Grape Jelly Little Smokies (One Pot)

Quick and easy grape jelly little smokies recipe that's ready in 30 minutes in one pot on the stovetop, using simple ingredients.

These are a hit at every party I host. Also known as grape jelly cocktail weenies or cocktail smokies, they make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish that is sure to please your guests. They are perfect for serving at the Super Bowl, movie night, game night and especially football season. It's just as delicious as these other smokies appetizers: Crockpot Little Smokies (Cocktail Sausages) and Easy Pigs in a Blanket.

Key Ingredients

• Barbecue sauce- Use your favorite type.
• Grape jelly- You can also use grape jam.
• Salt- Adjust according to your preference.
• Pepper- Adds just a little spice that can be adjusted.
• Garlic powder- Brings in a complimentory undertone.
• Paprika- Adds both color and flavor.
• Chili Sauce- This is optional but adds a kick.
• Mini sausages- A perfect size for snacking.

Variations

• Add different herbs and spices- That you already have in your pantry to give it a completely different flavor profile, every time.
• Mustard version- Add 1-2 tablespoon mustard paste to the mix.
• Spice them up- By adding in 1-2 tablespoon chili sauce, Sriracha sauce or some red chili flakes.
• Sweet and sour- Replace jelly with crushed pineapples.
• Ketchup version- Add ¼ cup ketchup for a tomato flavor.
• Sweeten them- By adding in brown sugar, honey, or molasses. You can even omit the jelly and just use brown sugar.
• Use a crockpot/Slow cooker- I recommend using a liner in your crockpot to make clean up a breeze.
• Substitute grape jelly- With apricot or cranberry jam/jelly for a different fruity flavor.
• Pigs in a blanket- Cut crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll the meat in the them and bake for 12 – 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
• Bacon wrapped- You can also wrap smokies in bacon and bake them for a delicious, savory snack.
• Garlic version- Add 1-2 tablespoon finely minced garlic for a different flavor profile.
• Mac and Cheese- Make this recipe and add it to some store bought or homemade macaroni and cheese. You can cut up the sausages into smaller pieces, reduce the sauce, and just make it your own, but the cheesy and smokey flavors compliment each other wonderfully.

How to make grape jelly mini sausages

1. Mix all ingredients together- Excluding sausages, into a non-stick saucepan.
2. Stir in sausages- So they are fully coated.
3. Cook on high- Until cooked through.

What to serve with cocktail weenies?

They are usually enjoyed on their own but you can serve them with:

• Green leafy salads- Such as this Best Summer Salad One Bowl), Easy Green Salad (One Bowl), or Easy Pear Salad (One Bowl)
• Coleslaw- Like this Creamy Coleslaw (One Bowl), Apple Coleslaw (One Bowl), or Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw (One Bowl).
• Mixed Beans- Including Three Bean Salad (One Bowl), Green Beans with Bacon (One Pot), or Green Beans and Potatoes (One Pot).
• Potatoes/sweet potatoes- Which includes so many different options like Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe (One Pot), Mashed Sweet Potatoes (One Pot), fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries (One Pan), or even Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (One Pot) for a vegetarian version.
• Grilled/baked vegetables- Such as Oven Roasted Vegetables (One Pan), Oven Roasted Broccoli (One Pan), Grilled Corn on the Cob, or even Boiling Corn on the Cob (One Pot).
• Pasta salad- Like this Basil Pesto Pasta Salad (One Bowl), Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta (One Pot) , or Italian Tortellini Salad (One Bowl).
• Breakfast items- Some people like to eat this as a breakfast dish, but you can also pair it with other breakfast foods, like fruit, Creamy Grape Salad, or Crispy Breakfast Potatoes (One Pan).

Tips and techniques

• If your sauce is too thin- Cook for longer on medium heat until the liquid is reduced.
• If your sauce is too thick- Add a little water to thin it out.
• For a party- You can double or triple this recipe to serve a bigger crowd.
• Adjust the amount of chili paste- Based on your preference or you can also omit it entirely.
• If you don’t have mini sausages- You can easily find them at Walmart, but if you are in a pinch and need to use something else, hot dogs cut in smaller pieces or other sliced sausages of your choice work well. Each will have a different flavor, but still delicious. Meatballs are also a great substitute. In fact, you may like to make these Cocktail Meatballs (One Pot).
• Brand preference- I don't have a huge preference on the brand of sausage to get for this dish, though many say they prefer Hillshire. Just keep in mind that the higher quality, the better.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Room temperature- When dealing with any meat, you don't want to leave it out for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerate- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
• Freeze- Allow to cool, then place in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Make ahead- You can make these smokies up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat- They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Other One Pot Appetizers

• One Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip (One Pot)
• Crispy Fried Cheese Curds (One Pan)
• Stuffed Mini Peppers (One Pan)
• Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips (One Pan)
• Mini Cheese Balls (One Bowl)

Recipe