe

• Sweet heat in every bite: Hot honey and brown sugar create a delicious glaze that balances the smoky bacon and savory beef.
• Easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, these little smokies come together quickly.
• Perfect for sharing: Each smokie is individually wrapped, making them easy to grab from a serving dish.
• Great for entertaining: Prep them ahead, then finish them on the smoker shortly before serving.

These easy appetizers are especially good for game day, but they’re just as welcome at a holiday party or backyard barbecue.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies

• 7 oz beef Little Smokies
• 12 oz regular-cut bacon
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp barbecue rub
• 3 tbsp hot honey

How to Make Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies

1. Prepare the Little Smokies

First, preheat your smoker to 275°F. Cut the bacon slices into thirds, making each piece the right size to wrap around a beef Little Smokie.

Tightly wrap each smokie with one piece of bacon, then secure it with a toothpick.

2. Season and Smoke

Next, sprinkle the barbecue rub over the bacon-wrapped smokies, coating the outside evenly.

Arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack, leaving a little space between each one.

Place the rack in the smoker and cook at 275°F for 30–45 minutes. During this time, the bacon will begin to render, and the barbecue rub will add a delicious smoky flavor.

3. Add the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

Once the bacon has rendered, carefully transfer the smokies to a baking dish or smoker-safe pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top, then drizzle with hot honey.

Return the pan to the smoker, increase the temperature to 325°F, and cook for another 15–20 minutes. The higher heat helps the bacon crisp while the brown sugar and hot honey melt into a sticky glaze.

4. Finish and Serve

Finally, remove the smokies from the smoker when the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbling. Drizzle with a little more hot honey for an extra kick, then let them rest briefly before serving warm.

Arrange the little bites on a serving dish, keeping a few toothpicks handy for easy grabbing. Get ready for these addictive appetizers to disappear!

Expert Tips On Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies

• Use regular-cut bacon: It wraps easily around the smokies and has time to render before the glaze goes on. Thick-cut bacon may need additional cooking time.
• Keep them in a single layer: Give each smokie enough room for the heat to circulate. This helps the bacon cook evenly and crisp up.
• Watch the glaze closely: Brown sugar and hot honey can caramelize quickly at 325°F. Check the smokies toward the end so the glaze doesn’t burn.
• Adjust the heat: Choose a mild or spicy hot honey depending on your preference. You can also add a little extra barbecue rub for more smoky flavor.
• Make cleanup easier: Use a foil-lined pan for the glazing stage. The sticky brown sugar glaze can be messy once it cools.

Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies Variations

These bacon-wrapped smokies are delicious as written, but you can easily change the flavor.

• Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue rub or use a hotter honey.
• Sweet and smoky: Use a smoky barbecue rub and add a little extra brown sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor.
• Maple hot honey: Substitute maple syrup mixed with a little hot sauce for a different sweet-and-spicy finish.

Storage

If you have leftovers, let the smokies cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in a 325°F oven or smoker until heated through and the bacon crisps up again.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled smokies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating. The bacon may not be quite as crispy after freezing, but the sweet, smoky flavor will still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies

Can I make Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies ahead of time? Yes! Wrap and season the smokies a day ahead, then store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, smoke and glaze them as directed. You can also cook them completely ahead and reheat them, although the bacon is best when freshly crisped.

Can I make these in the oven? Absolutely. Arrange the bacon-wrapped smokies on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 275°F until the bacon begins to render. Transfer them to a pan, add the brown sugar and hot honey, then finish at 325°F until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbling. Cooking times may vary.

What is the best way to serve Little Smokies? Serve them warm with toothpicks so guests can grab a bite without needing a plate. They’re a perfect appetizer alongside other game day favorites, especially when you have a variety of sweet, savory, and spicy snacks.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Bacon Little Smokies are the kind of easy appetizer that makes entertaining simple. The bacon turns smoky and crispy, while the brown sugar and hot honey create a sticky glaze with a little kick. With just five ingredients and a little time on the smoker, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day, holidays, or your next backyard gathering.

Give these little bites a try, and don’t be surprised if they’re the first thing gone from the serving dish!

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