Description
Sweet, tangy, smoky, and packed with bold Southern flavor! These Dr Pepper Cranberry Lil’ Smokies are coated in a sticky cranberry-BBQ glaze with a hint of brown sugar and smoky spices. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages (14 oz each) cocktail sausages (Lil’ Smokies)
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drain the cocktail sausages and place them in a large baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the cranberry sauce melts and the glaze becomes smooth.
- Pour the cranberry glaze over the sausages and toss until evenly coated.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is bubbling and the sausages are heated to 165°F.
- Sprinkle with dried cranberries if desired.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with toothpicks!