Lit’l Smokies

Little smokies are a tasty and easy appetizer to make, popular for holidays and the super bowl. I make this several times a year because it's literally 3 ingredients and everyone always loves them! What is it about little things that just tastes so good? This would be perfect for Oscar night if you are having a viewing party. If you are serving more than 8, get 2 packages.

The big question is, are the cocktail sausages gluten free? The answer for the most part is... YES! They are listed as gluten free at Oscar Mayer (not certified gluten free) and labeled gluten free on the Parkview cocktail sausages. Another popular brand is Hillshire Farm, they are not labeled gluten free and share that they don't test for gluten or claim gluten free on their products. It is always a personal choice whether you will eat non-labeled foods that contain no gluten ingredients. There are a few ingredients that concern many on the gluten free diet, such as "natural flavors". Here is a link from the national Celiac Organization that explains more about those confusing ingredients. I'll let you decide. Another option is kielbasa. Just grab 2 packages and slice them up and put them in the crockpot. The great thing about both is they come fully cooked. The crockpot isn't for cooking but for heating... Heat and Eat! You can make this on the stovetop much quicker but I like the crockpot for hosting because then the smokies stay heated and don't cool and people can serve themselves.

When serving these, I usually keep them buffet style on the counter. If I'm setting them out on a table I'll spoon into a bowl and keep refilling as they run empty. They are best warm, which is why keeping then in the crockpot is ideal. I love adding red pepper jelly, which is a bit sweet with a slight bite. Feel free to leave out but it adds something special. Red pepper jelly is great to have for cheese boards, I always have a jar in my fridge.