5 Delicious Ways to Cook Lil Smokies Easily

If you're looking for a simple yet crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun addition to your menu, Lil Smokies are the perfect solution. These bite-sized sausages are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a multitude of dishes that appeal to both kids and adults. Here are five delicious ways to cook Lil Smokies that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and will surely impress your guests.

Crock Pot Smoky BBQ Lil Smokies

The slow cooker isn’t just for stews; it’s a fantastic tool for making appetizers like Lil Smokies with little effort:

• Ingredients: Lil Smokies, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the sausages are infused with the BBQ flavor.
3. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

⏳ Note: Cooking them for too long can make them overly sweet or syrupy, so keep an eye on them.

Bourbon Glazed Lil Smokies

Infuse a hint of sophistication into your Lil Smokies with this easy bourbon glaze:

• Ingredients: Lil Smokies, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard.
• Instructions:
1. Simmer bourbon, brown sugar, and vinegar in a pan until reduced.
2. Add ketchup and mustard, stir until well combined.
3. Stir in the sausages and cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

🥃 Note: If you want to make it alcohol-free, use apple juice in place of bourbon, but note it will affect the flavor profile.

Spicy Jalapeño Lil Smokies

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, here’s how to add heat to your Lil Smokies:

• Ingredients: Lil Smokies, jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, bacon.
• Instructions:
1. Slice jalapeños, remove seeds if less heat is preferred.
2. Stuff cream cheese and a Lil Smokie into each jalapeño slice.
3. Wrap with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy.

🌶 Note: Wear gloves while handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.

Maple Mustard Lil Smokies

A sweet and tangy blend that’s perfect for brunch or as an appetizer:

• Ingredients: Lil Smokies, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar.
• Instructions:
1. In a skillet, mix maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar.
2. Add the sausages and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally until well-coated and heated through.

Asian-Style Teriyaki Lil Smokies

Bring some Eastern flavors to the party with this savory and sweet teriyaki twist:

• Ingredients: Lil Smokies, teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger.
• Instructions:
1. Combine teriyaki sauce with honey, garlic, and ginger in a skillet.
2. Add sausages and cook on medium heat, allowing the sauce to reduce and glaze the sausages.

These Lil Smokies recipes are perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful range of flavors from smoky BBQ to spicy jalapeño, sweet and tangy maple mustard, the sophisticated taste of bourbon, and the unique zest of Asian-inspired teriyaki. They're easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and are incredibly versatile, making them a must-have for any event or just a cozy family dinner.

Can Lil Smokies be cooked ahead of time?

+

Yes, Lil Smokies can be cooked ahead of time. They actually benefit from marinating in their sauce flavors for a while. Just reheat them gently before serving.

How can I make these recipes vegetarian?

+

For a vegetarian version, substitute Lil Smokies with plant-based sausages or use cocktail carrots or baby potatoes for a similar effect.

Are there any health benefits to these recipes?

+

The health benefits are modest, but you can enhance them by using leaner meat options, reducing sugar content, and adding healthier ingredients like garlic or ginger for added nutrients.