These Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are the perfect party snack! Juicy little sausages are bathed in a sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce that everyone will love.
They’re so easy to make—you just mix the sauce, toss in the smokies, and let them cook. Trust me, they’ll vanish fast! You may want to double the recipe! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These tiny sausages are the star of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausages instead. They will still give you that great flavor!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture and flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, use a homemade cranberry sauce or even a low-sugar version from the store. I’ve found that homemade gives it a fresher taste.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce for this recipe. For a sweeter profile, go with a classic BBQ sauce. For some heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce. Adding your twist can make it special!
Brown Sugar: It enhances the sweetness of the dish. If you’re avoiding sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead—just adjust the amount to taste!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
The key to a delicious sauce in this recipe is balancing flavors. Start by combining your sauces and sugar in a pan. Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a saucepan and heat on medium.
- Wait for a gentle simmer to dissolve the sugar—this makes the sauce smooth.
- Add Little Smokies and stir to coat them well.
- Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Stir occasionally to avoid the sauce sticking. This way, your Little Smokies will be perfectly coated and flavorful!
Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh rosemary or parsley (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time, and then an additional 20 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to whip up these tasty little bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Begin by grabbing a medium saucepan and placing it on the stove over medium heat. Add in the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until combined. You want the sugar to dissolve, and the mixture to be smooth—this should take just a few minutes!
2. Add the Little Smokies:
Once your sauce is simmering nicely, it’s time to introduce the Little Smokies! Toss them into the saucepan and stir gently to coat each one in that delicious sauce. Make sure they’re all snug in the goodness!
3. Simmer the Dish:
Now, lower the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom. You want the sausages to heat through completely while the sauce thickens and gets all sticky and flavorful.
4. Serve and Garnish:
When they’re all heated up and the sauce is just the right consistency, remove the pan from heat. Carefully transfer the Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies?
Yes, you can use frozen Little Smokies! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results or quickly thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Cook them without any additional time, as the usual simmering will heat them through.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar or use less cranberry sauce. On the other hand, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar or some honey for a different flavor profile. Just taste as you go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating, or pop them in the microwave for a quick snack.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the Little Smokies a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
