Smokies are a classic BBQ appetizer that are always a crowd pleaser. Also known as little smokies or cocktail wieners, they are mini smoked sausages cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Making delicious bbq smokies at home is easy to do, and a great idea for parties, game day, or any time you want an easy to make and fun finger food. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have an appetizer ready in under an hour that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients Needed for BBQ Smokies
Making bbq smokies is simple because you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here is what you’ll need:
- Little smokies or cocktail wieners – buy these precooked so they just need to be warmed and coated in sauce. Get the mini smoked sausages rather than the uncooked breakfast links.
- Grape jelly – for sweetness and characteristic smoky flavor.
- Ketchup or BBQ sauce – for tanginess, color, and more barbecue flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – for depth of flavor.
- Brown sugar – adds sweetness and depth.
- Butter or oil – for cooking the sausages.
Optional mix-ins:
- Hot sauce – for a kick.
- Mustard – for tang.
- Chili sauce – for extra flavor.
- Liquid smoke – to reinforce smoky taste.
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, etc.
Step-By-Step Guide for Making BBQ Smokies
Follow these simple steps for perfect bbq cocktail wieners every time:
1. Cook the Little Smokies
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. When melted, add the package of little smokies and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and warmed through. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Alternatively, you can warm them in the slow cooker or microwave if desired. Just cook until heated through.
2. Make the Sauce
While the sausages cook, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the grape jelly, ketchup or bbq sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and any other desired ingredients except the butter.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let bubble for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and combined.
3. Coat the Sausages
Once the little smokies are cooked, add them to the sauce. Gently stir and fold to coat all the sausages completely.
4. Simmer in the Sauce
Let the coated sausages simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up and glazes the smokies.
5. Keep Warm
Transfer the bbq smokies to a slow cooker or warming tray to keep warm and coated in sauce for serving.
Pro Tip: Reserve some of the sauce before adding the sausages, then drizzle over the cooked appetizers before serving for extra flavor and sheen.
Serving Suggestions
Bbq cocktail wieners make for easy serving at parties and game days. Here are some ideas:
- Serve warm in a slow cooker or warming tray for buffet-style gatherings. Provide small plates and toothpicks or small forks.
- Spear with toothpicks or small skewers for passable finger-food.
- Place in a serving dish and provide small plates and napkins for self-service.
- Serve in disposable shot glasses or small cups for easy grab-and-go bites.
- Pair with snacks like crackers, chips, pretzels or cornbread for a little smoky sampler plate.
- Offer plastic shot glasses filled with sauce for dipping smokies.
- Set up a nacho bar with smokies as a topping option along with chili, cheese, salsa, etc.
- Make slider sandwiches on mini buns topped with extra sauce.
No matter how you serve them, bbq cocktail wieners are sure to satisfy! Keep warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish so they stay ready anytime a craving strikes.
Flavor Variations
The great thing about these appetizers is how customizable they are simply by switching up the sauce. Try these flavor ideas:
Tangy
- Grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar
- Grape jelly, bbq sauce, lemon juice, garlic
- Chili sauce, orange marmalade, mustard, vinegar
Spicy
- Grape jelly, ketchup, Sriracha, cayenne pepper
- Strawberry jelly, Frank’s red hot sauce, brown sugar
- Chili sauce, pineapple preserves, crushed red pepper
Smokey
- BBQ sauce, grape jelly, liquid smoke, bacon bits
- Ketchup, strawberry jam, smoked paprika, cumin
- Chili sauce, mesquite seasoning, Worcestershire
Sweet
- Apricot preserves, ketchup, maple syrup, chipotle
- Orange marmalade, honey, Dijon mustard
- Pineapple jelly, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
- Look for lower sugar jellies to cut down on sweetness if desired.
- Add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- For spicy smokies, mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Cook and stir over very low heat at the end to avoid scorching or burning.
- Chill leftover sauce to save for dipping or spreading on sandwiches.
- Customize flavors based on what’s on hand – any jelly or jam works.
- Substitute cocktail sausages for the little smokies.
- Mix and match different sauces and jams.
- Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds or crispy bacon bits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making BBQ Smokies
Making delicious bbq cocktail wieners is easy, but you may have some questions if this is your first time. Here are some commonly asked questions with answers:
Why use grape jelly?
The grape jelly is important for both texture and flavor. It provides a sweetness and smoothness that complements the smoky sausages. During cooking, the jelly melts into a glaze that coats each piece.
Can I use a different jelly or jam?
Absolutely! Grape jelly is the most popular option, but any flavor jelly, jam or preserves can work. Strawberry, apricot, orange, pineapple and cherry all make good substitutes. Just reduce any other sweet ingredients if using an extra sweet fruit spread.
How long does it take?
From start to finish, you can have tasty bbq smokies in under an hour. It only takes about 5 minutes of cooking for the sausages, and another 10 minutes or so for simmering in the sauce. The sauce itself comes together in just 5 minutes on the stovetop.
Should the sauce be thick or thin?
The ideal consistency is a glazy coating that sticks to the sausages. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for longer to reduce and thicken. If it gets overly thick like caramel, thin it with a splash of ketchup, vinegar or water.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish completely then keep warm in a slow cooker or warming tray for up to 2 hours. You can also refrigerate for 3-4 days and reheat gently before serving. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of water or sauce when reheating if needed.
How long do they keep after cooking?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low. Add a bit of water or extra sauce if the glaze has hardened.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to 5 days ahead. Store covered in the fridge then warm over low heat when ready to use. You can also freeze extra sauce for up to 3 months.
Additional Delicious Appetizer Ideas
In addition to bbq cocktail wieners, consider serving up some of these other crowd-pleasing appetizers:
- Meatballs in grape jelly or barbecue sauce
- Sausage balls with cheese
- Deviled eggs with paprika
- Spinach artichoke dip with pita chips
- Chili cheese nachos
- Chicken wings with ranch or blue cheese dip
- Hawaiian pineapple chicken skewers
- Shrimp cocktail with lemon and cocktail sauce
- Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers
- Caprese salad skewers with mozzarella
- Cheesy bacon ranch potato skins
- assorted finger sandwiches
- Fruit and cheese skewers
Whatever you serve, bbq cocktail wieners are sure to be a favorite! Make a big batch because they will go fast.
Conclusion
BBQ smokies made with grape jelly, ketchup and mini sausages are a quintessential party pleaser. With just 5 ingredients and 5 easy steps, you can have these crowd-favorites ready in under and hour. Simply cook the little smokies, whip up a sweet and tangy sauce, simmer to coat, and keep warm for serving anytime. Feel free to get creative with different jellies, spices, mustards and more to customize the flavor. Serve alongside other appetizers or on their own with picks and napkins. However you make and serve them, these saucy bites of BBQ goodness never disappoint!