If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack, Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies are the perfect choice. These smoked sausages are small in size but big on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty treat, cooking Lit’l Smokies is a breeze. In this article, we’ll share some easy and creative ways to prepare these delectable mini sausages.
Grilling
One of the most popular methods of cooking Lit’l Smokies is grilling. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat and place the sausages directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and have nice grill marks. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or mustard for an extra zing.
Sautéing
If you prefer a stovetop cooking method, sautéing Lit’l Smokies is a great option. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the fat is hot, add the sausages and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and heated through. Sautéed Lit’l Smokies can be enjoyed on their own or served as a topping for pasta or rice dishes.
Slow Cooking
If you’re planning a party or need a fuss-free option, slow cooking Lit’l Smokies is the way to go. Simply place the sausages in a slow cooker and add your choice of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or grape jelly. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the sausages are heated through and the flavors have melded together. This method allows the sausages to become tender and infused with the delicious sauce.
Tip: For an extra kick, you can add some chopped onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the slow cooker along with the sausages.
No matter how you choose to cook Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, they are sure to be a hit. Serve them as an appetizer or incorporate them into your favorite recipes for an added burst of flavor. With their smoky taste and bite-sized shape, Lit’l Smokies are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious results. Here are the ingredients you will need:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies | 1 package |
Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
White or brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
Pineapple chunks (optional) | 1 can |
Toothpicks | As needed |
Make sure to check if you have all the ingredients ready before starting. It’s a good practice to measure and prepare them in advance, as it helps to maintain an organized cooking process.
Gather the Required Items
Before you start cooking hillshire farm lit’l smokies, make sure you have all the necessary items on hand. Here’s a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of hillshire farm lit’l smokies
- BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
Equipment:
- Saucepan or small pot
- Stove or hot plate
- Serving dish or platter
- Tongs or toothpicks (for serving)
Once you have gathered all these items, you’re ready to start cooking your delicious hillshire farm lit’l smokies!
Thaw the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies
Before cooking the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, it is important to thaw them properly. Thawing the smokies allows them to cook evenly and ensures that they reach the desired internal temperature.
There are two recommended methods for thawing Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies:
- Refrigerator thawing: Place the sealed package of smokies in the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. This is the recommended method as it ensures a safe thawing process.
- Cold water thawing: If you need to thaw the smokies more quickly, you can use the cold water method. Make sure the smokies are in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to thaw using this method.
Once the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies are thawed, they are ready to be cooked using your preferred method. Whether you grill them, bake them, or cook them on the stovetop, make sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for the recipe you are using.
Cooking the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies
The Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies are a delicious and versatile option for meals, snacks, and appetizers. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, and sautéing. Here are the steps to cook Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies:
Baking:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the Lit’l Smokies on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly browned.
4. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Grilling:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the Lit’l Smokies onto skewers, if desired.
3. Place the Lit’l Smokies on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and nicely charred.
4. Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Sautéing:
1. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet.
3. Place the Lit’l Smokies in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and browned.
4. Remove from the skillet and serve hot.
The Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies can be served as is or paired with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment. They make for a great addition to any party or gathering, and are sure to be enjoyed by everyone!
Heat a Skillet or Grill
To cook Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, you will need to heat a skillet or grill to the desired temperature. This step is crucial as it helps cook the smokies evenly and gives them a smoky flavor.
If you are using a skillet, place it on a stovetop burner and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes before adding the Lit’l Smokies.
If you are using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled before placing the smokies on them.
Skillet | Grill |
---|---|
Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. | Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. |
Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes. | Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled. |
Once the skillet or grill is heated, you can proceed to the next step of cooking the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies.
Cook the Lit’l Smokies
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack, Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies is the perfect choice. These bite-sized smoked sausages are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow these easy steps to cook the Lit’l Smokies to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder to the saucepan. Stir well to combine and heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Add the Lit’l Smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer the Lit’l Smokies and sauce to a baking dish or a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Lit’l Smokies are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Remove from the oven and let the Lit’l Smokies cool for a few minutes before serving.
To serve, you can place toothpicks alongside the Lit’l Smokies for easy grabbing. These sausages are great on their own, but you can also serve them with additional dipping sauces like barbecue sauce or mustard.
Yield | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
6 servings | 25 minutes | 30 minutes |
Enjoy your deliciously cooked Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies!
Serving and Enjoying
Once the Lit’l Smokies are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! Here are some suggestions for serving and enhancing your Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies:
Serving Suggestions:
- Place the cooked Lit’l Smokies on a platter and serve them alongside toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Pair the Lit’l Smokies with your favorite dips, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
- For a fun twist, wrap the cooked Lit’l Smokies in crescent roll dough and bake them until golden brown for mini pigs-in-a-blanket.
Enhancing the Flavor:
While the Lit’l Smokies are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different flavors to enhance their taste:
- Brush the cooked Lit’l Smokies with a glaze made of honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Serve the Lit’l Smokies with caramelized onions and peppers for a savory and smoky combination.
- Top the Lit’l Smokies with shredded cheese and broil until melted for a gooey and cheesy treat.
Remember to always let the Lit’l Smokies cool slightly before serving, as they can be hot right out of the oven. Enjoy!
FAQ
What are Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies?
Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies are small smoked sausages made from a blend of pork, beef, and spices.
How do I cook Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies?
There are several ways to cook Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies, but one popular method is to heat them in a skillet or a saucepan. You can either cook them on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook them until they are heated through and the skin is slightly browned.
Can I grill Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies?
Yes, you can grill Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the sausages directly on the grill grates. Cook them, turning occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes or until they are heated through and have grill marks.
What are some serving suggestions for Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies?
Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies can be served as a delicious appetizer or as part of a main dish. You can serve them on toothpicks for a fun and easy party snack, or you can toss them in barbecue sauce and serve them on buns for mini sandwiches. They also pair well with a variety of dips, such as mustard, ketchup, or cheese dip.