By Becky Hardin
Updated Jul 10, 2025
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!
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.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 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
Video
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 .
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!
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 with some other favorites. I usually set them out alongside a creamy white queso with tortilla chips, crispy baked chicken wings tossed in buffalo sauce, and bacon wrapped shrimp for a slightly fancier touch. It’s a great mix of flavors and textures that keeps everyone happy, whether they’re there for the football or just the food!
More Sausage Appetizers to Try!
Air Fryer Sausage Balls
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Mexican Pinwheels
Sausage Rolls with Hot Pepper Jelly (Hogs in a Blanket)
Little Smokies Recipe
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.
Video
Notes
- 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 .
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
