Hot Smokies
Hot Smokies are a savory, sweet, and tangy appetizer featuring smoky sausages coated in a flavorful chili sauce mixture. Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, the dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness from sugar and tang from ketchup and chili sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the smokies, sugar, chili sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onion into a crock-pot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the sausages are heated through and coated with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter variation, consider reducing the amount of sugar or substituting with honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use turkey or plant-based smokies for a lighter or vegan option, which pairs beautifully with Easy Cinnamon Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot Smokies as an appetizer at parties or game days, alongside toothpicks for easy eating. They also make a great addition to a buffet table. Pair them with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal, and consider offering a selection of dipping sauces for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the smokies back in the crock-pot on low for about 30 minutes, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. This ensures they stay juicy and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Smokies contains roughly 291 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% 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 a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! If you want to experiment, try using BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce for a smoky flavor, or a sweet and sour sauce for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as some sauces can be sweeter than others.
Is it possible to cook these smokies on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the smokies on the stovetop! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well-coated.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just transfer it to the crock-pot in the morning and let it cook on low for 4 hours. It's a great time-saver 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).