Keto Little Smokies 🌭 [Easy Recipe]

Name: Keto Little Smokies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 24 oz cocktail smokies; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 cup unsweetened ketchup; 1/2 cup water; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown Swerve; 2 teaspoons natural maple flavoring; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Get excited for some tasty Keto Little Smokies! They're low-carb sausages that everyone loves at parties, dinners, and games. What's cool about them? We made our own BBQ sauce without any hidden sugars. Think of the yummy Kansas City BBQ taste; that's the flavor we're aiming for. Let's dive in and cook up these delicious keto appetizers!

Keto Little Smokies in a skillet with one being taken out with a toothpick

Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🌭 Ingredients for this keto little smokies recipe
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tools substitute options
How to make Keto Little Smokies: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with keto little smokies?
How to make it healthier
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

To create the keto BBQ sauce, mix unsweetened ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown Swerve, and some spices. Next, brown the cocktail smokies in avocado oil. Add the sauce and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. In no time, you'll have a delicious treat ready!

Chef's note

Tailor the BBQ sauce to your liking. For a smoky touch, sprinkle in some smoked paprika. Want some heat? Add a bit of cayenne pepper. Have fun experimenting and make those keto lil smokies truly stand out!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 12 Servings

🌭 Ingredients for this keto little smokies recipe

24 ounces cocktail smokies
2 tablespoons avocado oil

BBQ sauce

1 cup unsweetened ketchup (we use Primal Kitchen)
½ cup water
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brown Swerve
2 teaspoons natural maple flavoring
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon each - salt, onion powder, garlic powder
¼ teaspoon pepper

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

Unsweetened ketchup: Replace it with tomato paste or tomato sauce that doesn't contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Natural maple flavoring: Swap it with a pinch of ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth and flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Try coconut aminos as a flavorful alternative.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to jazz up the low carb little smokies with a few additions. The ingredients are entirely optional:

Garlic: Add some minced garlic for a savory touch that goes great with the smoky sausages and BBQ sauce.
Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a sprinkle of these can elevate the smokies' heat.
Smoked paprika: A pinch can amplify the BBQ flavor, adding another layer of smokiness.
Fresh herbs: Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro introduces a refreshing and vibrant element to the dish.
Lime or lemon zest: Lime gives a zesty edge that complements the smokies' deep flavors.

Keto Little Smokies being browned on the stovetop

Cooking tools required

To make this keto lil smokies recipe, you'll need the following tools:

Mixing bowl or jar
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula

Tools substitute options

Skillet: If you don't have a skillet, a non-stick pan or a saucepan can work as an alternative. Just make sure it has enough surface area to accommodate the smokies.

How to make Keto Little Smokies: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Frying
Simmering

Preparation steps

Collect and measure out all the ingredients.
Arrange your kitchen space, making sure you have all the tools you'll need close by.

Cooking instructions

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl or jar, then set it aside.
In a pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the cocktail smokies, searing them for 2-3 minutes or until they start to brown.
Add the prepared sauce to the pan. Lower the heat to keep a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

Chef's pro tip

To make your keto snacks taste even better, let the BBQ sauce cook a little longer. This helps all the flavors mix together well. If you want to keep your snacks warm for your friends and family, you can use an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker. This way, they're always ready to eat!

What to serve with keto little smokies?

These keto cocktail weenies pair well with a number of dishes:

Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese: This creamy, low-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese offers a comforting counterpart to the smoky sausages.
Arugula Salad: The keto arugula with balsamic vinaigrette adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the meal.
Charred Broccoli: Pair the smokies with charred broccoli with Parmesan for a cheesy touch to your plate.
Keto Baba Ganoush: Dive into this smoky eggplant dip with your little smokies for a delicious Middle Eastern twist.
Keto Cornbread: Serve the smokies with a slice of low-carb cornbread for a delightful mix of smoky and savory, rounded off with a side salad for added freshness.

Keto Little Smokies stewing in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop

How to make it healthier

Leaner sausages: Opt for leaner sausages with lower fat content to reduce the overall calorie count and saturated fat. Look for options that have fewer additives and preservatives.
Reduce sodium: To cut down on sodium, use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Add more herbs and spices to enhance the flavors without relying heavily on salt.
Use fresh tomato: Instead of unsweetened ketchup, use fresh tomatoes or tomato puree to control the sugar content and make the sauce from scratch.

Time-saving tips

Bulk cooking: Double or triple the BBQ sauce recipe and freeze the extra portions in small containers. This way, you'll have homemade sauce ready for future meals, saving you time on sauce preparation.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Prep the BBQ sauce: Make the BBQ sauce beforehand and keep it chilled in the fridge. When it's time to cook, simply grab the sauce and drizzle it over the smokies. Easy and efficient!

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator: Refrigerate within two hours after cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them fresh. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezer: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the smokies may change slightly. It's best to freeze the smokies separately from the sauce to maintain the best quality.

Note: To thaw frozen smokies, place them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating best practices

Microwave: Place smokies on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover smokies with foil in an oven-safe dish, and reheat for 10-15 minutes.
Stove: Warm smokies over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Concluding our Keto Little Smokies guide, these low-carb treats are perfect for your next gathering or a keto-friendly snack. With their homemade, sugar-free BBQ sauce, they're both tasty and health-conscious.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and tools, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making a delicious, nutritious dish. Dive into the flavors and the satisfaction of a wholesome choice.

Looking for more keto appetizers? Check out our round-up for Keto Game Day Recipes and Keto Appetizers!

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! A slow cooker can be a fantastic alternative to a skillet, especially if you're planning to serve the smokies over an extended period. By setting the slow cooker to its "keep warm" setting, your smokies will remain at the perfect temperature throughout your event.

Of course! While the recipe calls for cocktail smokies, you can experiment with various keto-friendly sausages. Whether you prefer spicy, herbed, or even a different meat base like chicken or turkey, there's room for creativity. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary, especially if the sausages are larger or thicker.

Absolutely! This keto little smokies recipe is created to align with the principles of a low-carb, ketogenic diet. By using a sugar-free BBQ sauce and other keto-approved ingredients, these smokies become a tasty treat for those on a keto journey.

On average, a serving of keto little smokies contains approximately 177 calories. When considering how many carbs in little smokies, it's essential to choose keto-friendly variations for minimal carb content. You can also customize the calorie count by opting for leaner sausages and being mindful of portion sizes.

📖 Recipe