Bacon Sausage Bites are a savory-sweet, bite-sized appetizer that disappears fast. Make an extra tray—you’ll thank yourself later.
Traeger Bacon Sausage Bites
Bacon elevates everything, and smoked sausage brings bold flavor. Wrap thick-cut bacon around sliced smoked sausage, sprinkle generously with brown sugar, and cook until caramelized and smoky. Using a pellet grill like a Traeger adds a subtle wood-smoke finish that pushes these from delicious to unforgettable.
This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time. Prepare the bites, place them on a lined pan, set the grill or oven, and let them cook. They’re perfect for game days, backyard gatherings, potlucks, or any party where you want to make an impression without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
I first shared these with a group of coworkers during a cabin weekend, and they vanished almost instantly. We joked about calling them “meat candy” because each bite combines sweet, salty, smoky, and savory flavors in one perfect mouthful. The crowd loved them, and they’re now a go-to appetizer when I want something that’s both simple and impressive.
With a Traeger or any wood-pellet grill, familiar favorites take on a new level of flavor. The gentle smoke from real wood pellets caramelizes the brown sugar and crisps the bacon while letting the smoked sausage stay juicy. If you don’t have a pellet grill, an oven set to a similar temperature will still deliver tasty results—just expect slightly less smokiness.
This recipe uses only a few ingredients—smoked sausage, thick-cut bacon, and brown sugar—but it delivers big on flavor. The combination of sweet and salty with a hint of smoke makes every bite irresistible. These are easy to transport and reheat, which makes them a reliable choice for parties and tailgates.
Bring them to your next gathering and skip the chips and salsa. These bites are designed to be shared, and you’ll get plenty of compliments—maybe even a few high-fives.
Bacon Sausage Bites
These Traeger Bacon Sausage Bites are the perfect party appetizer: salty, smoky, and sweet. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 package smoked sausage
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into thirds. Cut the bacon into segments long enough to wrap around each sausage piece.
- Wrap each sausage segment with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped bites on a lined baking pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the bites.
- Preheat your Traeger, pellet grill, or conventional oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pan inside and cook until the bacon is caramelized and cooked through, about 30 minutes. If using a grill, allow the smoke flavor to develop; if using an oven, cook until browned and bubbly.
- Remove from the heat and let the bites rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sugar sets slightly and they’re easier to pick up.
Tips and Variations
- For extra smokiness, use apple or hickory pellets on a pellet grill. If cooking in the oven, consider adding a smoked paprika or a light brush of liquid smoke to the brown sugar for more depth.
- Try substituting maple sugar or adding a pinch of cayenne to the brown sugar for a sweet-heat version.
- These can be prepared ahead and reheated briefly in the oven or on the grill before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
- Serve with toothpicks and a side of tangy mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 620 · Total Fat: 30g · Saturated Fat: 10g · Trans Fat: 0g · Unsaturated Fat: 18g · Cholesterol: 82mg · Sodium: 1384mg · Carbohydrates: 61g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 59g · Protein: 27g
