Sweet-Heat Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites are a delicious appetizer combining sweet and spicy flavors in a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for gatherings and parties, these savory bites will tantalize your taste buds with their rich, caramelized glaze and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) of cocktail sausages (Lil’ Smokies)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the Lil’ Smokies to the bowl and toss them in the sweet-heat mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated sausages to a baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
- Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces to vary the flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon for an adult version with an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to stir the mixture halfway through baking for even coating.
- If you prefer your sausages more caramelized, you can broil them for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Consider doubling the sauce if you like them extra saucy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
- Pair them with a cheese platter for a more varied appetizer spread.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips
- Use high-quality cocktail sausages for the best flavor.
- Be precise with sugar measurement to ensure proper caramelization.
- Line your baking dish with foil for easier cleanup.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving. - How do I store leftovers?
Answer: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Answer: You can use yellow mustard or honey mustard as a substitute. - Are there vegetarian alternatives?
Answer: You can use meatless sausages instead of Lil’ Smokies for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
These Sweet-Heat Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites are the ideal combination of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible to party guests. Simple to prepare and utterly delicious, they guarantee to be a standout at any gathering. With a perfect balance of flavors and a delightful caramelized coating, these bites are a must-try appetizer that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. Whether made ahead or served fresh from the oven, your guests will be coming back for seconds!
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Sweet-Heat Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Sweet-Heat Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites are a delicious appetizer combining sweet and spicy flavors in a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for gatherings and parties, these savory bites will tantalize your taste buds with their rich, caramelized glaze and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) of cocktail sausages (Lil’ Smokies)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the Lil’ Smokies to the bowl and toss them in the sweet-heat mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated sausages to a baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of garlic powder.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Lil' Smokies, sweet and spicy, appetizers, party food
