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Have you ever wished for a simple way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? With these six easy crockpot BBQ lil smokies recipes, you can effortlessly create delicious appetizers that everyone will love. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring there's something for every palate. So, why not explore these stress-free options that allow you to focus on enjoying your time with friends and family?
Key Takeaways
- Classic BBQ Lil Smokies are easy to make in a crockpot, allowing for minimal kitchen time and delicious results.
- Sweet and Spicy Lil Smokies blend BBQ and hot sauce for a flavorful dish, cooked effortlessly in a crockpot.
- Honey Garlic Lil Smokies combine sweet honey and savory garlic, ensuring a tasty appetizer with simple ingredients.
- Teriyaki Lil Smokies offer a unique flavor twist, using easy-to-find ingredients and slow cooking for depth of flavor.
- Chipotle BBQ Lil Smokies provide a smoky kick with a mix of sauces, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for gatherings.
Classic BBQ Lil Smokies
When it comes to party appetizers, Classic BBQ Lil Smokies are a fan favorite that never disappoints. These bite-sized sausages are bursting with flavor and are perfect for any gathering, whether it's a game day celebration or a family get-together.
The best part is that they're incredibly easy to make in a crockpot, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Using a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious BBQ sauce that complements the smokiness of the sausages perfectly. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy lil smokies that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
So grab your crockpot and let's get started on this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lil smokies
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
To make Classic BBQ Lil Smokies, start by placing the lil smokies in your crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the lil smokies in the crockpot, ensuring they're well coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top before serving. These lil smokies are perfect for dipping with toothpicks and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Extra Tips:
For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made barbecue sauce, but making your own will allow you to customize the sweetness and spice to your liking.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Lil Smokies!
Sweet and Spicy Lil Smokies
Sweet and Spicy Lil Smokies are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining an irresistible blend of flavors that will keep your guests coming back for more. The smokies are coated in a delicious sauce that balances sweetness and heat, making them a crowd-pleaser at parties, game days, or family celebrations.
With minimal prep and effortless cooking, these bite-sized delights will become a favorite addition to your recipe repertoire.
To prepare these Sweet and Spicy Lil Smokies, you'll need to gather a few simple ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The combination of barbecue sauce and hot sauce creates a tantalizing flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the savory smokies.
Just pop them in the crockpot, let them simmer, and watch as they transform into a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of Lil Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of hot sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Start by combining the barbecue sauce, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until well incorporated.
Next, place the Lil Smokies into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they're evenly coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The smokies will absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender and flavorful.
Once cooked, serve the Sweet and Spicy Lil Smokies warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider marinating the Lil Smokies in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce to find your perfect heat level, and feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste.
These smokies can also be kept warm in the crockpot for a few hours, making them an excellent choice for potlucks or parties where guests can serve themselves.
Honey Garlic Lil Smokies
Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that's perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the juicy lil smokies. This dish isn't only simple but also requires minimal prep time, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to whip up something delicious with little effort.
Cooking these lil smokies in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a delectable treat that everyone will love. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or just enjoying them at home, these honey garlic lil smokies are sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lil smokies sausages
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by placing the lil smokies in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
Pour this mixture over the lil smokies, ensuring they're evenly coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to permeate the sausages. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top during the last hour of cooking for added texture and flavor.
Once cooked, serve the honey garlic lil smokies warm, garnished with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. These smoky, sweet bites are perfect for skewering with toothpicks for easy serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
Additionally, if you want to save time, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. This dish is also versatile; feel free to experiment with different sauces or add-ins, such as barbecue sauce or pineapple, to create your own unique flavor profile!
Teriyaki Lil Smokies
If you're looking for a delightful twist on the classic BBQ lil smokies, Teriyaki Lil Smokies are the perfect choice. This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the smoky goodness of sausage, creating an irresistible appetizer that's great for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in.
The best part is that these can be prepared effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing you to enjoy all the deliciousness without the fuss.
Using only a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Teriyaki Lil Smokies aren't only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor that will leave your guests impressed.
Whether served as a finger food or as part of a buffet, these little bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lil smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by placing the lil smokies in your crockpot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
Pour this mixture over the lil smokies in the crockpot, making sure they're evenly coated.
Set your crockpot to low and let them cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally to guarantee even cooking.
Once the lil smokies are heated through and have absorbed the teriyaki flavors, they're ready to serve.
If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy these delicious bites straight from the crockpot or transfer them to a serving dish for your guests.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice or a few crushed red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce mixture for a hint of sweetness or spice.
If you're short on time, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use frozen lil smokies, as they may require additional time to heat through.
Enjoy your teriyaki lil smokies!
Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for any gathering or game day. This dish combines the smoky flavor of the sausages with the savory richness of crispy bacon, all while being incredibly easy to prepare.
The combination of flavors and textures will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create mouthwatering bacon-wrapped treats that are sure to impress. These lil smokies can be cooked in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together as they simmer in a delicious BBQ sauce.
Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch as they disappear before your eyes.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of lil smokies (about 14 ounces)
- 1 pound of bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your choice)
- Toothpicks for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each lil smokie and wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped smokies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the smokies are wrapped, bake them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
If you prefer to use a crockpot, you can place the wrapped smokies directly into the crockpot after wrapping them. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top, making sure to coat all the smokies.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the bacon is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider using a flavored BBQ sauce or adding a sprinkle of brown sugar over the bacon before baking.
You can also experiment with different spices or even a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. If you're serving these for a party, keep the crockpot on warm to keep the lil smokies nice and hot throughout the event!
Chipotle BBQ Lil Smokies
If you're aiming to spice up your next gathering with a crowd-pleasing appetizer, search no further than Chipotle BBQ Lil Smokies. This dish combines the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering treat that will have your guests coming back for more.
Perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers, these lil smokies are easy to prepare and can be cooked in your trusty crockpot, allowing you to enjoy more time with your friends and family.
To make Chipotle BBQ Lil Smokies, you only need a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. The combination of tender sausages and bold flavors guarantees that this dish will be a hit no matter the occasion. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking, and don't be surprised when they disappear fast!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Lil Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chipotle sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by adding the Lil Smokies sausages to your crockpot.
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chipotle sauce, honey (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Pour this sauce mixture over the sausages, confirming they're evenly coated.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and infused with the flavorful sauce.
Once cooked, give the sausages a final stir before serving. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve hot alongside toothpicks for easy enjoyment.
Extra Tips:
For a little extra kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
If you prefer a less spicy version, you can adjust the amount of chipotle sauce to your taste.
These Chipotle BBQ Lil Smokies can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the crockpot, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Enjoy experimenting with different barbecue sauce brands to find your perfect flavor combination!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Lil Smokies Instead of Pork?
Yes, you can definitely use turkey or chicken Lil Smokies instead of pork. They'll deliver a different flavor but still work great in your recipes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for best results.
How Long Do Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers typically last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure you store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you're unsure, it's always best to check for any signs of spoilage.
Can I Freeze Cooked Lil Smokies for Later?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Lil Smokies for later. Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With BBQ Lil Smokies?
Picture a summer picnic where BBQ Lil Smokies dance alongside creamy coleslaw, crispy potato chips, or tangy baked beans. You'll find that cornbread and fresh veggies make perfect partners, creating a flavorful feast everyone will love.
Are Lil Smokies Gluten-Free?
Yes, most lil smokies are gluten-free, but it's important to check the packaging for any specific brand ingredients. Always verify they meet your dietary needs, especially if you're sensitive to gluten or have allergies.
