Irresistible Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies: The Perfect Sweet & Savory Party Appetizer
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredible Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies! Imagine tender cocktail sausages, lovingly simmered in a vibrant, sweet and spicy sauce, brimming with juicy pineapple chunks. This mouth-watering combination creates a fun, tropical flair that makes them an absolutely perfect appetizer for your next BBQ, casual get-together, or any Luau-themed celebration. They’re not just a dish; they’re an experience, promising to be the star of your snack table!
While Lit’l Smokies are a beloved classic on their own – the epitome of a delicious appetizer, side, or snack – adding the vibrant sweetness and tanginess of pineapple transforms them into a completely new culinary delight. This fun twist is guaranteed to become a new family favorite and a staple at all your gatherings. Classic cocktail sausages have always held a special place in the hearts of many, including mine. They are incredibly easy to prepare and packed with a satisfying flavor that appeals to almost everyone. The convenience factor combined with their universal appeal makes them an ideal choice for any occasion where delicious, no-fuss food is needed.
Why These Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies are a Must-Try
Beyond their delicious flavor, these Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies offer incredible convenience. They are a fantastic way to utilize those pineapple chunks and barbecue sauce lingering in your pantry, transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe is your secret weapon for shaking up your next family get-together or BBQ, introducing a delightful variety to a classic favorite. Whether it’s game day, a festive holiday, or a full-blown Hawaiian-themed party, these smokies are the perfect side dish. To truly embrace the full Hawaiian experience, don’t forget to pair these savory bites with some Easy Homemade Hawaiian Rolls for an authentic island feast!
Cooking Methods: Stovetop or Slow Cooker?
One of the best features of this pineapple Lit’l Smokies recipe is its incredible flexibility. Whether you need a quick appetizer whipped up in a pinch or prefer the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker, these Hawaiian Little Smokies adapt beautifully. This versatility makes them incredibly easy to plan around any schedule or event.
Stovetop Method for Speedy Serving
If time is of the essence, the stovetop method is your best friend. In just 15-20 minutes, you can have a batch of these delectable smokies ready to serve. This method is perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want a warm, flavorful snack without much waiting. The direct heat allows the sauce to thicken quickly and coat each sausage and pineapple chunk beautifully, ensuring maximum flavor in minimal time.
Slow Cooker Method for Effortless Entertaining
For those times when you’re hosting a larger party or simply want to keep appetizers warm throughout an event, the slow cooker is the ideal choice. Simply combine your ingredients, set it, and forget it for a couple of hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together even more deeply, resulting in a rich, complex sauce. Plus, once they’re done, you can switch your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting, ensuring your Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies remain perfectly hot and inviting for hours without any extra effort.
Looking for more fantastic party or appetizer recipes to round out your spread? I’ve got you covered! Explore these easy-to-make and incredibly flavorful recipes that your friends and family are sure to adore:
- Cajun Candied Bacon Crackers
- Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs
- Italian Pinwheels
- Easy Pineapple Salsa
- Blue Cheese Cheese Ball
What Do I Need to Make this Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies Recipe?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal ingredient list. You’ll only need a few staple items to create this incredibly flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature sweet, tangy, and savory profile that makes these smokies so irresistible.
- 2 (14 ounce) packages Lit’l Smokies: These mini sausages are the heart of the dish. Look for brands like Hillshire Farm for consistent quality.
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce: This provides the “spicy” element and a lovely sticky sweetness. Mae Ploy is a popular choice, but any good quality sweet chili sauce will do.
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained: The essential tropical component. Draining the chunks prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite original or hickory-smoked BBQ sauce. This adds depth, smokiness, and a familiar savory base.
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce: A secret ingredient for umami. Just a touch enhances all the other flavors, adding a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Hawaiian Smokies
Making these Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies is incredibly straightforward, no matter which cooking method you choose. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. Whisk them together until thoroughly mixed and smooth. This creates the flavorful foundation for your smokies.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from the Lit’l Smokies (you want them as dry as possible to absorb the sauce better). Add the drained Lit’l Smokies and pineapple chunks to either a saucepan (for stovetop cooking) or your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the Lit’l Smokies and pineapple, then stir gently to ensure everything is well combined and coated.
- Stovetop Cooking: If you’re opting for the stovetop, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow it to gently cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken, clinging beautifully to the smokies and pineapple.
- Slow Cooker Method: If using a slow cooker, cook on high for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the smokies are heated through and the sauce has reached your desired slightly thickened consistency. Stir occasionally if possible. Once done, set your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting for serving. This is perfect for keeping them hot throughout a party!
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies
- Don’t Skip Draining: Ensuring your pineapple chunks are well-drained prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Customize the Heat: If you like more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For less heat, use a milder BBQ sauce.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh green onions before serving adds a lovely pop of color and extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: These smokies are fantastic for making ahead! Prepare them a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low.
- Serving Ideas: Serve warm in a communal bowl with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They also make a great component for a larger appetizer platter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Yes, you absolutely can! If using fresh pineapple, ensure it’s cut into bite-sized chunks. You might want to slightly increase the sweet chili sauce or add a splash of pineapple juice (from a can) for that extra tropical sweetness and to thin the sauce if needed.
- What kind of Lit’l Smokies should I use?
- Any brand of cocktail sausages or Lit’l Smokies will work perfectly. Pork, beef, or even turkey varieties are all suitable, so choose your favorite!
- How long do Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies last?
- Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these smokies will stay fresh for 3-4 days. They reheat wonderfully!
- Can I make this recipe spicier?
- Certainly! To kick up the heat, you can add a dash of sriracha to the sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few thin slices of jalapeño while simmering.
- Are these suitable for a potluck?
- They are absolutely perfect for a potluck! The slow cooker method is ideal for transport and keeping them warm throughout the event, making them a hassle-free contribution.
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Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies
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Ingredients
- 2 14 ounce packages lit’l smokies
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
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Mix together the sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce and soy sauce.
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Drain off any excess liquid from the Lit’l Smokies and add the Lit’l Smokies and pineapple chunks to either a saucepan or a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the Lit’l Smokies and pineapple and stir to make sure everything is combined.
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If you’re cooking your smokies on the stovetop, you’ll want to bring them to a simmer and allow to gently simmer uncovered for 15- 20 minutes.
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If you’re cooking your Lit’l Smokies in a slow cooker, cook on high for about an hour and a half to 2 hours. Or until the smokies are hot and the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn your slow cooker to keep warm and serve!
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Party Appetizer
These Hawaiian Lit’l Smokies are more than just an appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of the tropics to any gathering. With their effortless preparation, versatile cooking methods, and irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, they are truly a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a grand luau or just looking for a simple, delicious snack, this recipe delivers every time. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear!
