Crock-Pot Wieners
A savory and sweet crock-pot dish featuring tender wieners simmered in a flavorful blend of cranberry and barbecue sauces. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish offers a delightful combination of tangy and smoky flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the wieners into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the crock-pot, mix together the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce until well combined.
- Heat the mixture until it gets hot.
- Add the sliced wieners to the sauce mixture.
- Let everything simmer together for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute turkey or chicken wieners instead of traditional pork wieners. Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. For a sweet touch, try mixing in a bit of honey or brown sugar with the sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crock-Pot wieners as a fun appetizer at your next gathering, or pair them with buns for a quick meal. They go well with sides such as coleslaw or baked beans, enhancing the barbecue flavor. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside dishes like the Red And Green Holiday Salad for a colorful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the wieners and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Wieners contains roughly 316 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 740mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausages instead of wieners?
Absolutely! You can substitute with kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even veggie sausages for a plant-based option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as some sausages may require more or less simmering to reach the desired tenderness and flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! To add some heat, incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the crock-pot for an extra kick that complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Certainly! You can slice the wieners and mix the sauces a day ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, combine everything in the crock-pot and let it simmer. This makes it a great choice for parties or busy weeknights!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).