Smokies Fondue: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Smokies are a great addition to any fondue, and there are plenty of ways to cook them. Smokies are miniature sausages that come pre-cooked and are available in beef or pork varieties. They are a versatile ingredient that can be slow-cooked, simmered, pan-fried, or baked in the oven. One popular way to cook smokies for fondue is to combine them with barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and sometimes chilli sauce in a slow cooker. Another option is to wrap them in bacon, coat them with sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, and then bake them in the oven. Alternatively, smokies can be cooked in a saucepan on the stovetop with olive oil, garlic, white wine, and a variety of cheeses.

How to cook smokies in a slow cooker

Smokies are a great, easy-to-make party appetizer that can be whipped up in a slow cooker. They are also known as lil smokies, cocktail sausages, or mini smoked sausages. They are fully cooked, so all you need to do is let them marinate in the sauce while they heat up. Here is a simple recipe for making smokies in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (28 ounces) barbecue sauce
• 1 jar (8 ounces) grape jelly (optional)
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 3 tablespoons steak sauce (optional)
• 28 ounces of mini smoked sausage links

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker: Add the barbecue sauce, grape jelly (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and steak sauce (if using) to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Then, add the mini smoked sausage links and mix until they are well coated with the sauce.
• Cook: Cook the smokies on low for 2-3 hours or until they are heated through. You can also cook them on high for about 2-3 hours.
• Serve: You can serve the smokies directly from the slow cooker, or transfer them to a serving bowl. They can be served as appetizers with toothpicks or mini forks, or as a main course with sides.

Tips:

• You can make your own barbecue sauce and grape jelly at home, but store-bought versions work just as well.
• You can make the smokies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them on the stove, in a Crock-Pot, or in the microwave before serving.
• To make the smokies on the stovetop, simply combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes or until warm.

How to cook smokies in a frying pan

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook smokies, frying them in a pan is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook smokies in a frying pan:

Ingredients:

• Little smokies (mini pork cocktail sausages)
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar or grape jelly
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Oil or butter for the pan

Instructions:

• Heat a frying pan over medium heat. You can use a non-stick pan or add a little oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking.
• Combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in the pan. You can adjust the proportions to your taste, but a good starting point is 1-1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. If using grape jelly instead of brown sugar, you may want to use a little less, as it is sweeter. A dash of Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder adds extra flavour.
• Add the smokies to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. You can cut the smokies in half lengthwise or into bite-sized pieces if you prefer, or leave them whole.
• Cook the smokies in the pan for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and the sauce is thickened. If you're using pre-cooked smokies, you're really just heating them up and glazing them with the sauce.
• Serve the smokies with toothpicks or mini forks for easy snacking. They can be served as an appetizer or part of a main course. They go well with a variety of sides, such as sweet potato fries, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower.

Tips:

• If you want to add a little extra flavour to the smokies, you can try wrapping them in bacon before frying. Secure the bacon with a toothpick and coat the smokies with a mixture of sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper before frying.
• You can also make a simple sauce for the smokies by heating some olive oil in a separate pan, adding minced garlic and white wine, and then whisking in a combination of shredded cheese, flour, salt, and pepper.
• If you're cooking for a larger group, you can easily double or triple the recipe and use a larger pan.

How to cook smokies in the oven

Ingredients

• 1 package of smokies (you can use traditional pork or beef sausages, or opt for cocktail wieners for quicker, more even cooking)
• Olive oil or butter (optional)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
• If desired, prick each sausage with a fork several times to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
• Line a sheet pan or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional).
• Place the smokies on the pan or dish, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.
• If desired, brush the smokies with a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent them from drying out.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the smokies and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, depending on their size, until they are cooked through.
• To ensure the smokies are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Remove from the oven and serve.

Tips:

• For a crispy exterior and juicy interior, bake at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C).
• For thinner smokies, the total cooking time will be around 10 minutes, while thicker smokies may take up to 45 minutes.
• Turn the smokies every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• To add extra flavor, wrap the smokies in bacon before baking, or sprinkle with spices such as cumin or garlic powder.

How to make a dip for smokies fondue

Smokies are a great choice for a fondue party, and you can make a delicious dip to go with them. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a dip for smokies fondue:

Ingredients:

• 1 (14-ounce) package of Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies® Smoked Sausage
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of sweet white wine (such as Riesling)
• 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese, rind removed and cheese diced
• 4 ounces of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• A dash of salt and pepper
• 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 small French baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces and toasted

Instructions:

• Chop eight of the Lit'l Smokies sausages and set the rest aside.
• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the chopped sausages with olive oil and garlic. Cook until the sausages are lightly browned.
• Add the white wine to the saucepan.
• In a separate bowl, toss the diced Brie and shredded Cheddar cheeses with the flour, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
• Slowly whisk the cheese mixture into the saucepan, continuing to whisk until you achieve a smooth and thick consistency, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• In a skillet, sauté the remaining smoked sausages until they are browned.
• Serve the warm fondue with the Lit'l Smokies sausages, apple slices, and toasted baguette slices.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the fondue and apple slices.

This dip is perfect for a crowd and will surely be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

What to serve with smokies fondue (e.g. bread, apples, broccoli)

Smokies are mini pork cocktail sausages, often served as an appetizer. They can be combined with other ingredients to make a fondue, such as the Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies and Brie Fondue, which also includes apples and French baguette.

If you're looking for what to serve with a smokies fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas:

Bread

Bread is a popular choice for dipping in fondue. You can use French bread, breadsticks, croutons, or even something more unique like a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Just make sure to lightly toast the bread first so it doesn't fall apart in the fondue.

Crackers and Chips

In addition to bread, you can offer crackers and chips for dipping. Pretzels are a natural pairing with cheese, but you could also try wheat crackers or tortilla chips.

Vegetables

Almost any vegetable will work, but some options include:

• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes

You can serve the vegetables raw, steamed, roasted, or sautéed.

Fruit

While it may seem unusual, fruit can be a delicious addition to a fondue. Apples are a classic choice, but you could also try pears, pineapple, or grapes.

Frequently asked questions