Instant Pot Little Smokies
Looking for an easy appetizer that practically makes itself? These Lil Smokies Instant Pot sausages are one of my favorite appetizers because they come together with simple ingredients and only take a few minutes to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, celebrating New Year’s Eve, planning birthday parties, or looking for easy appetizers, this recipe is always a crowd favorite.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to try my Sourdough Pigs in a Blanket & regular Pigs in a Blanket with flaky herb biscuit dough!
Lil Smokies Instant Pot Recipe
There are a whole bunch of family approved Instant pot recipes here on my blog! These Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes make a quick and easy side dish. And, for an easy appetizer use this Hard Boiled Egg recipes to make deviled eggs, yum! Okay, now lets get into the easy, lil smokies instant pot recipe!
The combination of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and smoky cocktail sausages creates a sweet and savory appetizer that everyone loves. Best of all, the Instant Pot pressure cooker does all the work for you.
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Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Little Smokies
- Made with just a few simple ingredients
- Perfect for football season and game day foods
- Ready in less than 15 minutes
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Works in any Instant Pot pressure cooker or Ninja Foodi
- Easy to make ahead of time
- A delicious appetizer for holidays and parties
Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) packages Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Optional Additions
- ¼ cup grape jelly for a sweeter sauce
- ¼ cup chili sauce for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Lil Smokies Instant Pot Style ♡
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
To the insert, add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and water and mix well. Pour the Lil Smokies into the Instant Pot insert. Stir until the mini sausages are evenly coated.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.
Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. The pressure cooker will take a couple minutes to get to pressure before the cook time starts.
When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by moving the pressure valve to venting.
Once the pressure pin drops, remove the Instant Pot lid.
Stir the sausages and serve warm. Use a slotted spoon if desired. These bite size pieces are perfect for parties and potlucks.
Recipe Variations
Grape Jelly BBQ Little Smokies
Add 3/4 cup grape jelly to the sauce mixture before cooking and leave out the brown sugar. The combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce creates a classic flavor.
Chili Sauce Version
Mix equal parts chili sauce and barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. This variation is especially popular during football season.
Low-Carb Option
Skip the brown sugar and use a sugar-free barbecue sauce to make these cocktail sausages fit into many low carb recipes.
Slow Cooker Instructions
If you prefer using a slow cooker, simply combine all ingredients and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours.
Many people love making this little smokies recipe in the slow cooker because it keeps the sausages warm throughout a party or get together.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the sausages and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Tips for Success
- Different brands of cocktail sausages work well in this recipe.
- Avoid overcooking, as the mini sausages are already fully cooked.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Add extra regular BBQ sauce if you prefer more sauce for dipping.
- Monitor cook times carefully since little smokies only need a short cooking time.
What to Serve with Little Smokies
These savory appetizers pair well with:
- Green beans
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Chips and dip
- Vegetable trays
- Hot dogs and hamburgers
- Other Instant Pot recipes for parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Add 2-3 additional minutes to the cooking time when using frozen cocktail sausages.
Absolutely. Prepare the recipe a day in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to reheat.
Any regular BBQ sauce works well. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey barbecue sauces all create delicious results.
They are similar, but Lil Smokies are smaller smoked sausages designed for appetizers and party foods.
Instant Pot Lil Smokies
Ingredients
- 2 14-ounce packages Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and water to the Instant Pot insert. Stir to combine.
- Mix in the lil smokies and stir to coat.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.
- Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Once the pressure pin drops, remove the lid and stir the sausages.
- Serve warm directly from the Instant Pot or transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
If you’re searching for the best Lil Smokies Instant Pot recipe, this easy appetizer is hard to beat. With simple ingredients, quick cook times, and tons of flavor, these Instant Pot little smokies are always a hit at parties.
Whether you’re making them for the Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, football season, or a family gathering, they’re sure to become one of your favorite easy game day appetizers.
