Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are a tasty treat perfect for gatherings! These little sausages are cooked in a sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce that everyone will love.
It’s always a hit at parties! I like to set them out with toothpicks for easy snacking. Plus, they disappear fast—like magic! ✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These cocktail sausages are the star of the dish. If you want a healthier version, feel free to use turkey or chicken little smokies instead of pork.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce depending on your texture preference. If fresh cranberries are in season, you can make your own by cooking them down with sugar and water.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love! If you’re looking to customize, try a spicy or fruit-based BBQ sauce for a unique twist. I personally enjoy a smoky flavor in my sauce!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar plus a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Balanced?
The balance of flavors is key to a great cranberry BBQ sauce! Adjust the sweet and tangy notes to your taste. Start with the cranberry and BBQ sauce mixture, then:
- Add apple cider vinegar for extra tang if you like more bite.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and richness.
- Taste as you go! Add more sugar if it’s too tart or more vinegar if it’s too sweet.
Mix well and let it simmer so the flavors melt together; this step is crucial for a delightful sauce.
Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) package of little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep and cooking time if you are using a skillet. If you choose to use a slow cooker, plan for about 1-2 hours of cooking time. Perfect for casual get-togethers or game day snacking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a large skillet or slow cooker, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir it all together until everything is blended well. This will be the delicious sauce that makes the little smokies irresistible!
2. Add the Little Smokies:
Carefully add the little smokies into the sauce mixture. Gently stir to ensure that every sausage is coated in that sweet and tangy sauce. This is where the fun begins!
3. Cook the Little Smokies:
If you’re using a skillet, turn the heat to medium and cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce starts to bubble and thickens slightly, and the sausages are heated through. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring once or twice to help coat all the smokies with sauce.
4. Transfer to Serving Dish:
Once the little smokies are fully heated and nicely glazed in the thick cranberry BBQ sauce, transfer them to a serving bowl. Make sure to get as much of the sauce on them as you can—delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy movie night!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and flavorful Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies! 🎉
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! If little smokies aren’t available, you can use other types of pre-cooked sausages like cocktail kielbasa or even sliced hot dogs. Just make sure they’re fully heated through in the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and add the little smokies to it ahead of time. Just refrigerate the mixture and then heat it up in a skillet or slow cooker before serving. It’s a great make-ahead dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Can I Adjust the Level of Sweetness?
Definitely! If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use unsweetened cranberry sauce. You can always taste and adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking before cooking!
