Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are a fun and tasty treat! These little sausages are cooked in a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue sauce that will have everyone wanting more.
They are perfect for game day or a cozy get-together. I love how easy they are to prepare—just mix, heat, and serve! Grab some toothpicks and watch them disappear! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These are the star of the show! You can find them in most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider turkey or chicken sausages. They taste great in this dish too!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce gives a nice texture and flavor. If you want less sugar, opt for a sugar-free version or even a homemade sauce with fresh cranberries. You can use canned cranberry sauce as well.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste—smoky, tangy, or sweet. If you’re out, homemade BBQ sauce is easy to whip up with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a good substitute, but it will change the taste slightly.
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce is Just Right?
Getting the sauce perfectly balanced is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce together. Taste it! You can adjust sweetness by adding a little sugar or tanginess with more vinegar.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and deepen the flavors. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- If you like a smoky flavor, don’t skip on the smoked paprika! It adds a nice twist.
With these tips, you’ll whip up a delicious batch of Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies that everyone will love! Enjoy your snack time!
Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) package Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes whipping up these delicious little smoky treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks delicious!
2. Heat It Up:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it while it heats up—you want it to simmer gently but not boil. This will take just a few minutes.
3. Add the Little Smokies:
Once the sauce is bubbling lightly, add the Little Smokies sausages. Stir them around so they’re all coated in that tasty sauce.
4. Let It Simmer:
Now, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sausages to simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly. This step lets the flavors mix together and makes the sauce nice and thick.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened and the Little Smokies are heated through, take it off the heat. Carefully transfer the sausages and sauce to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. These sweet, tangy, and smoky Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are sure to be a hit at your appetizer spread!
Can I Use Different Sauces?
Absolutely! You can switch up the barbecue sauce to match your taste—use a spicy, smoky, or even a sweet variety. Experimenting with different flavors can add a unique twist to your dish.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. This method is great for keeping the Little Smokies warm during parties!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Cranberry Sauce?
Yes, you can! If you’re using fresh cranberries, simmer them with sugar and a bit of water until they burst and become soft. Then mix in the barbecue sauce and proceed with the recipe as usual.
