The irresistible combination of smoky sausages bathed in a sticky-sweet BBQ and grape jelly glaze makes these Little Smokies an iconic appetizer. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, they’re a go-to recipe for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, and holiday spreads.
Perfect served on toothpicks, straight from the pan, or kept warm in a slow cooker, this dish delivers maximum flavor with zero stress. The sauce alone is reason enough to double the batch, it’s thick, tangy, and finger-licking good. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and comforting snack, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and crowd appeal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (14 oz) package of little smokies sausages
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1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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1/2 cup grape jelly
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a bit of tang)
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble.
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Add the little smokies to the saucepan and stir until they’re well coated.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. You can also keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting during parties.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Easy Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce – The Perfect Party Appetizer
When it comes to effortless appetizers that pack bold flavor into bite-sized morsels, nothing hits the spot quite like Little Smokies in BBQ sauce. This dish, also fondly referred to as “cocktail sausages” or “mini smokies,” is a staple at parties, potlucks, tailgates, and casual get-togethers for a good reason. These tiny sausages are cooked in a rich, sweet, tangy sauce typically made from barbecue sauce and grape jelly, creating a magical blend of flavors that’s hard to resist.
This dish’s charm lies in its simplicity. It uses pantry staples and requires almost no prep time. Whether you cook them on the stovetop or leave them warming in a slow cooker, they maintain their deliciousness for hours, making them ideal for serving at large gatherings where you want your guests to help themselves.
Let’s take a closer look at this beloved appetizer, its origins, why it works, how you can customize it, and why it deserves a spot on your table all year long.
What Are Little Smokies?
Little Smokies (also marketed as cocktail sausages or cocktail wieners) are miniature smoked sausages, usually made of pork, beef, or a combination of both. These sausages are fully cooked and sold in vacuum-sealed packages, which makes them a convenient ingredient for quick dishes.
Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for appetizers. Though small, they pack a punch of smoky, savory flavor and take on sauces and glazes beautifully, which is why they’re often used in slow cooker recipes or one-pot appetizers.
The Magic of BBQ and Grape Jelly Sauce
What makes this dish especially addictive is the surprising yet delicious combination of barbecue sauce and grape jelly. While it may sound unconventional at first, the contrast between the tangy, smoky barbecue sauce and the sweet, fruity grape jelly creates a well-balanced glaze that enhances the sausage’s natural flavors.
This combination is a prime example of the sweet-and-savory pairing trend that’s taken over modern cooking. The jelly adds body and sweetness to the sauce, while the BBQ sauce brings acidity, spice, and a depth of flavor. Optional additions like Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor even more for those who prefer a bolder profile.
Why This Recipe Works
There are many reasons why this easy Little Smokies recipe has become a go-to for busy cooks and party hosts:
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Minimal ingredients – Only 3–5 pantry staples are needed.
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No prep – No chopping, slicing, or marinating.
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Quick cook time – Done in under 25 minutes.
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Slow cooker friendly – Can simmer for hours with no fuss.
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Easy to scale – Whether you’re serving 6 or 60, just adjust the quantities.
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Kid-approved – The sweetness of the sauce makes it friendly for younger palates.
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Perfect for any event – From birthdays to barbecues to game nights.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can keep it simple with just BBQ sauce and jelly or build layers of flavor with a few additional ingredients. Here are some ideas:
1. Switch up the jelly:
If grape jelly isn’t your thing, try other fruit preserves like apricot, cranberry, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.
2. Spice it up:
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you want a spicy kick.
3. Use different sausages:
Though Little Smokies are the classic choice, you can substitute with sliced kielbasa, chorizo, or vegan mini sausages to suit different dietary preferences.
4. Add texture:
Mix in sautéed onions or serve with toothpicks alongside a crunchy slaw to create contrast in textures.
5. Garnish smartly:
Top with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds to make the dish visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Little Smokies in BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to serve them:
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As an appetizer:
Place them in a slow cooker or chafing dish and let guests grab them with cocktail sticks. -
As a slider filling:
Tuck a few into soft slider buns with a pickle slice for a kid-friendly mini sandwich. -
Over rice or mashed potatoes:
Serve the saucy sausages over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a quick lunch. -
In a lunchbox:
Pack a few in a thermos for an easy, warm snack on the go.
Hosting Tips for Serving Little Smokies
When planning to serve this dish at a gathering, here are some handy tips:
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Make ahead:
You can prepare the sauce and sausages a day ahead and reheat them when needed. -
Double or triple the batch:
This dish goes fast. Always make more than you think you’ll need! -
Keep them warm:
If you’re serving over an extended period, a slow cooker set to “warm” will keep the sausages at the perfect temperature without overcooking. -
Offer napkins:
These bite-sized treats can get sticky, especially when guests start going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a seasoned home cook, this recipe fits into your life with ease. It’s inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and satisfies a wide range of taste buds. The comforting flavor profile and nostalgic charm of cocktail sausages evoke memories of childhood parties and festive buffets.
It’s also one of those rare dishes that bridges the gap between kids and adults. Children love the sweet sauce, while adults appreciate the smoky depth and the surprising balance of flavors. It’s no wonder it has become a regular fixture at both casual and formal occasions alike.
Nutritional Note
While these BBQ Little Smokies aren’t exactly a health food, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced party spread. If you’re looking to make them lighter, consider using low-sugar barbecue sauce or turkey-based mini sausages. There are even vegetarian and vegan cocktail sausage options that work beautifully with this sauce.
Conclusion
Little Smokies in BBQ sauce is a timeless appetizer that checks all the boxes: flavorful, affordable, easy to make, and crowd-pleasing. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a game-day bash, planning a holiday buffet, or just need a quick, comforting snack to satisfy your cravings, this recipe delivers. Plus, the flexibility to adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs means it will stay relevant and loved for years to come.
So the next time you’re in need of a winning appetizer, remember this humble dish, you might already have everything you need sitting in your pantry.