Milly Gaines
Little Smokies are a popular keto-friendly snack or appetizer, often served at parties or gatherings. They are mini smoked sausages, also known as cocktail sausages, and can be made from pork, beef, or a combination of both. While they are highly processed, they can be eaten in moderation while on the keto diet, with one gram of net carbs in five sausage links. They are often wrapped in bacon and served with a low-carb barbecue sauce, providing a balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 3g-6g per serving |
| Net Carbohydrates | 2g-4g per serving |
| Sugar | 1g per serving |
| Protein | 9g-14g per serving |
| Fat | 20g-42g per serving |
| Calories | 219 kcal-431 kcal per serving |
| Preparation | Can be prepared in a microwave, oven, stove, slow cooker, or crockpot |
| Serving suggestions | Can be served with keto ranch dressing, keto cheese sauce, cauliflower "Mac" and cheese, arugula salad, Jalapeno Chicken Fritters, Keto Sausage Balls, Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce, Keto Chicken Wings, or Keto Mozzarella Sticks |
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What You'll Learn
Smokies nutritional information
Smokies, also known as cocktail sausages, are a keto-friendly snack option. They are usually made with a low-carb barbecue sauce, which is the key component of this dish. The sauce is often homemade and sugar-free, with ingredients such as tomato paste, coconut aminos, and ground cinnamon.
The nutritional information for Keto Little Smokies can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. However, here is an example of the nutritional breakdown based on the recipe from "That Low Carb Life":
Serving size: 1
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Net Carbs: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 103 mg
- Sodium: 987 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
It is important to note that the carb count for the smokies themselves can vary by brand. Most brands have almost 1 gram of carb per piece, but there are low-carb options available, such as the Lil Smokies Sausages from Thrive Market, which have a carb count of 2 grams per 5 links.
When preparing Keto Little Smokies, you can cook the smokies in a pan, oven, or microwave. The cooking instructions for each method vary slightly but typically involve heating the smokies until they are browned and cooked through.
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Keto-friendly substitutes
Smokies, also known as cocktail sausages, are keto-friendly as long as they are low in carbs and high in protein. However, to make them even more keto-friendly, there are some substitutions you can make to the recipe.
Firstly, when it comes to the smokies themselves, opt for a variety with a low carb count. Most brands will have almost 1 gram of carbs per piece, so choosing a keto-friendly variation is important. You can also wrap the sausages in bacon, preferably thin-sliced bacon, to add some extra flavour.
Secondly, the sauce you use can make a big difference. A sugar-free BBQ sauce is a key component of a keto-friendly smokies recipe. You can make your own low-carb barbecue sauce or use a store-bought option. If you want to add some extra flavour to your sauce, consider adding minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Finally, you can serve your smokies with some keto-friendly sides and dips. Some options include keto ranch dressing, keto cheese sauce, or a low-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese, such as cauliflower "mac" and cheese. If you're looking for something more refreshing, an arugula salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or charred broccoli with Parmesan are also great choices.
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Different ways to cook smokies
Smokies, or Little Smokies, are a type of mini smoked sausage that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are a popular keto-friendly snack or appetizer and can be made in large batches, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Here are some different ways to cook them:
Stovetop
To cook Little Smokies on the stovetop, simply warm some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the smokies and sear them for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to brown. You can then add your choice of sauce and lower the heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. This method is perfect for getting a nice sear on the sausages while still allowing them to cook through evenly.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot
For a slower, more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker or crockpot. Simply add your smokies and choice of sauce, stir, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This method is excellent for infusing the sausages with flavour and keeping them warm for an extended period, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the smokies in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great for cooking larger batches of smokies and keeping them warm without the need for constant stirring or monitoring.
Microwave
For a quick and convenient option, you can cook Little Smokies in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. This method is perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking smaller batches of smokies.
BBQ Smokies
For a summer twist, you can cook Little Smokies on a barbecue. Simply place the smokies on the grill and cook until heated through, turning occasionally. You can also add barbecue sauce to the smokies before or after grilling for extra flavour. This method is perfect for outdoor gatherings and adds a smoky flavour to the sausages.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
For an extra indulgent treat, you can wrap Little Smokies in bacon before cooking. This can be done using any of the above methods, but cooking times may need to be adjusted to ensure the bacon is cooked through. Bacon-wrapped smokies are a popular party snack and can be served with various dips, such as keto ranch dressing or cheese sauce.
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Keto smokies appetizers
Keto smokies are a great low-carb appetizer or snack for any occasion. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, dinners, and game days. The key to making delicious keto smokies is in the sauce—a good, low-carb barbecue sauce will set your keto smokies apart. You can make your own keto-friendly sauce by mixing unsweetened ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown swerve, and spices. If you want to add a smoky touch, sprinkle in some smoked paprika, and for a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
- Keto-friendly mini smoked sausages (also known as cocktail sausages or smokies)
- Bacon (thinly sliced)
- Brown sugar substitute (e.g. Lakanto or Swerve)
- Seasoning: chili powder, cracked pepper, ground mustard
- Optional: garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
- Barbecue sauce (keto-friendly, low-carb, or homemade)
Instructions:
- Wrap each sausage in a slice of bacon.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar substitute and seasoning.
- If desired, add optional ingredients to the sauce: garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs.
- Place the wrapped sausages in a slow cooker, crockpot, or oven-safe dish.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the sausages, making sure each one is coated.
- Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours in a slow cooker, or at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes in the oven.
- Serve hot or cold as an appetizer or snack.
You can also make keto lil smokies on the stovetop by searing the sausages in a pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, then adding the sauce and simmering for 10-15 minutes. Additionally, you can use keto jam and mustard as a sauce by combining them in a saucepan and adding the smokies, then bringing to a boil and simmering for 10-15 minutes.
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Keto smokies recipes
Keto lil smokies are a perfect low-carb snack for any occasion. They are usually made with a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients, resulting in a classic sweet-and-smoky flavour.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
This recipe is simple and easy to make. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with foil and spritz it with non-stick spray. Drain the package of Lil Smokies and pat each sausage dry with a paper towel. Slice the bacon into thirds and wrap each sausage in a piece of bacon. You can use thin-sliced bacon for better results. Toss the wrapped smokies in a sweet and spicy seasoning mix. Bake until they are perfectly crispy. Serve with keto ranch dressing, keto cheese sauce, or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Slow Cooker Smokies
This recipe uses a slow cooker for a no-fuss appetizer. Add barbecue sauce, sweetener, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine. You can also add Liquid Smoke for extra flavour. Next, add the drained Lil Smokies and stir to coat. Make sure every piece is covered in sauce. Cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve hot or cold.
Pan-Seared Smokies
Warm some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the Lil Smokies and sear for 2-3 minutes or until they start to brown. Add the prepared sauce to the pan and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. You can also use an Instant Pot to keep the smokies warm. Serve with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower "mac" and cheese or arugula salad.
Microwave Smokies
Place the smokies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Oven-Baked Smokies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the smokies in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes.
Stove-Top Smokies
Warm the smokies over low to medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.
You can also make your own low-carb barbecue sauce by simmering cocktail franks in the sauce for 30-40 minutes. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the ingredients to your preference.
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Frequently asked questions
Keto smokies are a low-carb snack or appetizer, often made with a homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce. They are usually made with mini smoked sausages, also known as cocktail sausages, which are wrapped in bacon and seasoned with a variety of spices and sweeteners.
While keto smokies are a good source of fat and protein, they are also highly processed. Therefore, they should be eaten in moderation as part of a keto diet.
To make keto smokies, you can use a stove, oven, microwave, or slow cooker. First, wrap mini smoked sausages in bacon. Then, season with a mixture of brown sugar substitute, chili powder, cracked pepper, and ground mustard. Finally, cook using your preferred method until the bacon is browned and crispy.
