Growing up in Wisconsin, sausage and cheese are staples at the family dinner table.
In fact, last week, I came across some little smokies turkey sausages marked down, so I whipped them up with just some bbq sauce and sauteed onions for dinner.
Yes, “appetizers” for dinner is always a hit.
Little Smokies Cocktail Sausage Appetizers have been a staple at family gatherings for decades, and there’s always a new variation of making them. Honestly, I can’t keep them all straight, so I am giving you a few choices.
Once you make them, you can tweak them to your preference and taste will vary greatly based on the BBQ sauce that you pick, so go for the good stuff. The sauces are equally delicious with meatballs, so you really get two appetizer ideas from this one recipe. Also know that family members have been known to add a little beer to change up the flavor as well. Yes, so many options.
Little Smokies Cocktail Sausage Appetizer
- 2 (16 ounce) packages Cocktail wieners
- 1 (8 ounce) jar grape jelly
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque
OR
- 2 packages Cocktail wieners, little smokies
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Combine grape jelly and barbeque sauce in a slow cooker (or grape jelly and chili sauce).
Stir in the miniature smoked sausage links. Making sure that the sauce covers the meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or High, 2 to 3 hours, until heated thoroughly. You may also do this on the stove top simmering well for 2-3 hours or until needed. The jelly flavor completely melds into a delightful sauce with time, so it needs the full time to miss thoroughly.
OR
- 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 2 (16 ounce) packages little wieners
Follow same directions as above. Mixing ingredients into crock pot and cooking.
I use grape jelly and ketchup and put them in the crockpot – super easy and always a hit! 🙂
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Jen Reply:
February 3rd, 2014 at 9:20 am
@Tracy, oh that’s great to know. Ketchup is one of my favorite food groups, so I bet it would be equally as good as BBQ sauce. 🙂
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My family uses apple jelly and chili sauce for Smokies and meatballs–use the crockpot and it is ready whenever you are.
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My husband and boys LOVE these!! And yes they’re pretty great for game days and parties!! They’re also super easy but smart to bring to family reunions (everybody loves them)☺ Yep, they’re always a HUGE hit!!~~♥Angie
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We have always boiled them in beer (doesn’t matter what kind, they get drained anyway), added BBQ (Sweet Baby Ray’s is our fav), and add a can of chunk pineapple with juice. Just mix and keep warm in crock.
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My family has been making these for as long as I can remember, but we use grape jelly and yellow mustard. Sounds weird, but it’s amazing. Haven’t met a single peron who’s tries it and not liked it 🙂
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Jen Reply:
October 25th, 2014 at 11:04 am
I can imagine how that would be super yummy. Thanks for sharing that option. 🙂
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Jane Reply:
December 30th, 2014 at 7:49 pm
I was reading your variation of the wienie sauce. Is that 8 oz of grape jelly? And how much mustard do you use.
I think this is the variation I’ve had before, but just didn’t know measurements to make it. Thinking of taking it to a new years eve party.
Thanks!!
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I’m planning on making these for a party tomorrow. What is the importance of the grape jelly? I was just gonna do our favorite BBQ sauce, until I pintrested to find a cooking time and saw this.
Would it be horrible without the jelly?
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Jen Reply:
October 27th, 2014 at 6:41 pm
I don’t think so. BBQ sauce is good with everything, but the grape jelly just gives it a delicious twist. You don’t even know it’s there.
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My sister used to make these; always a hit. I have also done apricot preserves with BBQ sauce (usually with meatballs). It’s really good, too.
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I have make these for years using Apple Jelly and Mustard. When I cook party meatballs I use the Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce. Crock Pot makes preparing these a breeze too.
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Jen Reply:
August 24th, 2017 at 10:19 am
Love the twist using apple jelly. I bet it’s so yummy that way.
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