As the tantalizing aroma of the slow cooker wafts through the air, it hints at something absolutely scrumptious waiting to be savored. Picture the delightful visuals: glistening cocktail sausages coated in the rich, deep red of cranberry and chili sauces, gently bubbling and simmering. When a crowd gathers during the holiday season, the excitement of sharing these Cranberry Little Smokies becomes a cherished moment—one that takes many of us back to the kitchen of our childhood friends or family gatherings packed full of laughter and joy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Little Smokies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Little Smokies

I remember the first time I tasted these little bites of happiness at a holiday gathering. As I took my first bite, the blend of sweet and spicy flavors washed over me like a warm hug, awakening my taste buds. This dish not only brings friends and family together but also evokes nostalgia, making it the ultimate party starter. Whether you’re huddled around the fireplace during chilly winter nights or celebrating the spirit of togetherness, these Cranberry Little Smokies are perfect for any occasion. Get ready to prepare this easy, delightful appetizer that everyone will undoubtedly love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 2 hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious dish ready without breaking a sweat.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tangy from the cranberry sauce paired with the zesty chili sauce, creating a tasty treat every time.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These little smokies look oh-so inviting with their glossy finish and vibrant colors, making them the star of your spread.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game day snacks, holiday parties, or even casual gatherings, they suit any festive occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: They can easily accommodate gluten-free diets with the right chili sauce and still maintain that delicious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (28-ounce) package Little Smokies cocktail sausages: These tiny sausages are what gives this dish its signature flavor and texture. Look for fully cooked cocktail sausages for the best results.
1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce: Opt for jellied or whole berry, depending on your texture preference. This sweet-tart component is vital for the unique taste of Cranberry Little Smokies.
1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce: Choose a classic chili sauce for a spicier kick, but feel free to experiment with mild options for a tamer flavor. The chili sauce balances out the sweetness of the cranberry sauce beautifully.

How to Make Cranberry Little Smokies

Add Ingredients: Begin by placing the entire package of Little Smokies in your slow cooker. Next, open the can of cranberry sauce and scoop it out into the pot. Follow this up by pouring in the chili sauce, giving everything a good stir to combine the ingredients beautifully.

Cook Time: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 hours, stirring once or twice to ensure that the flavors meld together and the sausages heat through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re bubbling gently around the edges and smell simply divine.

Serve and Enjoy: When the cooking time is up, give everything a final stir. You can serve the **Cranberry Little Smokies** directly from the slow cooker for a casual feel or transfer them to a serving dish for a slightly more elegant presentation. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, your guests will be lining up to grab these delectable treats!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Cranberry Little Smokies can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes on high power or in a slow cooker on low until heated through. Keep in mind that freezing might alter the texture slightly, but a quick stir will help to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

The key to successful Cranberry Little Smokies is using fully cooked sausages to avoid uneven cooking.
Avoid letting the dish sit out for long periods, and always reheat before serving for the best taste.
Timing is crucial; keep an eye on the simmer to ensure everything stays delicious and warm.
If you want a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.
Planning to make ahead? Assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate, and then simply cook on the day of the event.

These easy tips can elevate your appetizer game!

Delighting your friends and family with Cranberry Little Smokies offers not just flavorful bites but also warm memories shared around the table. As you whip up this easy-to-follow recipe, feel free to play with the ingredients or add extra spices that suit your palate. So, gather your loved ones around and let the laughter and joy fill the room. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before by combining all ingredients in the slow cooker. Just cover and refrigerate overnight. On the day you plan to serve, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it on low for 2 hours.

What other sauces can I use?

While the classic pairing is cranberry and chili sauce, you can experiment with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile or even a sweet and spicy jalapeño jam for a unique twist. Just ensure the balance of sweetness and heat is maintained!

Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned?

While the recipe emphasizes convenience with canned ingredients, you can definitely make your own cranberry sauce using fresh cranberries, sugar, and spices. This could elevate your dish and provide fresh flavor, but the cooking time may need adjustment.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For those who crave extra heat, simply add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. Alternatively, use a spicier variety of chili sauce to amp up that flavor profile!

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Cranberry Little Smokies

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the irresistible taste of Cranberry Little Smokies, combining sweet and spicy flavors into a simple appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (28-ounce) package Little Smokies cocktail sausages
1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce
1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce

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Instructions

Add the cocktail sausages to the slow cooker.
Scoop in the cranberry sauce and pour in the chili sauce; stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Serve warm from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

Use fully cooked cocktail sausages for even cooking.
Experiment with different chili sauces for varied spice levels.
Prepare the dish ahead of time by refrigerating overnight before cooking.