This little smokies recipe is my favorite quick and easy appetizer to throw together last minute. It’s made with just 3 ingredients– cocktail sausages, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce– and it comes together in a snap. My guests never go hungry when I have these cocktail weenies on hand!

little smokies sausages in a white bowl with toothpicks.

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I love a super easy and super delicious appetizer, and this little smokies recipe ticks both boxes. It’s rich, flavorful, and dead simple to make. I coat cocktail sausages in sweet grape jelly and tangy BBQ sauce to create this lip-smacking appetizer. It’s the epitome of finger food and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Card

Little Smokies Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep: 1

Cook: 15

Total: 16

Servings: servings

Author: Becky Hardin

Print Rate

This little smokies recipe is my favorite quick and easy 3-ingredient appetizer to throw together last minute.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Ingredients

▢ 14 ounces little smokies sausages 1 package. Also known as cocktail sausages.
▢ 1/4 cup grape jelly I recommend classic Concord grape jelly over anything fancier.
▢ 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
14 ounces little smokies sausages,1/4 cup grape jelly,2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Allow the mixture to boil slightly.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the cocktail sausages are cooked through.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. The sauce will thicken on standing.
Top with parsley and serve with toothpicks.

Becky’s Tips

I used pork and chicken little smokies, but the beef ones also work well.
If you plan to make these for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just double (or triple!) all the ingredients. You may also need a large pan.
You can add some garnishes, such as cooked crumbled bacon or chopped parsley.
I highly recommend using your favorite brand of BBQ sauce, as this will contribute most of the flavor.
To make in a crockpot, try out my crockpot little smokies recipe.

Serving: 1servingCalories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 12gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 1111mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Little Smokies Step by Step

Heat the Sausages: Place 14 ounces (1 package) of little smokies sausages, 2 tablespoons of grape jelly, and 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to boil slightly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the cocktail sausages are cooked through. That’s it!

overhead view of cocktail sausages, grape jelly, and bbq sauce in a pan.

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How to Store Leftovers

On the rare instance you have leftover little smokies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

On game day, I like to serve these little smokies as part of my appetizer spread alongside some white queso, baked chicken wings, and bacon wrapped shrimp.