Description
Zesty Little Smokies are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring cocktail smoked sausages simmered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce made from barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this recipe can be quickly prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it a convenient crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound cocktail smoked sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
- Add the Sausages: Add the cocktail smoked sausages to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Cook on Stovetop: If using a stovetop, set the burner to low heat and simmer the sausages and sauce for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: If using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high heat for 1 to 1½ hours, allowing the sausages to absorb the flavors and stay warm.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked through and tender, serve the Zesty Little Smokies warm as a delicious appetizer or snack perfect for parties and gatherings.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the recipe milder or spicier according to your preference.
- You can keep the sausages warm in the slow cooker during parties, making it convenient for serving over time.
- Verify that your barbecue sauce and ketchup are gluten-free if you need to maintain a gluten-free diet.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
