If you’re seeking that perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer that flies off the platter at every party, meet your new go-to: Zesty Little Smokies. This irresistible dish blends smoky cocktail sausages in a sweet and tangy sauce that gets a kick of Dijon and Worcestershire. Each bite is drenched in bold flavor and just the right touch of heat (you’re in control!). Whether you’re prepping for a football game, a fun family gathering, or simply a casual night in, these Zesty Little Smokies guarantee happy faces and zero leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about a handful of big, bold flavors coming together in perfect harmony. Grab these pantry staples and you’ll be enjoying Zesty Little Smokies in practically no time, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in the flavor and texture profile.
- Cocktail sausages (Little Smokies): The star of the show; these bite-size smoked sausages provide the meaty, savory foundation for this classic appetizer.
- Barbecue sauce: Delivers a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky undertone which complements the sausages perfectly. Choose your favorite brand for a personal touch!
- Grape jelly: Adds a pop of sweetness and gives the sauce that glossy, luscious texture everyone loves.
- Dijon mustard: Brings zesty sharpness to balance the flavors and lifts the whole dish with a tiny punch of heat.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes deep umami and savory notes that round out the sweet and tangy elements beautifully.
- Hot sauce (optional): Great for those who like a bit more fire—customize the spice level to fit your crowd!
- Garlic powder: A small sprinkle transforms the sauce, lending warmth and depth to every bite.
How to Make Zesty Little Smokies
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
Grab a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat—no fancy equipment needed here! Pour in your barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce if you like it spicy, and the garlic powder. Give everything a good stir so the jelly melts smoothly into the mixture and the sauce becomes thick, shiny, and uniform. When the aroma starts to fill your kitchen, you’ll know you’re off to a fantastic start.
Step 2: Add the Smokies
Now, gently tip in the cocktail sausages. Stir to coat each one as generously as possible in your fabulous homemade sauce. You want those little sausages blanketed in all that zippy, sweet flavor. Keep the heat on medium until you see gentle bubbling—think of it as inviting the flavors to mingle and get cozy together.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once the sausages are warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly—typically 15 to 20 minutes on low heat—you’re ready for tasting! Give an occasional stir to make sure nothing sticks and that every sausage is gloriously coated. The zesty sauce will cling beautifully, ensuring each bite is just as flavorful as the last.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Transfer your Zesty Little Smokies to a serving dish, or move them to a slow cooker set on low if you’re hosting a party and want to keep them hot. Pop in some toothpicks for grab-and-go snacking, and watch them disappear in record time.
How to Serve Zesty Little Smokies
Garnishes
Give your platter a pop of color and zing with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions right over the top. If you want even more showstopper appeal, a tiny zesting of lemon or a scatter of chili flakes adds sparkle and an extra layer of flavor. These simple touches turn Zesty Little Smokies from tasty to totally irresistible.
Side Dishes
Balance out the bold flavors with mellow sides like creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or classic mac and cheese. For heartier appetites, set out a platter of soft rolls or mini buns and let guests build their own “smokies sliders” loaded with that addictive zesty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your entertaining game up a notch by serving Zesty Little Smokies in mini cast-iron skillets or crock-style bowls—perfect for rustic charm. If you really want to impress, skewer several sausages with cubes of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a playful party platter. Or tuck them into lettuce cups for a lighter, finger-friendly twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if!) you have any Zesty Little Smokies left, simply let them cool, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to four days—you might even find the flavors get even more vibrant as they sit overnight.
Freezing
Zesty Little Smokies are a dream for advance prep. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last happily in the freezer for up to two months. To avoid sticking, arrange the smokies in a single layer to freeze first, then combine them in a bag once solid.
Reheating
To reheat, place the smokies and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until piping hot. For quick fixes, a microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through. If you’re thawing from frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for Zesty Little Smokies?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and heat on low for 2 to 3 hours. This is perfect for parties and lets guests serve themselves warm appetizers all evening long.
Which barbecue sauce works best?
Any flavorful barbecue sauce will work, but those with a smoky or peppery profile really shine here. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spicy or honey-based sauces for a flavor twist!
How spicy are these Zesty Little Smokies?
The base recipe has just a hint of heat from Dijon and optional hot sauce. You can dial it up by adding more hot sauce, or swap it out for a milder experience—totally customizable!
Can I make Zesty Little Smokies ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the recipe as written, cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat gently on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in the microwave until hot throughout.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Keep them warm in a slow cooker set to “low,” and provide a bowl of toothpicks for easy snacking. They also pair beautifully with slider buns for heartier bites or arranged on skewers with cheese for a festive look.
Final Thoughts
When you need a sure-thing snack that sparks joy and conversation, you simply can’t beat Zesty Little Smokies. Their bold, saucy flavor and fun-size appeal make them a party classic your friends and family will rave about. Give them a try—you’ll be fielding recipe requests before the plate is empty!
Print
Zesty Little Smokies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Zesty Little Smokies are a perfect party appetizer that combines the sweetness of grape jelly with savory cocktail sausages in a tangy barbecue sauce. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Cocktail Sausages:
- 1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Barbecue Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
- Add Sausages: Add the cocktail sausages to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer gently, then cook on low for 15–20 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- You can keep the smokies warm in a slow cooker on low for parties.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference, or omit for a milder version.
- This recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
