Oscar Mayer, Smokies Sausage Little Cheese (pork, turkey)
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
These are bite-sized, smoky pork and turkey sausages with a molten cheddar cheese center, encased in a taut, snappy casing. Each piece delivers a juicy burst of savory, salty meat followed by a creamy, mild cheese pull. Nutritionally, they are a high-fat, high-protein snack with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 17% protein · 2% carbs · 81% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore them for the satisfying textural contrast—the snap of the casing, the juicy sausage, and the gooey cheese core. They are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing party appetizer and a versatile ingredient that adds instant smoky, savory flavor to any dish.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high saturated fat and sodium content may be a concern for those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. To counteract, practice strict portion control (stick to 2-3 pieces as a snack) and pair them with fiber-rich vegetables like a large green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the meal and promote satiety.
Key benefits
- High in protein for muscle maintenance
- Provides a quick, calorie-dense energy source
- Zero carbohydrates makes it keto and low-carb friendly
- Convenient, pre-cooked protein source
- Contains calcium from the cheese filling
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Little Smokie' format became a party staple in the 1960s, often served in a slow cooker with grape jelly and chili sauce—a sweet-and-spicy combination that remains a beloved holiday tradition in parts of the United States.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 53.2 g |
| Energy | 315 kcal |
| Energy | 1316 kj |
| Protein | 13.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 28.2 g |
| Ash | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 1.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.30 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 67.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 248 mg |
| Potassium, K | 152 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1036 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.30 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 11.2 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.59 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 7.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 13.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.77 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 12.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.17 g |
| Cholesterol | 67.0 mg |
FAQ
Are these the same as Lit'l Smokies?
Yes, 'Lit'l Smokies' is a trademarked brand name by Hillshire Farm (now Tyson Foods) for a very similar product. Oscar Mayer's 'Smokies' are a direct competitor in the same category of small, smoked sausages.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any unused, uncooked sausages in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or by simmering in sauce to prevent the cheese from leaking out too quickly.
Can I use these in a slow cooker recipe?
Absolutely. They are perfect for slow cooker appetizers. The key is to add them in the last 1-2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft and losing their signature snap.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.15 kcal/g · 17% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 6.82 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.