Tired of the same old BBQ-laden little smokies? Craving a quick and easy appetizer or snack that's bursting with flavor but ditches the traditional sweetness? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers a delightful twist on the classic little smokies, offering a savory and slightly spicy kick that's sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or a simple weeknight snack, these little smokies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Little Smokies sausages
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Combine the magic: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This creates the flavorful base for our little smokies.
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Simmer the sausages: Add the little smokies to the saucepan. Gently stir to ensure they are evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
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Slow cook to perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the little smokies simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sausages to absorb all that wonderful flavor and cook through beautifully. You'll know they're done when they're heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the little smokies rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy these warm and flavorful little smokies as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun addition to a charcuterie board!
Tips for Little Smokies Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space for the little smokies to simmer evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit it entirely.
- Make it ahead: These little smokies can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. This makes them perfect for entertaining!
- Serve with toothpicks: For easy serving, provide small toothpicks or cocktail forks.
Variations:
- Maple-Dijon: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
- Spicy Chipotle: Add a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky and spicy twist.
- Garlic Lover's Delight: Double the garlic powder for an extra garlicky punch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the brand of little smokies used. However, a general estimate for one serving (approximately 5 little smokies) would be around:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g
This delicious little smokies recipe offers a healthy balance of flavor and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the easy homemade cooking and delicious dishes! These quick dinner ideas are perfect for healthy meals. They're among the best recipes for simple and satisfying food recipes.