Little smokies, also known as cocktail links or party sausages, are small, fully cooked sausages that have become a popular appetizer and party food. But are these tiny sausages actually good for you? Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of little smokies to help you decide if they should have a place in your diet.
Pros of Little Smokies
– Convenient – Little smokies are fully cooked and ready to eat, making them a quick and easy appetizer or party food option. Just heat and serve.
– Fun finger food – Their small size makes them perfect for picking up with toothpicks or skewers. Kids especially enjoy their bite-sized portion.
– Flavorful – They pack a lot of flavor into a small package. Popular varieties are seasoned with Smoke, cheese, jalapeno, and more.
– Portion control – One serving of little smokies (about 5 links) is just 50-70 calories, so they can be a smart appetizer choice.
Cons of Little Smokies
– Highly processed – Like most sausages, little smokies are made from processed meats and contain preservatives like nitrites.
– High sodium – They’re very high in sodium, with one serving containing about 350 mg (15% DV). Too much sodium is linked to high blood pressure.
– Fat content – Up to 80% of the calories come from fat, which is high. Opt for low-fat varieties when possible.
– Low protein – With just 3-4g protein per serving, they’re not a great source of this important nutrient.
– Questionable ingredients – Check the label for unwanted additions like fillers, artificial flavors and corn syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a serving (about 5 links or 50g) of little smokies:
| Calories | 70 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, a single serving packs a whopping 350mg of sodium, which is 15% of the daily recommended value. The calorie and fat content are reasonable if portion controlled, but the lack of protein and vitamins make little smokies more of an occasional indulgence.
Ingredients
Little smokies are made from a blend of pork, chicken, turkey, or beef. The exact recipe can vary significantly between brands, but common ingredients include:
– Meat (pork, chicken, turkey, beef)
– Water
– Salt, spices, seasonings
– Sugar
– Preservatives like sodium nitrite
– Fillers like cornstarch or wheat flour
– Artificial flavors, smoke flavoring
– Curing agents
Higher quality options contain more actual meat, less preservatives, and no artificial ingredients. Read labels and look for options with fewer additives. Some contain questionable ingredients like corn syrup, MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, and artificial colors.
How Little Smokies Are Made
The manufacturing process for little smokies involves:
1. Meat selection – The raw meat (often pork) is inspected and approved. Cheaper cuts are used.
2. Grinding – The meat is ground up and mixed with water and seasonings.
3. Emulsifying – The mixture is finely chopped to emulsify the fat and water.
4. Mixing – Additional ingredients like preservatives, sugar, salt, and artificial flavors are mixed in.
5. Stuffing – The emulsion is stuffed into small collagen casings.
6. Linking – The sausage links are twisted or tied.
7. Cooking – The sausages are partly cooked to 155°F internal temperature.
8. Cooling – The links are cooled in a cold water bath.
9. Packaging – Little smokies are vacuum sealed and packaged.
10. Pasteurizing – Final products are heat treated to destroy bacteria.
The high degree of processing helps give little smokies their uniform size, extended shelf life, and soft, emulsified texture. But it also adds artificial ingredients and degrades the quality of the meat.
Types of Little Smokies
There are many flavor varieties of little smokies available:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Original | Classic smoked cocktail links with pork and beef. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Smoked sausage with aged cheddar cheese. |
| Jalapeño Cheese | Spicy sausage with jalapeño peppers and cheese. |
| Italian Style | Seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices. |
| Chicken Apple | Made with chicken and apples. |
| Turkey | Lower fat turkey sausage. |
The most popular flavor is traditional smoked cocktail links, but the cheese, spicy and poultry varieties offer more options. Try different flavors to prevent taste boredom.
How To Cook Little Smokies
Because they are pre-cooked, little smokies only need to be heated through to serve. Here are some recommended cooking methods:
– **Microwave:** Microwaving is the quickest option. Cook for 60-90 seconds on high until hot. Rotate halfway through.
– **Oven:** Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until heated through. Use a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
– **Stovetop:** Simmer in a saucepan with 1-2 Tbsp water or broth for 4-5 minutes until plumped and hot.
– **Grill:** Grill over medium heat for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
– **Crockpot:** Cook in a crockpot on low setting for 1-2 hours until heated through.
Cooking too long can cause bursting or a rubbery texture, so heat just until hot. If grilling or pan-frying, use medium heat to avoid scorching the outside before the interior is done.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond just heating and eating little smokies on their own, there are many fun ways to serve them:
– Party skewers – Skewer with cubes of cheese, pineapple, grapes, pickles, olives etc.
– Dips – Offer with favorite dips like bbq sauce, honey mustard, ranch, cheese sauce etc.
– In blankets – Wrap in crescent roll dough or puff pastry.
– Nachos/pizzas – Top nachos or mini pizza bites.
– Breakfast – Add to egg bakes, breakfast tacos, hash, etc.
– In pasta – Toss with cooked pasta and sauce.
– Appetizer tray – Arrange on a tray with crackers, cheese, fruit, nuts.
– Kabobs – Alternate with veggies on skewers.
– Casseroles – Mix into pasta bakes, tater tot casserole, etc.
– Salads – Toss into pasta, potato, veggie salads.
The mini size makes little smokies ideal for passing on trays, setting up a DIY topping bar, or adding excitement to snacks and meals.
Storing Little Smokies
Since little smokies are pre-cooked, they have a longer shelf life than raw sausages. When stored properly, they can last 1-2 months past the “best by” date on the package. Here are some storage tips:
– Unopened package – Store in original packaging at 40°F or below. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
– Opened package – Transfer unused links to an airtight container. Use within 5-7 days.
– Cooked – Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Can freeze for up to 2 months.
The biggest enemies are air, light, and temperature fluctuations. Keep opened packages tightly sealed in the fridge away from fresh produce (which emits ethylene gas).
Discard if you notice an off smell, color changes, or sliminess. Freezing can prolong shelf life but may impact texture.
Are Little Smokies Healthy?
Little smokies aren’t the most nutritious choice, but enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Here are some tips for making little smokies healthier:
– Read labels and avoid artificial ingredients when possible. Opt for low sodium varieties.
– Stick to sensible portion sizes, about 5 links per serving. Don’t overindulge.
– Try alternative versions like turkey or chicken-based if concerned about fat or pork.
– Balance with non-processed foods like veggies, whole grains, fruits, nuts.
– Avoid frying or serving with high-fat dips and condiments.
– Limit frequency to occasional appetizers or special treats, not daily food.
Overall, little smokies are convenient and tasty, but too high in sodium and low in nutrition to be a regular meal choice. Use discretion when serving to kids, pregnant women, or those monitoring sodium intake.
Cost Of Little Smokies
Little smokies are relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk packages. Here are some average prices:
| Package Size | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 12 oz (40-50 links) | $3-$5 |
| 32 oz bag (120 links) | $6-$9 |
| 2 lb tray (250 links) | $8-$12 |
| 5 lb box (1000 links) | $18-$25 |
As you can see, buying in bulk quantities can significantly reduce the per-unit price. Shop sales, coupons, and wholesale clubs for the best deals. Individual packs and convenience sizes cost more per ounce.
The average price per serving (about 5 links) ranges from $0.60-$1.25 depending on package size. This makes little smokies very budget-friendly to keep stocked for gatherings, parties, entertaining, or as an easy kid-friendly snack.
Nutrition Comparison To Hot Dogs
Little smokies are often used as cocktail-sized versions of hot dogs. Here is how they compare nutritionally:
| Little Smokies (5 links) | Hot Dog (1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 150 |
| Fat | 5g | 13g |
| Carbs | 1g | 5g |
| Protein | 3g | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg | 370mg |
Per serving, little smokies are lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to hot dogs. They contain a nearly equal amount of sodium. Little smokies do have less protein.
So while little smokies make a convenient cocktail-sized substitute, hot dogs may be a slightly more nutritious choice overall due to their higher protein content. But neither are too health-conscious.
Are Little Smokies Gluten Free?
Most little smokie varieties are gluten-free, but it’s important to verify on the label. Some contain fillers like wheat flour or wheat byproducts that contain gluten.
Potential sources of gluten to avoid include:
– Wheat flour
– Oats or barley
– Breadcrumbs or rusk
– Malt vinegar
– Soy sauce
– Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
Look for brands that are certified gluten-free or specifically state “gluten-free” on the label. Since processing facilities vary, there’s still a small risk of cross-contamination even if the ingredients appear gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or an acute gluten allergy, use caution.
Some good gluten-free brands include Hebrew National, Butterball, and Johnsonville gluten-free sausage items. Always verify independently as formulations can change.
Kid-Friendly Little Smokie Recipes
Thanks to their mild flavor, petite size and fun “finger food” appeal, little smokies are popular with kids. Here are some kid-friendly recipes:
Porcupine Meatballs
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup rice
– 1/4 onion, diced
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper
– 8 oz little smokies
– Sauce:
– 1 can tomato soup
– 1/4 cup ketchup
Mix ground beef, rice, onion, egg and seasoning. Roll into mini meatballs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Cut little smokies in quarters lengthwise. Add to sauce and simmer until heated through. Skewer smokie quarters onto the meatballs to look like “quills”.
Smokie Apple Nachos
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar
– 1/2 cup diced apple
– 1 Tbsp brown sugar
– Cinnamon to taste
– 1/2 cup little smokies, sliced
Arrange tortilla chips on baking sheet. Top with cheese, apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 375°F until melted. Top with sliced smokies.
Veggie Smokie Skewers
– Little smokies
– Cherry tomatoes
– Cube cheese
– Sliced bell peppers
– Pineapple chunks
– Ranch dressing for dipping
Skewer veggies and smokies, alternating each item. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
The smokie’s mild flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Let kids help assemble their own skewers for interactive fun.
Conclusion
Little smokies can offer convenience, kid appeal, and lots of flavor, but should be enjoyed in moderation. They are high in sodium and low in nutrition compared to less processed options. Portion control is key, as is balancing intake with more wholesome foods. Check labels and focus on quality over quantity when choosing cocktail links. Overall, little smokies make a fine occasional appetizer or fun party food when not overdone. Just be mindful of how they fit into your total diet.