Little Smokies Recipe

This little smokies recipe is so old, you’ve probably made it 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! I’m well aware we are all concerned with recent events going on in the world, but let’s step back and make a treat for the family. Or have your neighbors over to share them. 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 literally has three ingredients, it’s so easy to make! I love recipes that are simple, 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 to always double-check that I have everything I need.

Step Two: Put Smokies in 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. When heated through, use a heat-proof tool to place them on your serving tray! 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 for 1-2 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.

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 them.

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)?

Just out of curiosity I counted the links, one package had 55 smokies. Please keep in mind, 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 cook these (with 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 and bring them to a boil, then drain them. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce and simmer until the sauce is cooked through. Stir constantly.

Can I pan-fry these?

Yes, you can. Grab a frying pan and heat the links with a little water until heated through, 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 to have on hand 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?

I quote, 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 beef smoked sausage flavor. Heat these cocktail weenies on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven for a fun snack. Use these beef sausages to create appetizers, such as pigs in a blanket.

How many calories are in 5 links?

The links alone without any sauce states (on the Hillshire Farms package) 5 links is about 200 calories, or about 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 in 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? Please keep stocking up, and stay safe. May God Bless this world, Linda