When it comes to party appetizers, these Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing hit! Tender cocktail sausages are coated in a rich, smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy sauce that makes them completely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a football game day, holiday gathering, or casual get-together, these little smokies will disappear in no time. They’re quick, easy, and always a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that everyone will love
- Perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy gathering
- Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for last-minute prep
- Great for serving as appetizers or finger food
- Easy to customize with your preferred level of heat
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined, creating a balanced sauce with smoky, sweet, and spicy elements.
Cook the Little Smokies
Place the cocktail sausages in a large skillet or a slow cooker. If you’re using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages, stirring to coat them evenly. Let the sausages cook in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes (or 2-3 hours if using a slow cooker), stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, and the sausages are heated through.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies to a serving platter. If you’d like, sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley over the top to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with toothpicks for easy serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make these ahead of time, prepare the sauce and sausages, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating. The flavors will continue to develop and taste even better!
- To add more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or skip the cayenne entirely.
- You can also cook these in the oven—place the sausages in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausages and just heat them through in the sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Instead of honey, you can substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- If you want a tangier twist, use a spicy mustard or add a little more apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
- Feel free to swap out the barbecue sauce for a different type, such as a spicy chipotle or a sweeter honey-based sauce.
- For a smoky version, try adding a pinch of liquid smoke or smoked salt to the sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other party foods like crispy potato skins, buffalo wings, or a veggie platter. Serve alongside chips, pickles, or even a side of creamy ranch dip to balance out the heat. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the sauce may not be as thick.
FAQs
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can definitely make these in a slow cooker. Simply combine the sausages and sauce in the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 2-3 hours until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Can I use different sausages?
While cocktail sausages (Little Smokies) are the traditional choice, you can use regular cocktail-sized sausages, kielbasa, or even chicken sausages if you prefer. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces if they’re larger.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these Smokies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Are these spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on how much hot sauce or cayenne pepper you add. The recipe as written gives a moderate level of heat, but feel free to increase or decrease according to your taste.
Conclusion
These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are the perfect addition to any party spread, offering a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit with guests. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or a holiday celebration, they’re sure to be devoured in no time!
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Zesty Sweet & Smoky Little Smokies – Perfect Party Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–8 servings (adjusted to include extra servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are the ultimate party snack! Perfectly seasoned with a combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, these bite-sized sausages are irresistible and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack, these little smokies will be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (12 oz each) little smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Cook the little smokies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the little smokies and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir to coat the sausages evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer: Let the smokies simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the smoky little smokies to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with toothpicks for easy serving!
Notes
- You can adjust the level of sweetness and spiciness by adding more honey or sriracha according to your taste.
- For an even smokier flavor, add a little bit of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- These little smokies can be made in advance and reheated on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 sausages
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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