Easy Brown Sugar Mustard Cocktail Smokies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To serve these at a party, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for the duration of the event. This prevents the glaze from cooling and hardening, ensuring the sausages remain easy to pick up and enjoy.

Provide toothpicks or small cocktail forks alongside the serving dish to make them easier for guests to eat. If you find the glaze is getting too thick after a few hours on warm, add a tiny splash of water or cider vinegar to loosen it up.

For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze before cooking. This provides a subtle kick that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar.

If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be mixed in with the mustard, adding a bright acidity that balances the richness of the dark brown sugar perfectly.

Variations

• Maple Mustard Smokies: Replace the dark brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthier sweetness. This variation pairs exceptionally well with the spicy brown mustard and adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the finished glaze.
• Garlic Herb Smokies: Add a teaspoon of dried garlic powder and a teaspoon of dried thyme to the mix. These savory additions provide a more robust, aromatic profile that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the slow cooker until reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, but do not leave them out for more than two hours. Transfer the cooled sausages and any remaining glaze into an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat them gently in a saucepan on the stove or back in the slow cooker until they are heated through and the glaze is once again smooth and glossy.

These cocktail smokies are an excellent make-ahead dish as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before you are ready to start the slow cooking process to ensure the ceramic insert does not crack from a sudden temperature change.

Serving ideas

When serving, present the cocktail smokies on a large, shallow platter to allow guests easy access. The glossy, dark glaze makes them look visually appealing, so placing them on a white or light-colored plate creates a nice contrast.

Since these are a finger food, ensure there is a small container or dish nearby for the disposal of used toothpicks, which helps keep the serving area clean and organized during your event.

You can also serve these alongside other appetizers like cheese platters, vegetable sticks, or crusty bread to create a varied spread. The sweet and tangy nature of the glaze pairs exceptionally well with salty snacks, providing a well-rounded experience for your guests.

If you have extra sauce remaining in the slow cooker, use a small spoon to drizzle a little bit more over the sausages just before placing them out to ensure they look fresh and appetizing.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Brown Sugar Mustard Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail sausages
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard

Instructions

1. Place the cocktail sausages into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are distributed evenly across the bottom surface for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Sprinkle the dark brown sugar over the sausages, followed by the onion powder. Pour the spicy brown mustard over the top of the mixture.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving them warm on a plate.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.