Little smokies, affectionately known as cocktail hot dogs or miniature smoked sausages, offer a world of possibilities when it comes to creating mouthwatering appetizers. Their versatility is unmatched, making them a staple in many a recipe book. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most delectable little smokies’ appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your guests and leave you feeling like the ultimate host.
Barbecue Little Smokies
These addictive little sausage appetizers require only two ingredients: barbecue sauce and Little Smokie sausages. The simplicity of the recipe is a major draw, as it’s almost impossible to mess up. Simply coat your sausages in the sauce and heat them on the stove for around 10 minutes, or opt for a hands-off approach by placing them in a crock pot with the sauce and cooking on high for approximately two hours.
This convenient option is perfect for busy days when you need something quick to set up that can simmer in the background as you tackle your to-do list. The aroma of cooking sausages will fill your home, making it an inviting atmosphere for any gathering.
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Indulge in the savory delight of these scrumptious bacon-wrapped little smokies, the perfect party food or snack to satisfy any crowd’s cravings. Each juicy sausage is generously wrapped in a velvety slice of crispy bacon and then drizzled with either sweet barbecue sauce, spicy sriracha, or left au naturel for those seeking a milder taste experience.
After baking these bite-sized treats in the oven for approximately 35 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with an irresistible snack that’s both crispy on the outside and bursting with flavorful goodness within.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies
Elevate your appetizer game by introducing a bold twist: incorporating bourbon whiskey into the mix! A delectable sauce is crafted by combining brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of bourbon, resulting in an intensely rich flavor that adheres to each sausage. This mouthwatering combination yields a delightful taste with every bite.
If you’re short on time or prefer stovetop cooking, this recipe can be easily adapted to your preference, whether cooked in a crock pot or on the stove.
Grape Jelly Little Smokies
Combine little smokies with a sweet and spicy twist by mixing them with grape jelly sauce. This delectable sauce is made by combining sausages with chili sauce and grape jelly in a crock pot, stirring until well combined. Then, cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours. For an extra kick, add sriracha or cayenne pepper to taste. Alternatively, substitute the chili sauce with barbecue sauce if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Air Fryer BBQ Little Smokies
In just three ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Simply combine your Little Smokies with barbecue sauce and brown sugar for an effortless meal. Start by air-frying the sausages for approximately six minutes, then brush them with the sweet and tangy mixture before finishing them off in the air fryer for another three minutes. As they cook, the brown sugar will caramelize, resulting in a sticky glaze that coats each sausage perfectly.
Cocktail Franks With Apples And Onions
While this recipe requires a few more ingredients than the previous one, it’s still incredibly simple to prepare. To make it, simply slice your onions and apples into thin pieces and layer them in a baking dish with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Let it cook for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The addition of apples brings a delightful sweetness and fruity dimension to the dish, subtly complementing the savory flavor of the sausages.
Cheesy Little Smokie Cups
Indulge in these delightful smokie cups that are perfect as an appetizer or snack! Not only do they offer a unique presentation, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare. Simply place wonton wrappers into a cupcake tin, then combine cooked little sausages with barbecue sauce and your preferred cheese for the filling. Pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes, and you’ll be enjoying a tasty treat in no time!
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokie Jalapeno Poppers
For those who can’t get enough of jalapeños, this next recipe is a must-try. These peppers are transformed into mouthwatering stuffed delights by filling them with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, savory little smokies, and crispy bacon. The addition of chipotle gives the dish an extra layer of smoky heat that beautifully complements the flavors of the peppers, sausages, and bacon.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying appetizer or a quick midday snack, these stuffed jalapeños hit the spot.
Sticky Sesame Soy Little Smokies
To add an authentic Asian flair to your snacks, this recipe cleverly blends soy sauce, sesame sauce, honey, and sesame seeds. The result is a mouth-watering appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
All you need to do is whisk together the sauce ingredients, arrange your mini sausages on a baking tray, and drizzle with the flavorful mixture. And the best part? This delightful snack only requires 10 minutes of cooking time!
To finish it off, sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top, and you’ll be enjoying the perfect Asian-inspired bite in no time.
Sausage Stuffed Avocado
Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexico, our next appetizer idea combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory goodness of sausages, corn, and black bean salsa. To start, cut avocados into quarters, removing the seeds and reserving some flesh for later use. Next, mix together the reserved avocado flesh with cooked sausages, fresh corn kernels, and a spoonful of black bean salsa.
Spoon this mixture back into the avocado quarters, top each one with melted cheese, and bake in the oven for 10 minutes to create a delightful, cheesy snack that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Mini Sausage Rolls
If you’re hosting a get-together or need a crowd-pleasing addition to lunchboxes, these bite-sized sausage rolls are a must-have. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: all it takes is some puff pastry, Dijon mustard, and an egg wash to transform little smokies into irresistible treats. Simply roll out the pastry, cut it into squares, brush each one with Dijon mustard, and add a sausage.
Then, carefully wrap the pastry around the sausage, brush with an egg wash, and bake for about 15 minutes. The result is crispy, golden brown bites that are sure to delight.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Little Smokies
As winter’s chill sets in, the crock pot becomes a trusted companion, and this honey garlic little smokie recipe is a delightful treat to warm up those cold months. The magic happens when you combine brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic in a sweet and savory mixture that’s poured over sausages in the crock pot. Simply cook on high for three hours or low for four, allowing the flavors to meld together while you attend to other tasks around the house.
And if you love this sweet and savory combination, consider elevating it to a full-fledged meal by adding larger sausages and serving with rice or a medley of vegetables.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our exploration of Little Smokies, it’s clear that these bite-sized cocktail sausages offer endless opportunities for creative preparation and pairing. As we’ve demonstrated throughout this article, their natural smokiness is beautifully complemented by sweet condiments like sugar and barbecue sauce. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering, a quick snack, or a packed lunchbox, Little Smokies are the perfect ingredient to have on hand.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.