Brown Sugar Smokies: A Sweet and Savory Party Appetizer

Brown sugar smokies are a classic appetizer that’s always a hit at parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings. These little sausages are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce made with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of your favorite seasonings. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, and they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly. This recipe provides detailed instructions and variations to create the perfect brown sugar smokies for any occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** The recipe uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Quick Preparation:** It takes just minutes to prepare the sauce and combine it with the smokies.
* **Versatile Cooking Methods:** You can cook them in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or even in the oven, depending on your preference and time constraints.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory butter, and smoky sausage creates an irresistible flavor that everyone loves.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply add the smokies when you’re ready to cook them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Smoked Sausage (Smokies):** 14-16 ounces. These are small, fully cooked sausages, often sold in packages labeled “Lil’ Smokies” or similar. You can use beef, pork, or a combination. Look for good quality brands for the best taste.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Light or dark brown sugar works well. Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted or salted. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the seasonings.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the brown sugar.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Provides a savory depth of flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. For a subtle garlic flavor. You can also use 1 clove of minced garlic, sautéed in butter for a more pronounced garlic taste.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the savory notes.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Adds a smoky depth of flavor that complements the smokies.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste). Adjust according to the saltiness of your butter and sausage.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste).
* **Optional Add-ins:** See the variations section below for ideas.

Equipment

* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A slow cooker is ideal for keeping the smokies warm and saucy for hours.
* **Large Skillet:** For stovetop cooking.
* **Baking Dish:** For oven baking.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons
* **Whisk or Spoon:** For mixing the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are three methods for preparing brown sugar smokies:

Slow Cooker Method

1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter (melted), yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the smokies in a slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the smokies, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. **Cook:** Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should be bubbly and the smokies heated through.
4. **Serve:** Serve warm directly from the slow cooker. Keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting to maintain the temperature.

Stovetop Method

1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
2. **Add Smokies:** Add the smokies to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
3. **Cook:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the smokies are heated through. Be careful not to burn the sauce. Reduce the heat if needed.
4. **Serve:** Serve warm directly from the skillet. You can transfer them to a serving dish if desired. Keep warm with a chafing dish or warming tray.

Oven Method

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the smokies in a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Pour the brown sugar sauce over the smokies, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the smokies are heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. **Serve:** Serve warm directly from the baking dish. Be careful, the dish and sauce will be hot!

Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking can cause the sauce to burn and the smokies to become dry. Keep a close eye on them, especially when cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stirring helps prevent the sauce from sticking and burning, and ensures that the smokies are evenly coated.
* **Adjust Sweetness and Spice:** Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the amount of brown sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes to your preference.
* **Use Good Quality Smokies:** The quality of the smokies will affect the overall taste of the dish. Choose a brand that you enjoy.
* **Prevent Sticking in the Slow Cooker:** To prevent sticking in the slow cooker, you can lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
* **For a Thicker Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.

Variations

* **Honey Garlic:** Substitute 1/4 cup of honey for 1/4 cup of the brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (instead of garlic powder) and sauté it in the butter before adding the other ingredients.
* **BBQ Flavored:** Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce to the sauce mixture.
* **Maple Bacon:** Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the sauce. Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble and add to the smokies after cooking or sprinkle over the top before serving.
* **Spicy BBQ:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
* **Cranberry Glazed:** Add 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce to the sauce. This is a great option for holiday gatherings.
* **Dr. Pepper Smokies:** Substitute 1/4 cup of Dr. Pepper for 1/4 cup of brown sugar and add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger.
* **Pineapple Glazed:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the sauce.
* **Whiskey Glazed:** Add 2 tablespoons of whiskey or bourbon to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

* **Toothpicks:** Provide toothpicks for easy serving.
* **Party Platter:** Arrange the smokies on a platter with other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, vegetables and dip, or fruit.
* **Side Dish:** Serve as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches.
* **Game Day:** A perfect addition to your game day spread.
* **Potlucks:** Always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
* **Sliders:** Serve the smokies on slider buns with a scoop of coleslaw for a mini-sandwich option.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Sauce:** The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before adding the smokies.
* **Combined:** You can combine the smokies and sauce in the slow cooker or baking dish up to 8 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Add about 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover brown sugar smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Recipe Card

**Brown Sugar Smokies**

A sweet and savory appetizer perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day.

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes (stovetop/oven), 1-3 hours (slow cooker)
**Servings:** 8-10

**Ingredients:**

* 14-16 oz Smoked Sausage (Smokies)
* 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
* 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick), unsalted or salted
* 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
* 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
* 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)

**Instructions:**

**Slow Cooker:**

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

**Stovetop:**

1. Melt butter in a skillet. Add remaining ingredients and stir until brown sugar is dissolved.
2. Add smokies and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.

**Oven:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

**Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Smokies!**

Conclusion

Brown sugar smokies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity and delicious flavor make them an ideal appetizer for any occasion. Whether you choose the slow cooker, stovetop, or oven method, you’ll have a batch of these addictive little sausages ready in no time. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to watch them disappear quickly!