Maple and Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 07/7/21
Tested by
Carrie Parente
Carrie Parente
Tested by Carrie Parente
Carrie is a food stylist and culinary producer who loves having a table full of guests.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Maple and Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 80 mins
Servings: 20 servings
Yield: 40 to 45 pieces

 A delicious, tangy maple and brown sugar sauce glazes these easy, bite-sized cocktail franks. The mini hot dogs are baked with a bacon wrapping and then they're combined with the delicious sauce. Simmer or heat them in the slow cooker and serve them hot.

These make a delicious appetizer for a game day gathering or holiday party. They are easy to take along to a potluck, and you are likely to see them all disappear quickly. Be sure to provide a dish or bag for your guests to dispose of the toothpicks.

This recipe is gluten free as long as you are using cocktail franks that contain no gluten fillers. Be sure to check the package if this is a concern.

“These are a sure crowd-pleaser. The sauce is sweet, tangy and spicy. Next time I will omit either the maple syrup or brown sugar or just use a little less of each. This recipe would be easy to double or even triple and serve at your next gathering." —Carrie Parente

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Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) package mini cocktail franks, or regular hot dogs

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon, about 15 strips

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup

  • 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard, more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, or Sriracha, optional

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Maple and Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Heat the oven to 400 F / 200 C / Gas 6. Line a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with foil.

    aluminum foil lined baking sheet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Spread the mini dogs on a work surface. Blot them with paper towels. If you're using standard size hot dogs, slice each one crosswise into 3 or 4 pieces.

    mini hot dogs on a paper towel and in a bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Cut the bacon into thirds with scissors or a knife.

    bacon cut into pieces

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Wrap each hot dog in a piece of bacon and secure it with toothpicks. Arrange the wrapped hot dogs in the prepared baking pan.

    mini hot dogs wrapped in bacon

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until browned.

    bake bacon wrapped hot dogs

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, sambal oelek or Sriracha (if using), and the ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

    sauce ingredients in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. Remove the bacon-wrapped hot dogs from the oven and transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the hot dogs. Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour or on high for about 30 to 45 minutes.

    Maple and Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs in a slow cooker

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Tip

  • Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy. They can be fun to have for breakfast the next day.

Recipe Variations

  • Rather than using a slow cooker, you may heat the hot dogs with the sauce in a saucepan (low heat) on the stovetop for about 15 minutes. You just want the sauce hot and bubbly and the dogs nicely glazed.
  • You can use any kind of sausage so long as it has been cooked before wrapping it with the bacon. Adjust the spice level if you are using hot links or very spicy kinds of sausage.
  • For a vegetarian option, use veggie dogs wrapped in veggie bacon.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
153 Calories
9g Fat
9g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 20
Amount per serving
Calories 153
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 445mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 144mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)