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BBQ Little Smokies

This BBQ Little Smokies recipe is an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines little smokies with a homemade BBQ sauce for a flavor-packed treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth Prevents the sauce from becoming too thick
  • 1/4 cup Molasses
  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup Adjust sweetness to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Bourbon Optional but adds depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For the Smokies
  • 2 pounds Little smokies sausages Beef, chicken, or pork versions can be used

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium pot over medium heat, add the ketchup, chicken broth, molasses, and maple syrup. Whisk together continuously as the mixture warms.
  2. Once smooth, add the Worcestershire sauce, bourbon (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until uniform.
  3. Heat the sauce until small bubbles appear on the surface, around 3-4 minutes, avoiding boiling.
  4. Add the little smokies to the pot without draining any juices, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the sauce thickens to your liking, transfer the smokies into a serving bowl.
  7. Serve while warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Slow Cooker Method
  1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the smokies, stir to coat, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
  3. Keep on low or warm throughout the party.

Notes

For the best results, don't skip the broth, stir often to prevent sticking, and you can make this dish a day ahead. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste by adding more maple syrup if desired.