Irresistible Keto Little Smokies Recipe: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Appetizer Hack!

Keto Little Smokies are a fantastic appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a special savory dish. This recipe offers a low-carb twist on a classic favorite, ensuring you don't miss out on flavor while maintaining your ketogenic lifestyle.

Why Choose Keto Little Smokies?

This recipe is a great way to enjoy a beloved appetizer while staying true to your low-carb goals. The original version of this dish is often loaded with carbs, but this keto-friendly adaptation allows you to indulge without the guilt.

Ingredients You'll Need

Little Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the show! Brands like Hillshire Farm offer options, but it's essential to check nutrition labels as carb counts can vary significantly between brands (ranging from zero to six net carbs per serving). Some brands use pork, beef, or a combination, and some add corn syrup or dextrose, which you'll want to avoid. Teton Waters Ranch offers a cleaner keto version that is grass-fed, contains no sugar, gluten-free, and nitrate-free.
Keto Jam: Homemade keto jam is ideal, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid unwanted additives. Blueberry blackberry jam is a delicious option. Alternatively, you can use your favorite store-bought keto jam. ChocZero Grape Jam and Good Good Grape Jelly are excellent sugar-free choices.
Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a tangy kick to the smokies.
Bacon: Adds a salty, crispy, and savory dimension to the dish. It’s best to use regular cut bacon, not thin cut. Pre-cooked bacon is not recommended.
Brown Sugar Substitute: This imitates the sweetness of brown sugar without the carbs. Lakanto is a popular brand.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: This is a key component for flavor. G Hughes hickory sauce is a great option, or you can use your favorite low-carb barbecue sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness. Steak marinade can be used as a substitute.
Optional Ingredients: Feel free to customize your Keto Little Smokies with additions like chili powder, pepper, ground mustard, liquid smoke or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy touch.
Monk Fruit Sweetener: Adds sweetness without the carbs.

Preparing Your Keto Little Smokies

You have several options for cooking these little smokies, each offering a slightly different approach.

Stovetop Method

In a medium saucepan, combine keto jam and mustard. Stir or whisk until well combined.
Add the little smokies and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the smokies are heated through.

Crockpot Method

Stir together the sugar-free barbecue sauce, sweetener, and Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker.
Add the drained little smokies and mix well to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce.
Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness after 45 minutes, then every 15 minutes until heated through.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a ziptop bag, combine brown sugar substitute, chili powder, pepper, and ground mustard.
Wrap each sausage with a piece of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and add 5-10 sausages to the bag, shaking to coat in the seasoning.
Arrange the sausages in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through. For extra crispy bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes.

Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe

To create a delicious keto BBQ sauce, mix unsweetened ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown Swerve, and your favorite spices. Adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or cayenne pepper for heat.

Serving Suggestions

These little sausages are perfect for gatherings! Serve them up at your next party, game day gathering, or holiday event. For dipping, consider keto ranch dressing or keto cheese sauce. Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce or Keto Chicken Wings would also be perfect additions for game day!

Read also: Comfort Food Keto Style

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Little Smokies

Check Carb Counts: Always check the nutrition labels of your little smokies to ensure they fit your carb goals.
Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice levels of your sauce to suit your preferences.
Don't Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the little smokies, especially when using the oven or broiler, as they can become dry.
Make Ahead: These can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each little smokie in bacon for added flavor and texture. Secure with a toothpick before cooking.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Smoked: Use liquid smoke in the sauce or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Refrigerate leftover Keto Little Smokies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze Keto Little Smokies in a freezer bag, removing any excess air. They can be frozen before or after cooking.
Slow Cooker: Pour back into the slow cooker and reheat on low.
Skillet: Reheat on medium-low heat in a skillet.
Microwave: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between cooking times.
Oven: Reheat in a baking dish covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes.

Common Questions

Can you eat little smokies without cooking them? Yes, they are fully cooked when you buy them; however, it's always best to check the packaging before consuming anything.
Are lit'l smokies keto? Yes! Smokies are low in carbs and high in fat. There are around 1-2 grams of carbs per 5 weenies.
What is a cocktail weenie? Cocktail weenies a mix of pork or beef sausage; although, you can find them that are all pork or all beef sausage. They are small enough to be eaten in a single bite making them a popular appetizer to be served at a gathering like a cocktail party.
Do you have to use pork for little smokies? No, this recipe works great with little smokies made of other meats, too. Beef, turkey, and other options will use the same cooking instructions.
What size crock pot is best for lil smokies? A small 2 quart slow cooker is the perfect size for a single batch. If you are making a double batch, you will want a larger slow cooker.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated with the assistance of a third-party service. Values are approximate, can’t be guaranteed, and should be considered as estimates only. Values differ according to types and brands of foods used. When used in a recipe, erythritol has been removed from the carb count as it is a sugar alcohol.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

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