Little Smokies Recipe

This little smokies appetizer recipe is so old; you’ve probably made or eaten these gems at a party. I wish you could smell my kitchen; it smells so good! I love appetizers, but this is a great after-school treat for my grandkids.

Here’s the deal: these little smokies were on sale, so I thought, wait, let’s buy a bunch and put these to good use! We are all concerned with recent events in our local area and worldwide. Let’s step back and make a treat for the family or have your neighbors over to share the perfect appetizer or as one of many side dishes for guests on game day. Life must still go on, so here we go!

This Little Smokies Recipe is a sweet and tangy little hot dog served with a toothpick or bamboo stick and ready to eat. What’s not to love?

If you keep some little smokies in your freezer and a couple of jars of jelly and chili sauce in your pantry, this is an easy recipe to make and take to any get-together. These are perfect for family reunions!

In case you missed this post, Little Smokies Pigs In A Blanket

Kitchen Items You May Need:

• Slow Cooker: I used my 3-1/2 Quart Slow Cooker
• Toothpicks or Bamboo Forks

Little Smokies Recipe

Step One: Gather Ingredients

This recipe has three ingredients, and it’s so easy to make! I love simple recipes that can be prepared in a hurry before cooking, and when I have all of the ingredients, I’ll need in the freezer, refrigerator, or pantry. My first step is always to double-check that I have everything I need.

Step Two: Put Smokies in the Slow Cooker

Grab a slow cooker and place the Little Smokies in it.

Step Three: Add Grape Jelly

Add the grape jelly on top of the links.

Step Four: Add Chile Sauce

Then, add the chili sauce on top of the links. Turn the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours. Use a heat-proof tool to place them on your serving tray when heated through! Everyone loves this recipe!

Little Smokies Recipe

How do I store these after cooking them?

I use an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will be good as leftovers for 1-2 days when stored correctly in the fridge.

Can I freeze them after cooking them?

Yes, you can. Store what you can’t eat in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw the freezer container in the refrigerator the day before you need it.

Are the Little Smokies precooked?

I’m not sure about other brands, but the brand I bought which is shown above (Hillshire Farms Beef Lit’l Smokies) are precooked and ready to reheat and serve.

How many links are in ONE bag shown above (1.5 pounds)?

Curious, I counted the links; one package had 55 smokies. Please remember that no one will stop after eating just one little smokie! LOL! Ours disappeared in just a few minutes as part of dinner.

Can I cook these without a slow cooker?

OVEN: You can bake these (with the ingredients above) in the oven in a baking pan at (350°F) = (176°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

STOVETOP: Place the links in a large saucepan filled with water, bring them to a boil, then drain them. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce and simmer until the sauce is cooked. Stir constantly.

Can I pan-fry these?

Yes, you can. Grab a frying pan, heat the links with a small amount of water until heated through, and drain. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce and simmer until heated through.

Are Lil Smokies hot dogs?

Pretty much, my friends. They are miniature hot dogs. They are great for snacks or appetizers. I recommend stocking your freezer with two or three bags for a last-minute dish to take to a party. Have a few jars of grape jelly and chili sauce on hand, and you are set.

What are these made out of?

Hillshire Farms, Hillshire Farm Little Smokies Smoked Sausages are the perfect snack. Made with farmhouse quality cuts of beef and smoked to perfection, this cocktail sausage is fully cooked and bursting with meat-smoked sausage flavor. Heat these cocktail weenies on the stove, microwave, or oven for a fun snack. Use these beef sausages to create appetizers, such as pigs in a blanket.

There may be similar products to these beef little smokies made from pork or chicken, but I love the flavor and texture of these in my recipe. When it comes to the sauce you cook them in, use creativity and create your combination.

How many calories are in 5 links?

The links without sauce state (on the Hillshire Farms package) that five links are about 200 or 40 calories each.

Do these need to be cooked?

The ones pictured above are Hillshire Farms and only need to be reheated to enjoy them. You simmer them in your favorite barbecue sauce on your stovetop in a saucepan or a slow cooker.

What goes well with Little Smokies?

• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice
• Roasted Vegetables
• Baked French Fries
• Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Potatoes
• Cheesy Potatoes

Final Word

I hope you try making my Little Smokies Recipe; let me know if you try making them and how they turned out. It’s a great recipe to teach our kids and grandkids to cook from scratch. Yes, this is an appetizer, but every recipe is a class in cooking, right? We all enjoy finger foods during the holidays, so why not make these or your next party or potluck contribution? Thanks for reading my blog today, and please keep stocking up and stay safe. May God Bless this world, Linda