Ultimate Guide to Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies: Homemade Sauce, Tailgating Perfection, and More!
Prepare to experience a classic appetizer like never before! Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies take this beloved party favorite to an entirely new level, thanks to a luscious homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce, hints of red onion, and a subtle kick from serrano peppers. Whether you’re planning a lively tailgate, a cozy family gathering, or a festive holiday party, these little smokies are guaranteed to be the star of your spread. Enjoy the versatility of preparing them on your stovetop, grill, smoker, in your oven, or even in a slow cooker – they’re so delicious, you’ll watch them vanish in minutes!
Ah, the unmistakable aroma of a perfect tailgate! As the anticipation builds for game day, especially for those legendary Lincoln Nebraska Husker Tailgates, there’s nothing quite like the blend of smoky barbecue and shared excitement. This year, we’re kicking off the festivities with a truly exceptional appetizer: Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies. This isn’t just another addition to your game-day menu; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of fantastic food and fun.
While grilling and barbecue are synonymous with outdoor gatherings, infusing that incredible flavor into smaller, bite-sized treats can elevate any occasion. These BBQ Little Smokies are a testament to that, offering a unique twist on a timeless classic. You might think you’ve tried every little smokie recipe out there, but allow us to assure you, these are truly different. What sets them apart? The secret lies in our special homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce, a rich, tangy, and sweet base that perfectly complements the savory little smokies, further enhanced by the aromatic red onion and the subtle heat of serrano peppers.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All expressed opinions and my deep affection for their Nebraska-Made Home Style Dressing & Condiment are entirely my own.
SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO. FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Why Little Smokies Reign as the Most Loved Appetizer
There’s a universal appeal to little smokies that makes them consistently disappear within minutes at any potluck, party, or family gathering. Their irresistible charm lies in their perfect bite-sized nature, savory flavor, and the sheer simplicity of their preparation. This combination makes them not just a crowd-pleaser but also a host’s dream, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. They offer that comforting, nostalgic taste that everyone instantly recognizes and loves, making them a safe bet for any social event.
While we’re spotlighting these delicious treats as the ultimate tailgate recipe today, their versatility extends far beyond game day. These appetizer classics are perfect for casual snacking, and they transform beautifully into sophisticated hors d’oeuvres for holiday parties or elegant receptions. Imagine them adorning a festive spread, their sweet and savory glaze glistening, ready to be picked up with a toothpick. They truly fit seamlessly into any menu, any time of year.
The Secret to Irresistible Flavor: Homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce
Let’s delve into the culinary magic that happens when you take the time to craft your own barbecue sauce for a simple package of beef little smokies. While store-bought sauces offer convenience, there’s an undeniable depth of flavor and freshness that only a homemade sauce can provide. And when that homemade sauce features Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment, it truly becomes extraordinary. Trust us on this – homemade is always a superior choice, transforming ordinary ingredients into something truly special.
The beauty of this particular BBQ sauce recipe is its accessibility. You’ll likely find most of the basic ingredients already in your pantry. However, the game-changing element is the incorporation of Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. Traditionally, many barbecue sauces rely heavily on ketchup as their base. By substituting or enhancing with Dorothy Lynch, we introduce a whole new dimension of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor. Its unique tomato base, blended with other classic BBQ elements, creates a sauce that is perfectly balanced and incredibly rich, making it an ideal foundation for our BBQ Little Smokies and countless other dishes.
Unlocking Flavor with Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment
You might wonder why we’re taking a condiment and transforming it into another condiment. The answer lies in the unparalleled versatility and distinctive flavor profile of Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. It possesses a unique balance of sweetness and tang that elevates a wide array of sauces and seasonings, making them taste genuinely homemade and more complex. We’ve discovered its incredible power in so many applications:
- Crafting a vibrant homemade taco seasoning and taco sauce that far surpasses anything from a packet.
- Creating a rich and savory pizza sauce that brings a gourmet touch to your pies.
- Developing a delectable ham glaze that caramelizes beautifully and infuses your ham with unforgettable flavor.
- Preparing festive holiday glazed meatballs, a perennial party favorite.
- And of course, the legendary Sloppy Dorothy Recipe, which soared into our top ten recipes in record time – proving just how incredibly good it is!
Dorothy Lynch adds a depth and richness that is hard to replicate, making it an indispensable ingredient in our kitchen for elevating everyday dishes to extraordinary meals.
Crafting Your Own Dorothy’s BBQ Sauce: A Simple Guide
Making your own batch of Dorothy’s BBQ Sauce is incredibly straightforward and rewarding. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a versatile sauce that’s not only perfect for our Little Smokies but also ideal for slathering on ribs, chicken, pork chops, or even as a flavorful dip. The process is quick, allowing you to enjoy the unparalleled taste of homemade barbecue sauce in no time.
Essential Ingredients for Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce
To bring this phenomenal homemade barbecue sauce to life, gather the following key ingredients:
- Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment: The foundational ingredient that provides its signature flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Minced garlic: For an aromatic, pungent base note.
- Soy sauce: Enhances umami and adds a touch of savory depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a complex, tangy, and savory layer.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a sticky glaze texture.
- Sriracha: Offers a mild, pleasant heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bright, acidic tang.
- Cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency, mixed with a little water to create a slurry.
(You’ll find precise measurements for each ingredient in the comprehensive recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.)
The preparation couldn’t be simpler: combine all of these wonderful ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, now is the time to stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. This simple step ensures your sauce coats the smokies perfectly.
This recipe yields approximately one cup of richly flavored, homemade BBQ sauce – enough to transform your little smokies into a culinary delight, with potential leftovers for other dishes.
Save This Recipe: Pin Dorothy’s BBQ Sauce for Easy Access!
Don’t let this incredible sauce recipe get lost! Make it easy to find whenever you’re ready to whip up a batch by adding it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. Pin it now and ensure you always have this secret weapon in your culinary arsenal!
Explore More Favorite BBQ Recipes from An Affair From The Heart:
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of Dorothy Lynch in our BBQ sauce, you’ll be thrilled to discover its magic in these other mouth-watering barbecue creations:
- Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops (pictured above): A family favorite featuring that signature sweet and tangy glaze.
- Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs: Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with an unexpected soda pop twist.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Sweet and savory chicken, slow-cooked to perfection and piled high on buns.
- Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches in the Crock Pot: Another fantastic slow cooker recipe, delivering incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork.
Mastering the BEST BBQ Little Smokies: Step-by-Step
With your homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce ready, it’s time to bring these incredible BBQ Little Smokies to life! One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you prefer the convenience of your stovetop, the classic touch of your oven, the hands-off approach of a slow cooker, or the smoky essence from your grill or smoker, these little smokies can be prepared to perfection, fitting seamlessly into any cooking style or party plan.
Key Ingredients for Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies
To assemble this tantalizing appetizer, you’ll only need a few simple components:
- Dorothy’s BBQ Sauce: Your freshly prepared, homemade sauce is the star.
- Beef Little Smokies: Pre-cooked and ready to absorb all that delicious flavor.
- Red onion: Finely chopped, it adds a crisp, slightly sharp counterpoint to the sweetness of the sauce, softening beautifully as it cooks.
- Serrano pepper: Minced, it introduces a vibrant, fresh heat that elevates the entire dish without overpowering it. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.
Combine the prepared Dorothy’s BBQ Sauce with the beef little smokies, finely chopped red onion, and minced serrano pepper in a sturdy skillet. The vibrant colors alone hint at the feast to come!
Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure every little smokie is thoroughly coated in that glorious sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the smokies will heat through, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce, while the red onions and serrano peppers will soften to a tender, aromatic perfection. The result is a deeply flavorful, sweet, and savory bite with a subtle warmth that keeps everyone coming back for more.
For an extra layer of complexity and a truly authentic tailgate experience, consider preparing these little smokies on a smoker or grill. Cooking them this way imparts a wonderful smoky essence that perfectly complements the rich BBQ sauce. It’s an ideal method for outdoor entertaining and game days, adding that special touch that takes your appetizer from great to unforgettable.
Tailgating Tip: Don’t want to bring your heavy cast iron skillet to the tailgate? No problem! Prepare your BBQ Little Smokies in a disposable aluminum tray on your grill top. It offers the same fantastic results, and clean-up is a breeze – simply toss the tray when the last smokie is gone!
Serve your Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies warm, preferably with a generous supply of toothpicks for easy snacking. Watch as your guests flock to them, enjoying every savory, sweet, and slightly spicy bite!
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’ve enjoyed discovering the secret to these amazing BBQ Little Smokies, make sure you can find this recipe again with ease! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now and share the deliciousness with your friends and followers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Smokies
Here are answers to some common questions about preparing and serving little smokies:
- Are little smokies pre-cooked? Yes, little smokies are indeed pre-cooked. However, it’s always recommended to heat them thoroughly before consumption. This ensures they reach a safe internal temperature and also significantly enhances their flavor and texture, making them much more enjoyable.
- How long do Little Smokies keep in the refrigerator after opening? Once you open a package of little smokies, they should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety. Always store them in an airtight container to maintain quality.
- What goes well with BBQ’d Little Smokies? These versatile appetizers pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes. For parties, consider serving them alongside a vibrant charcuterie board, offering a range of cheeses, crackers, and cured meats. Cold dips, like our refreshing Dill Pickle Dip, also make an excellent accompaniment. If you’re serving them as part of a more substantial meal, they are absolutely divine with a hearty side such as Dorothy’s Potato Salad for a truly satisfying combination!
- Can I prepare these Little Smokies ahead of time? Absolutely! One of the beauties of this recipe is that it’s fantastic for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the BBQ sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The cooked little smokies also reheat wonderfully on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, making them perfect for entertaining without last-minute stress.
- Can I make this recipe spicier or milder? Yes, easily! The heat level in this recipe primarily comes from the serrano pepper in the smokies and the sriracha in the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the serrano pepper and sriracha. For more heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or use a spicier chili like a jalapeño or habanero with the smokies (use caution!).
Understanding Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment: The Nebraska Legacy
For those unfamiliar with this beloved staple, let us introduce you to the magic that is Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment. More than just a dressing, it’s a piece of Nebraska history and a versatile condiment that has captured hearts for generations. Its story began in the 1940s at the Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska, where Dorothy herself crafted her homemade dressing for the restaurant’s patrons. Its unique and irresistible flavor quickly made it a local sensation, with people eagerly bringing their own bottles to be filled. Today, while still maintaining that cherished homemade taste, the renowned dressing is produced in a sprawling 64,000-square-foot facility in Duncan, Nebraska – a town with a population of just 351, a testament to its humble, local roots.
Dorothy Lynch is available in two popular varieties: the classic Home Style and a lighter Light & Lean option, catering to various dietary preferences. What truly sets it apart, beyond its incredible taste, are its health-conscious attributes: it contains no MSG, cholesterol, or trans fats, and it is proudly gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice for a wide range of consumers. It’s not just a dressing; it’s a heritage brand that brings authentic, comforting flavors to tables everywhere.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Dorothy Lynch
Due to its distinctive reddish-orange hue, many people might mistakenly assume Dorothy Lynch tastes similar to French dressing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While most French dressings are characterized by an oil base, Dorothy Lynch stands apart with its rich, vibrant tomato base. This fundamental difference gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and subtly spicy, thick, and wonderfully creamy. It truly tastes homemade, embodying a comforting familiarity that resonates with many. For those of us from Nebraska, like myself, a taste of Dorothy Lynch isn’t just a flavor; it’s a comforting reminder of home, evoking cherished memories and regional pride.
Where to Find Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Dressing
Ready to experience the versatility and deliciousness of Dorothy Lynch for yourself? This iconic dressing is readily available at most grocery stores across Nebraska, a true local favorite. Its popularity has also led to its availability in select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and HyVee. If you’re having trouble locating it on your local shelves, or simply prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily stock your pantry by ordering directly from Buy Nebraska or through Amazon. Getting your hands on this delightful condiment has never been easier!
To stay updated on new recipes, promotions, and all things Dorothy Lynch, make sure to follow them across their various platforms. Visit their official website and connect with them on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter for a continuous stream of delicious ideas throughout the year.
Discover All My Dorothy Lynch Recipes Here!
Now that you’re equipped with all the insights into this fantastic ingredient and an irresistible recipe, grab your Dorothy Lynch, and let’s create some unforgettable BBQ Little Smokies!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies
Equipment
-
12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
-
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
-
AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
-
Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Carribbean Blue)
-
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
For the Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha more if you want it spicy
- 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water optional for thickening
For the Little Smokies
- 2 12 ounce packages Beef Little Smokies
- 1 Serrano pepper chopped small
- 1/2 of a small red onion chopped
Instructions
-
To prepare the Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring and simmering for about 15 minutes. If you want the sauce to be thicker, stir in the cornstarch/water mixture and cook for a few minutes more.
-
Add the sauce, little smokies, onion, and pepper to a skillet give it a stir, cover and cook on your stovetop over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies are ready when they are heated through and the onion and pepper are tender.
Notes
To prepare in the oven, place little smokies, sauce, onion, and pepper in a casserole dish or in a cast-iron skillet, cover, and cook for 30 minutes at 350.
To prepare in your slow cooker, add ingredients to the cooker, cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
*** Store any leftover BBQ Little Smokies or BBQ sauce in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 4 days.