Crock-Pot Lil' Smokies: The Perfect Party Appetizer

how long to cook lil smokies in crock pot

Little Smokies are a classic snack that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. They are miniature smoked cocktail sausages or cocktail wieners, usually made from a blend of pork, turkey, or beef. They are fully cooked, so all you need to do is heat them up and let them marinate in the sauce. You can use a crockpot or slow cooker to make this simple and delicious snack. But how long do they need to be cooked for?

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How long to cook lil smokies in a crockpot: 2-4 hours on low

Lil smokies are a great appetizer option for parties and game days. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. The best part? They can be made in a crockpot!

To make lil smokies in a crockpot, you'll need the following ingredients: lil smokies (or mini cocktail sausages), BBQ sauce, and a sweetener such as brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or grape jelly. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making lil smokies in a crockpot:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with your chosen sweetener and any additional ingredients you wish to include. Stir until well combined. You can also add a splash of hot chili sauce or hot sauce to give it a little kick.

Step 2: Combine Sauce and Smokies

Place the lil smokies in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them. Stir until the smokies are well coated in the sauce. You can also add the sauce and smokies directly to the crockpot and stir them together.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2-4 hours. Stir the smokies every half hour or so to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The smokies are ready when they are warmed all the way through and have plumped up slightly from absorbing the sauce.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once the smokies are cooked, you can serve them warm straight from the crockpot. Provide toothpicks or small forks for your guests to help themselves. You can also transfer the lil smokies to an appetizer bowl and serve them alongside other small appetizers or party foods.

Tips and Variations:

  • Lil smokies can be served as an appetizer or part of a main course. For a heartier meal, pair them with a side salad, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
  • You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
  • Leftover lil smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
  • To reheat leftovers, simply microwave them, warm them on the stovetop, or place them back in the crockpot until warmed through.
  • For a gluten-free option, choose a brand of lil smokies that is gluten-free and use gluten-free ingredients for the sauce.
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Reheating lil smokies: Microwave for 1-2 minutes

Lil smokies are a great snack option for any occasion, and they are super easy to make. These miniature sausages are usually pre-cooked, so you only need to warm them up. You can do this in a slow cooker, on a stove, in an oven, or in a microwave.

If you are short on time, a microwave is a great option for quickly reheating lil smokies. To do this, simply follow the steps outlined below:

Reheating Lil Smokies in the Microwave:

  • Prepare the Lil Smokies: Take the desired number of lil smokies out of the refrigerator and remove them from their packaging. You can reheat as many or as few as you like!
  • Plating: Place the lil smokies on a microwave-safe plate. It is recommended to use a plate that is large enough to space out the sausages, ensuring even heating.
  • Cover: Cover the plate of lil smokies with a paper towel. This helps to prevent splattering and makes cleanup easier.
  • Microwave: Put the plate in the microwave and set the power level to "High." Microwave the lil smokies for 20-25 seconds or until they are heated through. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's wattage and the number of sausages you are reheating. For compact or microwave ovens lower than 850 watts, consider adding 5-10 seconds to the heating time.
  • Stand Time: Once the microwave cycle is complete, let the lil smokies stand in the microwave for about 1 minute. This standing time ensures that the sausages are evenly heated throughout and helps to prevent burns when serving.
  • Caution: Always exercise caution when removing plates or containers from the microwave. The plate and sausages will be hot, so use oven mitts or pot holders as needed to protect your hands.
  • Serving: After the standing time, carefully transfer the lil smokies to a serving dish or enjoy them straight from the plate! You can serve them with toothpicks or mini forks, making them a convenient and tasty snack for any gathering.

Reheating lil smokies in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy these savory treats. By following these simple steps, you can have warm and delicious lil smokies ready in just a matter of minutes!

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Sauce: BBQ, brown sugar, grape jelly, and Worcester sauce

To make lil smokies in a crock pot with BBQ, brown sugar, grape jelly, and Worcester sauce, start by placing the lil smokies in the crock pot. You can use around 30 oz of lil smokies, but you can add more if you want.

Next, prepare the sauce by combining BBQ sauce, grape jelly, brown sugar, and Worcester sauce in a separate bowl. You can also add other ingredients like ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder, or hot sauce to enhance the flavor. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.

Pour the sauce over the lil smokies in the crock pot and stir until the sausages are well coated. Cook the lil smokies on low heat for 2-3 hours or on high for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the sausages are heated through, you can switch the crockpot to the "warm" setting to keep them hot throughout your party or gathering. These lil smokies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and are perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

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Calories: 335-365kcal

Crockpot lil' smokies are a simple, tasty, and fun appetizer to make for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. They are miniature smoked cocktail sausages or cocktail wieners made from a blend of pork, turkey, or beef. The best part? They are super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients!

To make crockpot lil' smokies, you'll need the following ingredients: lil' smokies (aka mini pork cocktail sausages), BBQ sauce, and a sweetener such as brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or grape jelly. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

  • Combine the BBQ sauce and your chosen sweetener in the crockpot. You can also add in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and any spices you like.
  • Stir the ingredients until well combined.
  • Add the lil' smokies to the crockpot and stir until they are coated in the sauce.
  • Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are warmed through and the sauce is thickened.
  • Once cooked, you can keep the crockpot on the warm setting during your party so that the lil' smokies stay hot throughout the event.

The calorie count for this dish can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. According to one source, the calorie count is approximately 335kcal per serving. Another source provides a calorie count of 365kcal, while a third source mentions 347kcal. The variation in calorie counts may be due to differences in serving sizes or the specific ingredients and amounts used in each recipe. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition information for the specific ingredients you are using and adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs.

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Serving suggestions: Toothpicks, mini forks, or a serving spoon

Lil' smokies are fun and easy to make, and they're perfect for parties and game days. They can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

Toothpicks

Toothpicks are a great way to serve lil' smokies, especially if you're hosting a party. Simply skewer each sausage with a toothpick and arrange them on a tray. This makes it easy for your guests to grab and enjoy them without any mess. You can also provide a variety of dips or sauces on the side for extra flavour.

Mini Forks

If you want to elevate your lil' smokies, consider serving them with mini forks. This option is a bit more elegant and sophisticated, perfect for a dinner party or more formal gathering. It allows your guests to easily pick up the sausages without getting their fingers sticky. You can place the mini forks on a plate or tray alongside the sausages, or you can pre-skewer the sausages with the forks for convenient grabbing.

Serving Spoon

Using a serving spoon is an excellent choice if you're serving lil' smokies as an appetizer or side dish. Place the sausages in an appetizer bowl or directly in the slow cooker, and provide a serving spoon so guests can help themselves. This method is casual and convenient, ensuring your guests can easily dish out the desired amount. It's perfect for a laid-back gathering or potluck.

No matter which serving option you choose, lil' smokies are sure to be a hit with your guests. They are versatile, tasty, and easy to eat, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners. So, go ahead and experiment with different serving methods to find the one that suits your style and the tone of your event.

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Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you cook lil smokies for at least 2 hours to ensure they are warmed all the way through. You can cook them for longer if you need to.

You should cook lil smokies on a low heat. You can also cook them on high for 1 hour or 2-3 hours on low.

Lil smokies are ready when they are warmed all the way through and plump.

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