Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer! These bite-sized sausages are simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of spice. They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a quick, delicious snack. Ready in just 30 minutes, these Little Smokies will disappear from the table in no time!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 10-12
- Serving size: 5-6 sausages
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
Ingredients:
- 450g (16 oz) package Little Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 240ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 60g (¼ cup) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Simmer the sausages: Add the Little Smokies to the sauce and stir to coat the sausages evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the sausages and sauce to a serving bowl or dish. Serve hot with toothpicks or skewers for easy dipping and eating.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the base, as the flavor of the sauce will make a big difference. For a tangier option, go with a vinegar-based BBQ sauce; for sweetness, use a honey or brown sugar-based sauce.
- Add spice to taste: If you like heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it in the slow cooker: For a hands-off approach, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Garnish with green onions for a pop of color and freshness if serving at a party.
- Try different sausages: If you can’t find Little Smokies, small kielbasa or mini bratwursts are great alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sausages ahead and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze Little Smokies? Yes, you can freeze the cooked Little Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- How do I keep Little Smokies warm for a party? You can keep the sausages warm by transferring them to a slow cooker set on "warm." This way, they’ll stay heated and ready to serve.
- Can I make this recipe without sugar? Yes, you can use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and omit the brown sugar, but the sauce won’t have the same sweet flavor. You can balance the taste with a bit more mustard or Worcestershire sauce.
- What can I serve with Little Smokies? These sausages pair well with crackers, breadsticks, or veggie sticks. You can also serve them alongside other appetizers like cheese dips or pretzel bites.
Whether you're hosting a party or looking for an easy snack to whip up, Sweet and Savory Little Smokies are a fantastic choice. The balance of tangy BBQ sauce and brown sugar gives these bite-sized sausages irresistible flavor. Set them out with toothpicks and watch them disappear!