Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies are the perfect blend of bold flavors—smoky, sweet, and a touch of heat. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving a tasty treat, these little sausages are sure to be a hit. The tangy barbecue sauce combined with a hint of honey and chili gives them a unique flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, they only take a few ingredients and are ready in a matter of minutes!

Ingredients

1 package of little smokies (14-16 oz)
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the little smokies to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the little smokies in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure that the smokies are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Once the smokies are heated and coated in the sauce, remove them from the heat.
Serve the smoky sweet & spicy little smokies hot, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 (depending on portion size)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to make them even spicier.
Sweet & Smoky: Substitute the honey with brown sugar for a more caramelized, deep sweetness.
BBQ Twist: Use a different style of barbecue sauce (such as sweet, spicy, or mustard-based) to create new flavors.
Vegetarian: Substitute the little smokies with vegetarian sausages or plant-based smokies for a meatless version.
Slow Cooker: To make it even easier, cook the little smokies in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours with the sauce for a hands-off approach.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the smokies on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make these smokies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the smokies in advance, then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use regular sausages instead of little smokies?

Yes, you can use regular sausages, though the cooking time will vary. Slice them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

3. Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Definitely! You can add more or less cayenne pepper to control the heat, or even swap it out for a milder pepper like paprika.

4. How do I make these smokies spicier?

To make these smokies spicier, add more cayenne pepper, or include a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Can I freeze these smokies?

Yes, you can freeze these smokies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use vegetarian or plant-based sausages to make a meat-free version of this dish.

7. Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can use any barbecue sauce you like—sweet, spicy, smoky, or mustard-based varieties will work great!

8. How do I make this recipe spicier without using cayenne pepper?

You can add spicy ingredients like jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.

9. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, cook it for a few extra minutes on medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the smokies in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low for a hands-off approach.

Conclusion

These Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies are a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that everyone will love. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to appetizer or snack for any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick snack, these little smokies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser

Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies

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These Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion. With tangy barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of cayenne pepper, these little sausages pack a bold punch. Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or simply craving a delicious treat, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 20min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the little smokies to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the smokies in advance, then reheat when ready to serve.