Smoky Cocktail Sausages

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Smoky Cocktail Sausages are the go-to recipe. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, they pack a smoky-sweet punch that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Smoky Cocktail Sausages

Cocktail sausages are the star of this dish, offering a bite-sized, meaty base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. Ketchup serves as the tangy, sweet base for the sauce, while brown sugar adds depth and sweetness. Worcestershire sauce gives a savory, umami boost, and barbecue sauce contributes a smoky richness. The garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory notes, and a dash of smoked paprika ties it all together with a hint of smokiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Use a non-stick saucepan for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
  • For a more pronounced smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon.

Serving Suggestions

These cocktail sausages are perfect as a standalone appetizer. Pair them with a platter of cheese and crackers for variety, or serve alongside a crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance the flavors. They're also great tucked into a small roll for mini sausage sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausages a day in advance. Reheat them on low heat before serving.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, though you might miss out on some of the smokiness.
Are there vegetarian alternatives?
You can substitute the cocktail sausages with vegetarian sausage options available in stores.

Smoky Cocktail Sausages Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over a medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously. This helps dissolve the sugar and ensures that everything blends smoothly.

Once you've got a nice, cohesive sauce, add in the cocktail sausages. Stir them around so they're well coated in the sauce. You want every little sausage to be drenched in that smoky-sweet goodness.

Reduce the heat to low. Let the sausages simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep the sausages covered in sauce. You'll know they're ready when they're heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Once done, transfer the sausages to a serving dish. Stick some toothpicks in them for easy grabbing, and serve them warm. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
  • A hit with both kids and adults alike.
  • Ideal for serving at parties or as a fun snack.

Ingredients

1 lb cocktail sausages
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over medium heat.
2. Stir the sauce mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well-blended.
3. Add the cocktail sausages to the saucepan and stir to coat them thoroughly in the sauce.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sausages simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.

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