These Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are small sausages wrapped in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for parties, they pack a delicious punch in every bite!
Honestly, you’ll have trouble stopping at just one! I love serving them with toothpicks, and watching everyone dive right in. It’s always a hit at my gatherings! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, try using cocktail frankfurters or other small sausages. Turkey or chicken versions are great lower-fat alternatives!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce based on your preference. If you want to make it from scratch, just simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until the berries burst.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. For a unique twist, try adding a spicy or mustard-based sauce. You can also make it homemade for a touch of personalization!
Worcestershire Sauce: If you need a substitute, soy sauce mixed with a bit of lemon juice can work well. It gives a similar depth of flavor!
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but it adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, just omit it or use regular paprika for a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Sauce Is Well Blended?
Blending the sauce ingredients can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few tips to get it just right:
- Start with room temperature cranberry sauce for easier mixing. It helps everything combine smoothly.
- Whisk the sauces together in a bowl before adding them to the pot. This ensures a well-mixed sauce without lumps.
- Stir continuously while heating on the stove until it just starts to simmer. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Taking these steps will ensure your sauce is tasty and well combined!
Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook on the stove, or 1-2 hours if using a slow cooker. Total time can be around 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your cooking method!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan or slow cooker, mix together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything well to make sure it’s smooth and combined.
2. Add the Little Smokies:
Once your sauce is ready, gently add the Little Smokies to the saucepan or slow cooker. Use a spoon to stir them in, so they get evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
3. Cook the Mixture:
If you’re cooking on the stove, turn the heat on medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. After that, reduce the heat to low and let it cook while stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low for 1-2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the sausages are thoroughly heated and the sauce has thickened a bit.
4. Serve Them Up:
Once cooked, carefully transfer the Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies to a serving bowl. If you want, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for a lovely touch.
5. Enjoy Your Tasty Treat:
These Little Smokies are best served warm. Grab some toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch them disappear at your gathering!
Enjoy these tasty, sweet, and tangy bites – they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute the Little Smokies?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Little Smokies, you can use cocktail frankfurters, kielbasa, or even sliced smoked sausage. For a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausages work great too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or using a spicy barbecue sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and add the Little Smokies ahead of time. Just store everything in the fridge for up to 2 days, then heat them up in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
