Ella Walter
Little smokies, also known as cocktail wieners, are miniature smoked sausages that can be cooked in a crockpot. They are a great, easy appetizer that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners and can be adapted to your taste preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Sausage | Mini pork sausages/cocktail sausages/cocktail wieners/mini smoked sausage links |
| Sauce | Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, brown sugar, grape jelly, hot sauce, buffalo sauce, sriracha, homemade BBQ sauce, cherry BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, pineapple brown sugar BBQ sauce, beer, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder |
| Other Ingredients | Bacon, toothpicks, slider buns, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, potato wedges |
| Cook Time | 1 hour on high or 2-3 hours on low |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right crockpot
Size and Capacity:
Select a crockpot that is appropriately sized for the number of mini wieners you plan to cook and the number of guests you intend to serve. Crockpots typically range from 2 to 7 quarts in capacity, so choose one that suits your needs. For a small gathering, a 2-quart crockpot may suffice, while a larger group may require a 4-quart or larger crockpot.
Shape:
The shape of the crockpot can impact the cooking performance and ease of cleaning. Deep, circular cooking pots tend to perform better for certain dishes, like dips, as they reduce the risk of ingredients overcooking around the edges. On the other hand, oval-shaped crockpots are recommended for full-sized slow cookers as they cook large cuts of meat more evenly.
Temperature Control:
Temperature control is crucial in a crockpot. Ensure the crockpot can maintain a consistent temperature between 195°F to 205°F without boiling the liquid inside. Avoid crockpots that run too hot or cold, as they may scorch or overcook your food. Look for models with adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to cook various dishes safely.
Special Features:
Modern crockpots offer a range of special features that can enhance your cooking experience. Some crockpots have multiple functions, such as steaming, sautéing, baking, and rice cooking, providing more versatility in the kitchen. Others have programmable timers, allowing you to set cooking times for different recipes so that your entire meal can be ready simultaneously.
User-Friendliness:
Choose a crockpot with user-friendly controls that are intuitive and easy to operate. Consider the ease of cleaning, as some models may be more challenging to clean than others due to their design or materials. Select a crockpot with a well-sealing lid to prevent spills and mess.
Reviews and Ratings:
Before purchasing a crockpot, read reviews and ratings from other users to gauge their experiences. Look for crockpots that have been tested and reviewed by reputable sources, ensuring they meet essential criteria such as cooking performance, temperature control, ease of use, and overall user satisfaction.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right crockpot for cooking mini wieners and explore a variety of delicious recipes.
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Preparing the sauce
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of corn starch at the beginning of the recipe. Dark brown sugar will give your sauce a more pronounced molasses flavour. You can also try using other types of barbecue sauce, like cherry BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, or pineapple brown sugar BBQ sauce.
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$7.72 $11.99
Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time for mini wieners in a crock pot varies depending on the desired level of heating and the size of the crock pot. It is recommended that you cook the mini wieners for at least 2 hours on low heat to ensure they are warmed all the way through. You can cook them for longer if needed, up to 3 hours on low heat or 1 hour on high heat. If you are using a larger crock pot, such as a 7-quart size, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To ensure the mini wieners stay warm throughout a party or gathering, you can cook them on low for 2 hours and then keep the crockpot on the warm setting. This will allow your guests to enjoy the mini wieners at their leisure without worrying about them getting cold.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific recipe and the number of ingredients used. Some recipes suggest cooking the mini wieners for 3-4 hours on low heat or 1.5-2 hours on high heat. This longer cooking time may be due to the addition of other ingredients, such as sauce or spices, which may require more time to cook thoroughly.
Additionally, the type of mini wieners used may impact the cooking time. For example, if you are using frozen mini wieners, they may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through. Similarly, if you are using a combination of mini wieners and other proteins, such as meatballs or full-size smokies, the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
It is always important to taste and adjust the seasoning and spices as needed before serving. This will ensure that the mini wieners are cooked to your desired level of heating and flavourfulness.
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Serving suggestions
Little smokies, also known as "lil smokies" or "cocktail weenies", are mini pork sausages that come pre-packaged and pre-cooked. They are often served as an appetizer or side dish, and can be made in a crockpot with just a few simple ingredients. Here are some serving suggestions for this versatile dish:
As an Appetizer
- Provide toothpicks or cocktail forks for guests to help themselves.
- Serve straight from the crockpot to keep warm, or transfer to an appetizer bowl.
- Offer a variety of other snacks, such as baked brie, potstickers, or other finger foods.
As a Main Dish
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Pair with homemade mac and cheese, or potato wedges.
- Wrap the little smokies in bacon and serve with cheesy mashed potatoes or instant pot white rice and teriyaki vegetables.
For a Party or Crowd
- Stick a toothpick in each one for perfect bite-sized party appetizers.
- Keep the crockpot on a warm setting to ensure the little smokies stay hot throughout the event.
- Serve with slider buns as mini sandwiches.
For a Heartier Meal
- Add meatballs or full-size smokies to the crockpot, or use a combination of both.
- Include a protein of your choice, such as sliced turkey or chicken.
- Spice it up with buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or sriracha.
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Storing leftovers
If you wish to keep the mini wieners for longer, you can freeze them. Again, use an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy your mini wieners again, thaw them in the refrigerator and then warm them through either on the stove or in the microwave.
It is important to note that the above storage times are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. Always use your best judgment when storing and consuming leftovers, and be sure to follow food safety guidelines.
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