Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies Recipe That Tantalizes

Craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers smoky sweet & spicy little smokies with serious flavor punch?

Miniature sausages packed with zesty seasonings make any gathering instantly memorable.

Guests always ask for this recipe after their first bite.

Perfectly balanced heat and sweetness create an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these bite-sized treats a go-to option for last-minute entertaining.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment, so you can spend less time cooking and more time socializing.

Bring these little smokies to your next potluck, and watch them disappear in minutes.

Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies To Savor

• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious appetizer without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: The combination of barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and spices creates an incredible sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy glaze that will have everyone coming back for more, guaranteed to be a hit at parties and gatherings.
• Versatile Party Starter: These Little Smokies work brilliantly as game day snacks, potluck contributions, holiday appetizers, or casual get-togethers, offering a crowd-pleasing option that suits multiple social occasions and keeps guests satisfied.

Ingredients To Prepare Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

• Mini Smoked Sausages: Tender little sausages that form the core protein of this delicious appetizer.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base for the glaze.
• Grape Jelly: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky sauce.

• Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute depth and complex flavor to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright pop of color and a light, fresh finish to the dish.

Simple Steps To Make Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

Step 1: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Barbecue sauce
• Grape jelly
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything until the sauce looks smooth and glossy, creating a mouth-watering glaze that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Bath

Drop those mini smoked sausages into the Instant Pot.

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the sausages, making sure every single piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 3: Lock and Load the Pressure Cooker

Secure the Instant Pot lid, positioning the steam release valve to sealing.

Hit the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 5 minutes. Let the magic happen!

Step 4: Release the Pressure

After cooking completes, wait 5 minutes for a natural pressure release. Carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Open the lid and gently stir the sausages, ensuring they’re swimming in that incredible sauce. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausages to a serving platter.

Drizzle extra sauce on top for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the sausages for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve these irresistible bites warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Tips To Nail Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

• Swap grape jelly with cranberry or apple preserves for a tangy twist that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Add a half cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot to ensure the sauce doesn't scorch during pressure cooking.
• Prepare the sauce and sausages up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and intensify.
• Adjust heat levels by adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for those who love an extra kick of spiciness.
• Replace traditional barbecue sauce with a sugar-free version and use a low-sugar jelly alternative to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly dish.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

• Slow Cooker Smokies: Replace Instant Pot with a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Substitute mini smoked sausages with plant-based sausage links or vegetarian kielbasa. Maintain the same sauce and cooking method for a meatless version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and replace grape jelly with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol. Choose all-beef or pork little smokies to keep the dish low-carb and keto-compliant.

Pairing Ideas That Enhance Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

• Balance the spicy and sweet flavors of the little smokies with a chilled Riesling that offers a bright, slightly sweet profile to complement the sauce's complexity.
• Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the richness of the sausages, with its bitter notes providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet and smoky glaze.
• Serve alongside classic coleslaw and cornbread to enhance the barbecue-style dish, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that echoes the recipe's robust flavors.

Storing Smoky Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies Correctly

• Store leftover little smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled smokies and sauce to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place smokies in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Spread smokies in single layer on baking sheet. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

• What are little smokies made of?

Little smokies are small, fully cooked smoked sausages typically made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats, seasoned and cured for a rich flavor.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. If you prefer less spice, reduce the smoked paprika or omit it entirely.

• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the sauce ingredients up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook.

Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies bring game-day excitement to your table with their irresistible flavor profile. Packed with bold seasonings and glazed to perfection, these bite-sized treats will have guests reaching for more at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) mini smoked sausages (little smokies)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup grape jelly
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped chives
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Craft a tantalizing glaze by whisking barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a rich, complex flavor profile.
2. Transfer mini smoked sausages into the Instant Pot, completely drenching them with the prepared sauce to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid, positioning the steam release valve to sealing. Activate Manual or Pressure Cook mode, programming a precise 5-minute cooking cycle at high pressure.
4. After the cooking duration concludes, permit a gradual 5-minute natural pressure release before cautiously shifting the valve to venting, allowing any residual pressure to dissipate.
5. Gently agitate the sausages within the sauce, guaranteeing an even, glossy coating. Extract the little smokies using a slotted spoon and arrange on a serving platter.
6. Enhance the presentation by cascading additional sauce from the pot over the sausages, amplifying their succulent appearance.
7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity by sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley across the surface. Serve piping hot and savor these delectable, multidimensional morsels.

Notes

• Opt for low-sugar barbecue sauce and sugar-free grape jelly to create a diabetic-friendly version of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Swap mini smoked sausages with plant-based alternatives or turkey sausages for a lighter protein option that maintains the delicious flavor profile.
• Use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot if you prefer a more hands-off cooking method, cooking on low for 2-3 hours to achieve the same mouthwatering results.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat lovers who want to kick up the spice level of these irresistible little smokies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg