Crock-Pot Cranberry Mustard Lil’ Smokies: A Holiday Tradition

The scent always takes me back. Tart cranberries mingling with the sharp tang of mustard, simmering away, and then… those irresistible little sausages. Every Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house, a slow cooker full of these glistening, saucy Lil’ Smokies sat proudly amidst the potluck spread. It wasn’t just a snack; it was a symbol of family, warmth, and the anticipation of Christmas morning. Even now, decades later, the taste of these Crock-Pot Cranberry Mustard Lil’ Smokies instantly conjures images of crackling fireplaces, twinkling lights, and the joyous chaos of family gathered together.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low, or 1 hour on high
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 3 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: Varies, approximately 48 appetizers
• Yields: About 48 appetizers
• Dietary Type: Can be Gluten-Free (check sausage ingredients)

Ingredients

• 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce (not jelly)
• 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 (5 ½ ounce) packages Little Smokies sausages
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 teaspoons cold water

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, prepared mustard, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir continuously until the cranberry sauce melts and the mixture becomes smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any large chunks of cranberry sauce to ensure even melting.
3. Gently add the Little Smokies sausages to the saucepan, coating them evenly in the cranberry mustard sauce.
4. Continue heating until the sausages are heated through, about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This creates a slurry.
6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the sausages and sauce.
7. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker (Crock-Pot).
9. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. The sausages are ready when they are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry mustard sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If the cranberry sauce is too tart for your taste, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
• Thickening Issues: If the sauce isn’t thickening, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water and add it to the pot. Continue stirring until it thickens.
• Prevent Sticking: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding the mixture to prevent sticking, especially if cooking on high.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce in a saucepan, add the sausages, and transfer to the slow cooker.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Crock-Pot Cranberry Mustard Lil’ Smokies directly from the slow cooker to keep them warm and easily accessible for guests. Provide toothpicks or small forks for serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Reheating in the microwave might affect the texture of the sausages, so the saucepan method is preferred.

While not ideal, you can freeze the cooked sausages in their sauce. However, the texture of the sausages and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values per serving, based on 48 servings per recipe)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	50 kcal	3%
Total Fat	3g	4%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	5mg	2%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	3g	N/A
Protein	1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey Smokies: Substitute the Little Smokies with turkey sausages for a leaner option.
• Spicy Cranberry Sauce: Use a spicy cranberry sauce for an extra kick.
• Maple Mustard: Replace the prepared mustard with maple mustard for a sweeter flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
• Pineapple Glaze: For a tropical twist, add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) to the cranberry sauce mixture.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: Omit the cranberry sauce and mustard. Replace with 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp sesame oil.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
A: While you can, it will require more effort. You’ll need to cook the fresh cranberries with sugar and water to create a sauce, then adjust the sweetness and thickness accordingly. Jellied cranberry sauce provides a consistent sweetness and texture that simplifies the recipe.

Q: How long can I keep the Lil’ Smokies in the Crock-Pot on warm?
A: You can keep them on the warm setting for up to 4 hours without significant quality loss. However, be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Q: Can I use full-size sausages instead of Little Smokies?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the sauce. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are heated through.

Q: What kind of mustard works best in this recipe?
A: Yellow mustard provides a classic tangy flavor. Dijon mustard adds a bit more depth and complexity. Experiment to find your preferred taste!

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes! Sliced onions or bell peppers can be added to the saucepan along with the sausages for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crock-Pot Cranberry Mustard Lil’ Smokies recipe is more than just an appetizer; it’s a warm hug in a slow cooker, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories around it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, share it with those you love. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!