Smoked Sausage Lit'l Smokies® with Pistachio Candy Coating

Looking for a fun and tasty twist on classic party snacks? These smoky little sausages coated in a crunchy pistachio candy shell are sure to delight your guests with every bite.

Chef's Cooking Tips

Use low to medium heat when cooking to avoid burning the candy coating.
Stir gently but consistently to ensure the pistachio coating sticks evenly.
Let the sausages cool slightly before serving to allow the candy to harden perfectly.

Ingredients 0/7

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup ¼ cup dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional) 1 (14 ounce) package Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies® Smoked Sausage ½ cup salted pistachios, chopped

Why This Recipe Is So Good

This dish combines savory smoked sausage with a sweet and crunchy pistachio coating, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy yet impressive appetizer that always gets compliments at parties and family gatherings.

Directions

Mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and cayenne in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is warm, add the Lit'l Smokies and let everything come to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir now and then as the sauce thickens and almost disappears—it should take about 15 minutes. When the sausages are nicely coated and the sauce has thickened up, transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them, then dip each one into the crushed pistachios to get a nice coating. Serve them warm and enjoy!

people cooked this recipe

By Daniel Wilson

Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.

Best Foods To Serve With This

Serve warm with a side of mustard or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the smoky and sweet flavors. Pair with fresh veggies or a crisp salad for a complete appetizer spread.

Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the candy coating from becoming too soft or sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with any small smoked sausages or cocktail sausages you prefer.

How spicy will the dish be with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne adds a mild heat, but you can omit it if you want a milder flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served warm, but you can make the sauce and sausages ahead and add the pistachios just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Do the pistachios need to be salted or unsalted?

The recipe calls for salted pistachios to enhance the flavor, but unsalted can be used if preferred.

How do I chop the pistachios for coating?

Chop them into small pieces, about the size of coarse crumbs, so they stick well to the sausages.

Can I bake the sausages instead of cooking them on the stove?

The sauce thickens best on the stove, but you can finish them briefly in the oven after coating if desired.

What should I serve with these sausages?

They go well as appetizers at parties or alongside cheese and crackers for a snack platter.