Marry Okay so — Pioneer Woman Little Smokies are these tiny cocktail franks simmered in a sweet-spicy-chipotle-ketchup situation, and listen: they go hard. It’s one of those dump-it-in-and-wait recipes, which makes it dangerously easy. It’s good for parties, game days, or just… Tuesday when you’re too tired to cook real food.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed
- 1 cup ketchup: classic base, sweet and tangy.
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar: adds molasses-y depth.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness with some bite.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: for that funky savoury backbone.
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard: just trust, it works.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced + 1 tbsp sauce: smoky heat that builds.
- 2 (12-oz) packages cocktail franks: any kind works, honestly.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Little Smokies Recipe Little Smokies
Whisk the Sauce:
In your slow cooker or saucepan, whisk everything except the little franks together. It’s gonna smell intense but that’s the point.
Add the Franks:
Toss in the cocktail sausages. Stir until they’re all glossy and coated. Yes, it looks a bit like a horror movie scene right now.
Cook it Low & Slow (or Fast):
If using a slow cooker, go high for 2 hours. On the stovetop, simmer for 5-ish minutes, stirring often so nothing scorches. Done.
Recipe Tips
- More heat? Add another chipotle or splash of adobo sauce. They sneak up on you, though.
- Too sweet? Cut back on brown sugar, or add a splash more vinegar to balance.
- No slow cooker? Stovetop’s fine. Just simmer low so it doesn’t burn.
- Don’t overcook the franks. They’ll get rubbery if you let them boil too long.
- Pair it with something cold and crunchy — like slaw or tortilla chips.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Nope. Don’t risk it.
- Fridge: Airtight container, lasts 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Microwave or stovetop, medium heat till warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 180mg
- Carbs: 16g
- Fibre: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
Can I make this without chipotle?
Sure — use smoked paprika or just skip it. It won’t be the same, but still good.
Do I need cocktail franks?
Nope. Chop regular hot dogs into chunks. Kids won’t notice. Neither will you.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
White sugar + a teaspoon of molasses = good enough.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge a day.
How spicy is it?
Mild-medium. Kid-friendly if you go easy on the chipotle.
Pioneer Woman Little Smokies Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes2
hours220
kcalBold, tangy, smoky-sweet cocktail franks simmered in chipotle-spiked sauce — crowd-pleasing and low-effort.
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced) + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
2 (12-oz) packages cocktail franks
Directions
- Mix all sauce ingredients in slow cooker or saucepan.
- Add franks and stir to coat.
- Slow cook on high for 2 hours OR simmer on stove for 5–10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, don’t boil hard.
- Serve hot with toothpicks or forks.
Notes
- Add more chipotle for heat or less for mild
- Stovetop version works if you’re short on time
- Store leftovers in fridge or freezer
- Serve with something crunchy to balance the sweetness
