If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, little smokies made in the Instant Pot are a game-changer. These bite-sized sausages soak up flavors beautifully and cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just craving a savory treat, Instant Pot little smokies recipes deliver on taste and convenience. The pressure cooker intensifies the flavors while keeping the sausages tender and juicy, making every bite irresistible.
In this post, we’ll explore multiple delicious Instant Pot little smokies recipes that range from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy. You’ll find detailed ingredient lists, easy-to-follow instructions, useful tips, and serving suggestions to help you create perfect little smokies every time.
Let’s dive in and make your next gathering unforgettable with these simple yet flavorful recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Little smokies in the Instant Pot are a lifesaver when you need a quick appetizer that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The pressure cooking locks in moisture and infuses the sausages with rich flavors from the sauces and seasonings.
These recipes are also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, or tanginess to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Plus, cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in one pot. Whether it’s a last-minute party or a cozy night in, these recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Little smokies sausages: 1 to 2 pounds (depending on servings)
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup (for classic flavor)
- Grape jelly: 1 cup (for sweet and tangy glaze)
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (optional for extra sweetness)
- Mustard: 2 tablespoons (for a tangy twist)
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chili flakes or hot sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional for spice)
- Water or broth: 1/2 cup (for pressure cooking)
- Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing, optional)
Equipment
- Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Serving dish or platter
- Optional: toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, grape jelly, brown sugar, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Sauté (optional): Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil or butter and lightly brown the little smokies, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Add liquid: Pour in 1/2 cup of water or broth into the Instant Pot. This prevents the burn warning and helps the pressure build.
- Add the sausages and sauce: Place the little smokies into the Instant Pot and pour the prepared sauce evenly over them. Stir gently to coat all sausages.
- Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Quick release: Once the cooking cycle finishes, carefully do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.
- Final simmer (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, switch back to sauté mode and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the little smokies to a serving platter. Use toothpicks for easy grabbing, and enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
For a smoky twist, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.
Try swapping grape jelly with apricot preserves or cranberry sauce for a unique fruity flavor.
If you prefer a spicy kick, increase chili flakes or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Make it a complete party platter by pairing little smokies with cheese cubes, crackers, and pickles.
You can also prepare these ahead of time and reheat gently in the Instant Pot or microwave before serving. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 6 sausages) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Little smokies are perfect as finger foods for parties and game days. Serve them with toothpicks alongside fresh veggie sticks and dip varieties like ranch or spicy mustard.
They also pair wonderfully with macaroni and cheese or baked beans for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve them on slider buns with pickles and your favorite condiments for mini sausage sandwiches.
For holiday gatherings, set up a little smokies bar with various sauces and toppings so guests can customize their bites.
Conclusion
Instant Pot little smokies recipes are the ultimate solution when you want a fast, flavorful appetizer without the fuss. From classic sweet and tangy sauces to spicy and smoky variations, these recipes cater to all palates and occasions.
The convenience of the Instant Pot ensures you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying with family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a tasty snack on the fly, these little smokies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Try these recipes, experiment with the variations, and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Little Smokies Recipes Instant Pot
Description: A quick and easy recipe for delicious little smokies cooked in the Instant Pot. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) little smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
- Add little smokies and sauté for 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour sauce mixture over the smokies in the Instant Pot.
- Add 1/4 cup water and stir to combine.
- Close the lid and seal the valve.
- Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and open the lid.
- Stir the smokies and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 10g
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