Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy? These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are exactly what you need! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you need an easy yet irresistible snack. With a few simple ingredients, you can make these little bites of heaven that will disappear faster than you can say “pass the dip!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These little smokies are the ultimate party food. The smoky flavor from the sausages blends perfectly with a sweet and spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. They’re simple to make, but they taste like you spent hours cooking them. Plus, they’re so versatile—you can adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your taste. Easy, flavorful, and totally addictive—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients for this savory treat (full list below!):
- Little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey
- Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Little Smokies
While the sauce is simmering, place the little smokies in a slow cooker or a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can simply add the smokies directly into the cooker. If you’re using a skillet, heat them through until they start to get a little golden on the outside—about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Smokies and Sauce
Once the smokies are heated through, pour the sweet and spicy sauce over them. Stir to make sure each little smokie is coated with the sauce. If you’re using a skillet, let them cook together for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can let them simmer on low for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the little smokies are fully coated in the sauce, they’re ready to serve! Transfer them to a serving dish and enjoy them hot. They’re perfect for dipping into extra sauce, or you can serve them alongside some crunchy chips or fresh veggies for a well-rounded party snack.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, use less sriracha or substitute it with a sweeter hot sauce or mild chili sauce.
- Make it sweeter: Add more honey or even a splash of maple syrup to bring out the sweetness in the sauce.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce and cook the little smokies ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and heat them up when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different meats: If you’re not a fan of little smokies, you can substitute with cocktail-sized chicken sausages, turkey smokies, or even vegetarian sausages for a plant-based version.
- No slow cooker? No problem! You can make these on the stovetop or in the oven. Just simmer the sausages in the sauce until they’re heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Vegan option: Use vegan sausages in place of traditional little smokies to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or potlucks. Pair them with a cool, refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea to balance the heat. You could also serve them with a side of chips, pickles, or a simple coleslaw to round out the spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover little smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the slow cooker on low heat or warm them in the microwave until heated through. If you’re reheating in a skillet, make sure to add a little splash of water or sauce to prevent them from drying out.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These little smokies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap the barbecue sauce for a mustard-based sauce or a teriyaki glaze for a unique twist.
3. How spicy are these little smokies?
They’re sweet with a kick of spice! If you prefer them milder, use less hot sauce or substitute it with something less spicy.
4. Can I freeze these little smokies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge and warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
These Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies are the ultimate party appetizer. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re serving them at a big celebration or enjoying them on a casual night, they’ll disappear in no time. Give them a try, and watch as everyone asks for the recipe!
Print
Smoky Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies for Parties
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker) or 40 minutes (stovetop)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These bite-sized sausages are simmered in a tangy, smoky, and spicy sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) package of little smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir over medium heat until the jelly is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Little Smokies:
- Place the little smokies in a slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Serve:
- Transfer the little smokies to a serving dish and serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- These little smokies can also be prepared on the stovetop by simmering them in the sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more grape jelly to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg