Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage in a rich, spicy barbecue sauce with smoky, tangy flavors, perfect for hearty gatherings or family dinners with bold taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. hickory smoked barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. celery flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. green pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp. chives ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 shakes Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 4 lb. Hillshire smoked sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except the sausage together in a crock-pot.
- Cut the sausage into thin slices and mix into the sauce.
- Cook about 15 minutes on high setting.
- Turn off and let stand for about 12 hours.
- Turn the crock-pot on low about 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, allow the sausage to marinate in the sauce overnight before cooking. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, consider substituting honey for brown sugar. You can also use turkey sausage for a lower-fat option. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your heat preference, or omit it for a milder dish. For a smoky touch, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoked sausage over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a delicious meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Tommy'S S'Mores for a sweet finish. For an even heartier option, consider serving alongside Jimmy Dean Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover smoked sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sausage and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Sausage contains roughly 92 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage, such as kielbasa or bratwurst. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the type of sausage used, so ensure it is heated through before serving.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be made a day ahead. Prepare the sauce and sausage, then refrigerate overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in a crock-pot before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for serving a crowd! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger crock-pot to accommodate. It makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a hearty meal.
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).