The Bourbon Little Smokies are an absolute game-changer for your next gathering, offering a delightfully sweet and savory bite that’s incredibly easy to prepare. This classic appetizer, featuring cocktail sausages bathed in a rich, bourbon-infused sauce, is perfect for parties, game nights, or as a crowd-pleasing snack, proving just how effortlessly delicious and useful a simple recipe can be.
Key Ingredients for Bourbon Little Smokies
To assemble these irresistible Bourbon Little Smokies, you’ll need just a handful of straightforward ingredients that combine to create their signature flavor.
- 2 lbs cocktail sausages (Little Smokies), drained
- 1 cup bourbon (preferably a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Bourbon Little Smokies
These Bourbon Little Smokies are a truly effortless dish to prepare, offering a satisfying burst of sweet and savory flavor in every bite. Their simplicity lies in combining a few pantry staples with the cocktail sausages, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion. With minimal hands-on time, you can achieve a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes of cook time (excluding slow cooker time).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create your own batch of delicious Bourbon Little Smokies:
1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan or the pot of your slow cooker, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This forms the flavorful base for your little smokies.
2. Add the Cocktail Sausages: Carefully add the drained cocktail sausages to the sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the sausages are thoroughly coated in the bourbon mixture. This even coating is crucial for maximizing flavor absorption.
3. Cooking Method 1: Stovetop (Quick Option): If you’re in a hurry, you can cook these on the stovetop. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
4. Cooking Method 2: Slow Cooker (Best for Parties): For a hands-off approach, especially when entertaining, transfer the sauce and sausage mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The longer cooking time in a slow cooker allows the flavors to truly infuse the sausages, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once the Bourbon Little Smokies are hot and the sauce has thickened to your liking, they are ready to serve. If desired, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve directly from the slow cooker for convenience, or transfer to a chafing dish to keep warm for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Little Smokies
You’ll quickly fall in love with these Bourbon Little Smokies because their main feature is the incredible balance of sweet and savory, with a delightful tang from the bourbon-infused sauce that just begs for a second (or third!) bite. Not only are they absolutely delicious, but making them at home also offers a significant cost-saving benefit compared to ordering catered appetizers or pre-made options, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.
What truly sets these apart are the rich, sticky sauce and the perfectly plump cocktail sausages that soak up all that incredible flavor. Compared to a simple BBQ little smokies recipe, the addition of bourbon elevates the complexity and sophistication of the dish, making it a standout. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and try these delightful Bourbon Little Smokies at home; your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftover Bourbon Little Smokies. Once cooled, transfer any remaining sausages and sauce to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these little smokies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen smokies overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, you have a few options. For best results, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If you’re reheating a larger batch, a slow cooker set to low can warm them without drying them out. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Final Thoughts
These Bourbon Little Smokies are the epitome of an effortless yet utterly delicious appetizer, promising to be a guaranteed hit at any gathering. With their irresistible sweet and savory glaze, they’re incredibly simple to prepare, proving that gourmet flavors don’t require complicated steps. Don’t hesitate—whip up a batch of these fantastic Bourbon Little Smokies for your next event and watch them disappear!
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Bourbon Little Smokies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan or the pot of your slow cooker, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This forms the flavorful base for your little smokies.1 cup bourbon, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2. Add the Cocktail Sausages: Carefully add the drained cocktail sausages to the sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the sausages are thoroughly coated in the bourbon mixture. This even coating is crucial for maximizing flavor absorption.2 lbs cocktail sausages
- 3. Cooking Method 1: Stovetop (Quick Option): If you’re in a hurry, you can cook these on the stovetop. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- 4. Cooking Method 2: Slow Cooker (Best for Parties): For a hands-off approach, especially when entertaining, transfer the sauce and sausage mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The longer cooking time in a slow cooker allows the flavors to truly infuse the sausages, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
- 5. Serve and Garnish: Once the Bourbon Little Smokies are hot and the sauce has thickened to your liking, they are ready to serve. If desired, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve directly from the slow cooker for convenience, or transfer to a chafing dish to keep warm for guests.fresh parsley