Description

Zesty Little Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cocktail sausages simmered in a tangy, slightly spicy barbecue sauce. This easy recipe can be prepared quickly on the stovetop or set to cook slowly in a slow cooker, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. The flavorful sauce blends barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of hot sauce, resulting in a deliciously savory and sweet bite-sized snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausages

1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages

Sauce

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausages: Add the cocktail sausages to a slow cooker or medium saucepan, ensuring they are evenly spread for uniform cooking.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth.
Combine and Stir: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the sausages, stirring gently to coat all the sausages evenly with the sauce.
Cook: For slow cooker method, set the cooker on low and cook for 2 to 3 hours until the sausages are heated through and the sauce thickens. For stovetop method, simmer over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the Zesty Little Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Try substituting honey mustard or spicy brown mustard in place of Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile.
Verify all ingredient labels if you need to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
To keep the sausages warm at a party, use a slow cooker set to the warm setting after cooking.