March 22, 2024
Review RecipeInstant Pot Little Smokies
Table of Contents
These Instant Pot Little Smokies need only three simple ingredients to give these sausages an out-of-this-world flavor. The flavorful tangy sauce coats the Little Smokies sausages for a savory appetizer that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Instant Pot Little Smokies Ingredients
This recipe offers a tantalizing flavor experience that balances sweet and tangy notes with a tropical twist.
Pineapple juice infuses a fruity sweetness, while chili sauce provides a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to create a sauce that smothers the little sausages.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- 1½ bottles of chili sauce, about 2 cups
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 4 (14-ounce) packages of little smokies
Substitutions And Additions
LITTLE SMOKIES: Any brand of sausages works in this recipe, depending on what you have available at the grocery store.
You could even change it up and make this tasty sauce to pour over meatballs, pieces of hot dogs, or Italian sausage for another easy appetizer.
PINEAPPLE JUICE: If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, orange juice can be a delightful alternative. It will bring a slightly different citrusy sweetness to the dish.
CHILI SAUCE: While chili sauce offers a unique tangy and spicy kick, you can substitute it with ketchup if you prefer a milder flavor.
To increase the heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha. For a smokier dimension, try using BBQ sauce instead.
BROWN SUGAR: Adjust the sweetness level by using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar as substitutes for brown sugar. Each choice will bring its own distinct sweetness and flavor profile.
How To Make This Instant Pot Little Smokies Recipe
Mix up the three-ingredient sauce and add it to your Instant Pot along with the sausages, and your work is done!
PRO TIP:
If you’re serving these cocktail sausages at a party, you might want to double this easy recipe. In my experience, these delicious appetizers go quickly.
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, chili sauce, and brown sugar.
STEP TWO: Place Little Smokies in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
STEP THREE: Pour barbecue sauce over top and stir to combine.
STEP FOUR: Place the Instant Pot lid on top of the Instant Pot and set it to sealing.
STEP FIVE: Press manual and adjust the time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
STEP SIX: When the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure.
PRO TIP:
Remove the lid and set the Instant Pot to saute. Mix the sauce and sausages around until you reach the desired thickness.
STEP SEVEN: Let cool slightly before serving.
How To Serve
Serve this perfect appetizer with croissants or by themselves.
When I’m serving them for an easy dinner here at home, I make mashed potatoes or mac and cheese to go along with them.
Add a Caesar salad along with it for a delicious and simple meal.
If you’re planning a party or a get-together with family or friends, I love pairing these Little Smokies with other appetizer recipes that include our cream cheese dip and buffalo chicken meatballs.
MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES
Storage
Whether you want to make them ahead for a party, save leftovers, or simply prepare for future snacking, here’s what you need to know.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead for a gathering or want to save time on a busy day, you can prepare these Little Smokies in advance.
After cooking them in your Instant Pot and allowing them to cool, transfer the sausages and sauce to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before reheating. When ready to serve, simply reheat following the instructions below.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers of these mini sausages in an airtight container for two to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing these sausages after they are made.
You can freeze the smokies and then thaw them and add them to your slow cooker when you are ready to serve them.
REHEATING:
There are a few methods to reheat your Instant Pot Little Smokies:
- MICROWAVE: Place a small portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
- STOVETOP: For a stovetop reheat, gently warm the Little Smokies in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until they reach your desired temperature.
- OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the Little Smokies in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until they are heated to your liking.
- INSTANT POT: If you prefer using your Instant Pot for reheating, use the “Saute” function on low heat and stir occasionally until the sausages are warmed through.
Why We Love This Recipe
QUICK AND EFFORTLESS: The Instant Pot works its magic, turning these little sausages into a delectable treat in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods.
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: The combination of smoky sausages, tangy chili sauce, and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, coating the sausages with a sticky, finger-licking glaze.
PERFECT FOR CROWDS: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to double or triple the batch, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
Our whole family loves how flavorful the easy sauce is. And it’s so simple to make with just three yummy ingredients! These Lil’ Smokies are a great appetizer and a huge win in this mama’s book.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This great recipe can be also be made in the slow cooker. Check out our crockpot Little Smokies recipe.
These BBQ smokies are fully cooked and only need to be warmed up before serving.
If your sauce is watery, turn the Instant Pot to saute for a bit, you should be able to thicken it up!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Smash Cake
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Sausage Bites
- Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Cotton Candy Fudge
- Instant Pot Chili
- Crockpot Cocktail Links
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Swedish Meatballs and Noodles
- Refrigerator Pickles
- Cheese Sticks
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Crab Rangoon Eggroll
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Homemade Corn Dogs
- BLT Dip
- Pizza Sliders
- Frizzled Onions
- Ranch Roll Ups
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Fuji Apple Panera Salad
- Homemade Crab Rangoon
Instant Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients
- 56 ounces Little Smokies (four 14-ounce packages)
- 1½ bottles chili sauce, about 2 cups
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a the bottom of Instant Pot, whisk together chili sauce, pineapple juice and brown sugar.
- Add Little Smokies and toss to coat with sauce.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set to sealing.
- Press manual and adjust time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
- When the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you’re serving these cocktail sausages at a party, you might want to double this easy recipe. In my experience, these delicious appetizers go quickly.
- Remove the lid and set the Instant Pot to saute. Mix the sauce and sausages around until you reach the desired thickness.
Comments
MIKE says
Delish
Maxine Peterson says
Can this be made in a pressure pan?
Layne Henderson says
I’m sure you could. I haven’t done it specifically that way – only in the Instant Pot. Good luck, I hope you enjoy them!
Emiline says
What kind/brand of chili sauce do you recommend?
Layne Henderson says
So delicious!!!
Treena says
Love these in my insta pot and I usually serve them with croissants. Super tasty and filling!
Kyle says
Do you cook these on the high pressure setting or low pressure? 20 minutes seems like a long time for this on high pressure, but I could be wrong. Thanks!
Layne Henderson says
High pressure!
Ali says
How many ounces of Lil Smokies? It says 4 packages but I can’t find the actual amount.
Layne Kangas says
I used 14-ounce packages. I believe they also come in a 28-ounce option so you could use two of those.
Sarah says
These are a must-make at family gatherings!