There’s something magical about puff pastry—flaky, buttery, golden, and versatile. Now pair that with the savory pop of cocktail sausages and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, and you've got the ultimate party bite. Smokies in puff pastry with Dijon mustard isn’t just another finger food—it’s a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and the kind of snack that vanishes minutes after it hits the table. Whether you're planning your next get-together, scouting for crockpot appetizers, or looking to elevate your usual lil smokies recipes dinner idea, this is the one to bookmark.
Let’s face it: everyone loves little smokies recipes, and this version adds a gourmet twist while staying blissfully simple. Think of it as the elevated cousin of those beloved brown sugar smokies or your go-to bbq little smokies crockpot favorite.
Smokies in Puff Pastry with Dijon Mustard
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 18 minutes mins
Total Time 33 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, French
Servings 8 (makes about 32 bites)
Baking sheet A standard rimmed sheet works well
Parchment paper To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup
Sharp knife or pizza cutter For slicing the puff pastry
Pastry Brush For the egg wash
Small bowl To mix the egg and water
Rolling Pin Optional, for slightly thinning the puff pastry
- 1 package of cocktail sausages lil smokies or little smokies – about 14 oz
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry – thawed according to package directions
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – you can use smooth or whole grain
- 1 egg – for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water – to mix with the egg
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds – for sprinkling on top
- Optional dip: more Dijon mustard honey mustard, or even spicy ketchup
Prep the Puff Pastry
Thaw your puff pastry according to the package instructions—usually about 30–40 minutes at room temperature. Once it's pliable but still cold, place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it out just a little to even the edges.
Slice and Spread
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into rectangles about 2 inches wide and 3 inches long—perfect for wrapping around each lil smoky. Before placing the sausages, spread a thin line of Dijon mustard down the center of each strip.
Wrap the Smokies
Place one cocktail sausage at the edge of each pastry strip and roll it up snugly. Position the seam side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush and Sprinkle
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of each wrapped sausage with the egg wash. If you're using sesame or poppy seeds, now’s the time to sprinkle them over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and beautifully puffed. The sausage should be hot and the pastry crisp.
Serve with Style
Let them cool for just a couple of minutes—these little guys are molten straight from the oven! Serve with extra Dijon mustard or your favorite dipping sauces.
Pairings
These puff pastry smokies make an irresistible appetizer, but they also fit seamlessly into larger spreads. Here’s how to pair them up for a winning meal or party plate:
- With a Dip Trio: Offer Dijon mustard, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce for dipping. This lets everyone customize their experience.
- Sidekick to Chili: Serve them alongside a bowl of hearty chili for a cozy cold-weather meal.
- Game Day Spread: Add them to a platter with deviled eggs, nachos, and mini sliders for the ultimate football food feast.
- Grown-Up Grazing Board: Create a rustic charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and these pastry-wrapped sausages as the warm centerpiece.
- Holiday Brunch: Believe it or not, these make a killer addition to a brunch table next to scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
FAQs
1. What kind of sausages should I use for this recipe?
Cocktail sausages (often labeled as lil smokies or little smokies) are ideal. You can use either beef, pork, or turkey varieties depending on your preference. If you're trying a specific smokies recipe variation like bbq little smokies or lol smokies recipe, just make sure they aren’t too saucy before wrapping them in pastry.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the smokies in puff pastry a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh for best results. You can also freeze them before baking—just add an extra 4–5 minutes to the cook time.
3. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Try wrapping plant-based cocktail sausages in the same way. The flavors from the Dijon and puff pastry will still shine.
4. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
You sure can. Crescent roll dough is softer and more bread-like, while puff pastry is flakier. Crescent dough is often used in lil smokies recipes stovetop versions or in some crockpot lil smokies recipe spins, though it bakes better than it simmers.
5. How can I make this dish sweeter or spicier?
For a sweet-savory version, brush the pastry with a mix of Dijon mustard and a teaspoon of brown sugar before wrapping. Want spice? Add a dab of sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper into the mustard layer. Think of it as merging the best of brown sugar smokies with a spicy kick.
