Instant Pot Little Smokies really come to the rescue when you’ve got folks showing up in thirty minutes (not an hour to spare, who even plans these things?) or a game night where the snacks need to be straight-up awesome. Maybe you’re just tired of sad store-bought trays. I get it. There’s something about inviting friends over and knowing you’ve got a crowd-pleaser basically making itself. It feels secret-weapon good, you know? Keep reading if you want the easiest, tastiest hack for feeding even your pickiest cousin.
Tips For Making Lil Smokies in the Instant Pot
Alright, before you just dump everything in and hope for the best, let’s chat real talk. Instant Pot Little Smokies aren’t rocket science, but a couple of tips save the day. First, stir everything up before you start. Those little smokies should all get coated in that sweet-and-tangy sauce mix. Don’t leave stragglers.
Next, watch the time. So many folks think longer equals better, but if you let them go too long, they get tough. Five minutes on high pressure is really all you need. Crazy fast.
Lastly? Let the pressure release naturally for a few, then vent it. No sauce volcano. I learned that trick the messy way…don’t be me.
What really makes the difference: use a good barbecue sauce you actually like. I’ve tried the cheap store stuff before. It’s just sad, trust me.
“These have become my go-to party food, even my mother-in-law (who never praises anything) requests them now. Seriously, so good every single batch.” – Kim, party-hosting survivor
How to Make Instant Pot Little Smokies
Getting these ready is embarrassingly simple, like, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it this way all along. Dump the package of Lil Smokies in your Instant Pot. Pour over your favorite barbecue sauce (or mix in a couple sauces if you want to get wild). Some folks add grape jelly for sweetness, but I’m a skeptic, so that’s up to you.
Lock on the lid. Set it to manual, high pressure, just for five minutes. When time’s up, let it sit a few minutes and do a natural release. Pop it open. Give it a stir so the sauce covers everything. Serve ‘em hot straight from the pot if you want. The hardest part is not eating half before anyone else gets to the table… Good luck with that.
Recommended Equipment
Look, you don’t need a full commercial kitchen setup for this. Here’s my barely-any-fuss list. Obviously, an Instant Pot is your MVP, and most sizes work. But if you’ve got a smaller one, just watch not to overcrowd.
Tongs are a huge help, makes scooping them easy and less messy. I like having some toothpicks for serving, or fancy them up with those little colored party sticks. Don’t forget something for stirring. Trust me, you want every single piece glossy and sticky.
If you’re taking these somewhere, one of those cute little insulated food carriers keeps them warm. If you’re keeping them home, set the Instant Pot to the warming setting and call it good. That’s it, seriously nothing wild here.
Instant Pot Lil Smokies in Sweet Barbecue Sauce
So here’s where you can get creative—or stick to a classic. I’m a sweet barbecue sauce person so this is my ride-or-die. Combine your Lil Smokies, a cup of barbecue sauce, and, yep, half a cup of brown sugar or grape jelly if that’s your thing. Just dump ‘em all together right in the pot. Like, don’t even stress about mixing it perfectly.
Pressure cook five minutes. Quick release after five more minutes sitting. The sauce is going to thicken up as it cools, so don’t freak out if it seems runny right after. This style tastes like every backyard party, church potluck, or Fourth of July you’ve ever loved, honestly. And somehow the Instant Pot makes it taste five-star restaurant good—wildly unfair to every other snack food, in my opinion. Table manners might fly out the window.
BBQ Glazed Little Smokies
Feeling a little extra? Here’s where you toss in a spicy, smoky sauce. Swap in chipotle barbecue sauce, add a tiny splash of Worcestershire, and a squeeze of honey for a sticky glaze situation. You can even finish these off with a quick broil for a caramelized touch (if you want to crank up the drama).
The best part—my uncle said these changed his opinion about “little weenie things” at parties. Pretty sure that’s the bar for success. Layer the sauce on thick. Let ’em stay in the pot on warm and that glaze just clings to every piece. You’re welcome.
Serving Suggestions
All right, you’ve got your Instant Pot Little Smokies ready… now what? Here are a few of my favorites:
- Toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking (less mess, more fun)
- Serve over fluffy rice or mashed potatoes for an “actual dinner” vibe
- Top with shredded cheddar and scallions for a lazy-gourmet twist
- Pair with fresh veggies for a pretend healthy snack plate
I also love to pile them up in a crusty roll for the world’s greatest messy sandwich. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Instant Pot Little Smokies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. They reheat like a dream, just keep them in the fridge and warm ‘em in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Q: Do I really have to use barbecue sauce?
A: Nope. You can try teriyaki, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce if you’re feeling spicy.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Cool completely, freeze in a bag, and pop them back in your Instant Pot when you’re ready.
Q: What’s the best brand of Lil Smokies for this?
A: Use your favorite. I grab whatever’s on sale most of the time and haven’t had a bad batch yet.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Sure, but don’t cram more than the fill line. If your pot is smaller, better to do two batches.
Making Your Next Party Legendary—Seriously
So if you want zero stress and all the flavor, Instant Pot Little Smokies are the real deal. Fast, fail-proof, and always the first snack gone at any gathering. Trust me, you’ll look like you slaved for hours, but your feet never even left the kitchen mat. Jump over to check out recipes like Easy Instant Pot Little Smokies – Margin Making Mom® or get saucy with Instant Pot ‘Lil Smokies in Homemade Sweet Barbecue Sauce – This … for even more ideas. Grab your Instant Pot, snatch up those little sausages, and just go for it. Seriously, you’ll thank yourself later.
Instant Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients
Method
- Dump the package of Lil Smokies into your Instant Pot.
- Pour over your favorite barbecue sauce and add brown sugar or grape jelly if desired.
- Stir everything gently to coat the smokies in the sauce.
- Lock on the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, let it sit for a few minutes for a natural release.
- Carefully vent to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid and stir the smokies again.
- Serve the smokies hot from the pot. Enjoy with toothpicks or over rice.
