Tillie Doyle
Little smokies, also known as lil smokies or cocktail weenies, are mini pork sausages that come pre-cooked and pre-packaged. They are a classic snack that is easy to make and loved by all. This recipe involves smothering the sausages in a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy BBQ brown sugar sauce and warming them in a crockpot. The smokies are fully cooked, so all you need to do is let them marinate in the sauce while they heat up. The length of time it takes to cook cocktail weenies in a crockpot varies depending on the recipe and the heat setting, but it typically ranges from 1 hour to 3 hours.
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What You'll Learn
How long to cook cocktail weenies in a crock pot: 2-3 hours on low heat
Little smokies, or cocktail weenies, are a classic snack that is easy to make and loved by many. They are mini pork sausages that come pre-cooked, so all you need to do is warm them up in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This can be done in a crockpot or slow cooker, making them the perfect low-maintenance appetizer for parties and gatherings.
To make cocktail weenies in a crockpot, start by preparing your sauce. You can either use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own by whisking together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Some recipes also suggest adding a jar of grape jelly to the sauce for extra sweetness. Once you have your sauce, place two packages of cocktail sausages in the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top.
Stir the sausages until they are well coated in the sauce. Then, turn your crockpot to low heat and let the sausages cook for 2-3 hours. This will ensure they are warmed all the way through. If you need to, you can cook the sausages for longer on low heat. You can also cook them on low for 2 hours and then keep the crockpot on the warm setting to serve the little smokies hot throughout your party.
After 2-3 hours, give the sausages a stir and then serve them. You can use toothpicks or cocktail forks for serving, depending on how casual or elegant you want the presentation to be. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your guests, and it only takes a few simple steps and ingredients to put together.
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Pre-made vs. homemade barbecue sauce
To cook cocktail weenies in a crockpot/slow cooker, combine two packages of your chosen mini sausages with barbecue sauce and other ingredients, such as brown sugar, grape jelly, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. You can also add beer to "loosen up" the mixture. It is recommended to cook the sausages for at least 2 hours to ensure they are warmed all the way through.
Now, let's discuss the pros and cons of using pre-made vs. homemade barbecue sauce for this recipe.
Pre-made Barbecue Sauce
Using a store-bought barbecue sauce is convenient and saves time, especially if you're short on time or don't want to go through the effort of making your own. Popular options include Sweet Baby Ray's, Kinder's, and other grocery store brands. You can also easily find pre-made barbecue sauces with different flavors and levels of sweetness to suit your taste.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Making your own barbecue sauce allows you to customize the flavors to your preference and create a unique dish. It can be a fun and creative process, and many people enjoy the satisfaction of making something from scratch. Basic ingredients for a homemade barbecue sauce include a tomato base (such as ketchup), brown sugar or honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, and various spices and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add hot sauce for extra heat.
Homemade barbecue sauce is also a healthier option, as you can control the amount of sugar and other ingredients used. It is typically easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, both options have their advantages. If you're short on time or don't want the hassle of making your own sauce, pre-made barbecue sauces offer a convenient and varied solution. However, if you're looking to add a personal touch, create a healthier option, or simply enjoy the process of making your own sauce, then homemade barbecue sauce is the way to go.
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Brown sugar vs. grape jelly
Cocktail weenies, or little smokies, are a classic snack that is easy to make and enjoyed by all. They are typically made by simmering cocktail sausages in a crockpot with a sweet and savoury barbecue sauce. The sauce can be made from a variety of ingredients, with some recipes calling for brown sugar and others for grape jelly.
Brown sugar is a common ingredient in barbecue sauce, adding a sweet and molasses-like flavour to the dish. It can be used in combination with other ingredients such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a savoury and slightly spicy sauce. The brown sugar helps to balance the sharpness of the ketchup and the spiciness of the other ingredients, resulting in a well-rounded and flavourful sauce.
On the other hand, grape jelly might sound like an unusual ingredient, but it is often used as a sweetener in barbecue sauce. It can be added to store-bought barbecue sauce or used in combination with other ingredients such as chili sauce or barbecue sauce and butter to create a unique, sweet sauce. The jelly melts into the sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavour of the smokies without overwhelming it.
Both brown sugar and grape jelly can be used to create delicious and unique flavours for cocktail weenies. Brown sugar provides a deeper, more complex flavour, while grape jelly adds a subtle sweetness that is surprisingly complementary. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour profile.
When making cocktail weenies, it is recommended to cook the sausages on low heat for 2-3 hours to ensure they are warmed all the way through. However, they can be cooked for longer if needed, and the crockpot can be kept on a warm setting to keep the smokies hot throughout a party.
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Reheating cocktail weenies
To reheat cocktail weenies on the stove, place them in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to boil slightly, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through. You can also use the stove to reheat the sauce, loosening it with a little beer or water if necessary.
To reheat cocktail weenies in the oven, place them in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the sauce in the oven; just be sure to use an oven-safe dish.
To reheat cocktail weenies in a crockpot/slow cooker, simply place them in the crockpot and heat until warmed through. You can keep the crockpot on a warm setting to ensure the weenies stay hot throughout an entire party.
It's important to ensure that your cocktail weenies are heated all the way through before serving. They will also plump up as they absorb the sauce, so keep an eye on them as they heat through.
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Serving suggestions
Cocktail weenies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side. They are perfect for gatherings and parties, but also make a great meal on their own. Here are some serving suggestions for your crockpot cocktail weenies:
Appetizer
Cocktail weenies make a great appetizer, especially for game days, New Year's Eve, or any other party or gathering. They can be served directly from the crockpot, keeping them warm throughout the event. Alternatively, transfer them to a serving bowl and provide a ladle and toothpicks or mini forks for your guests to help themselves. You can also stick a toothpick in each weenie for easy, bite-sized snacks. If you want to add a little extra sweetness, sprinkle some brown sugar on top or serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Side Dish
While cocktail weenies are commonly served as an appetizer, they can also be a tasty side dish. For example, they go well with mac and cheese, adding a juicy, savory element to the creamy pasta.
Customization
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize the recipe to your taste preferences. For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar or honey, or swap it out for grape jelly. If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of ketchup or use chili sauce instead of BBQ sauce. For more umami, add soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. You can also stir in crumbled bacon for a different flavor profile.
Garnishes are another way to elevate your cocktail weenies. Try scattering sesame seeds, sliced chives, or chopped cilantro on top for both flavor and visual appeal.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover lil smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, cook in a pot on the stove until warm, or warm in the oven for a few minutes. You can also freeze lil smokies after allowing them to cool.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook the sausages for at least 2 hours so that they are warmed all the way through. You can cook them for longer if needed. You can cook them on low heat for 2 hours and then keep the crockpot on warm until serving.
You will need cocktail sausages, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add ketchup, garlic powder, and onion powder.
You can serve them with toothpicks or cocktail forks. You can also sprinkle some extra brown sugar on top before serving.
