Get ready to meet your new go-to party favorite: Zesty Little Smokies! This crowd-pleasing appetizer is outrageously easy to put together but packs impressive flavor into every bite. Cocktail sausages are simmered in a sticky, tangy blend of barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard with just the right kick from Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of spices. The result? A glossy batch of irresistible bites that disappear faster than you can say “pass the toothpicks”—making Zesty Little Smokies a must-have for any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated shopping lists here! The beauty of Zesty Little Smokies is in how a handful of pantry basics come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient plays its own delicious part—bringing sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes to the table in perfect harmony.
- Cocktail sausages (Little Smokies): These bite-sized smoked sausages are the star of the show, delivering juicy snap and deep savory flavor.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade variety for smoky, tangy undertones and a glossy finish.
- Grape jelly: This brings a subtle sweetness that balances out the tang of the sauce and makes each bite deliciously sticky.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of sharpness and a layer of complexity that elevates the whole dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: For a savory, almost umami depth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Offers gentle aromatic warmth and a savory backbone without overpowering the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Toss these in if you like a gentle heat that tingles but never overwhelms.
How to Make Zesty Little Smokies
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by setting a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and, if you want a touch of heat, the red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and let the grape jelly melt completely. As soon as you see the sauce turning smooth and glossy, it’s ready for the next step!
Step 2: Coat the Sausages
Add your cocktail sausages straight into the bubbling sauce and give them a few gentle tosses. You want every sausage luxuriously coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. Already, the kitchen starts to smell mouthwatering.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Allow the mixture to come up to a light simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Let everything cook for 20 to 25 minutes, giving an occasional stir. This isn’t just about warming up the sausages—the sauce reduces just enough to get irresistibly clingy and luscious.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Zesty Little Smokies are deeply saucy and piping hot, they’re ready to take center stage. Serve them straight from the pot with plenty of toothpicks, or transfer them to a warm bowl for easy nibbling.
How to Serve Zesty Little Smokies
Garnishes
To make your Zesty Little Smokies extra eye-catching, sprinkle them with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving. For a flavor punch, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of hot sauce can add fun variety to this already-snappy appetizer.
Side Dishes
Pair these saucy bites with piles of fluffy rice, piles of kettle-cooked potato chips, or a crisp veggie platter to keep things fresh and vibrant. They also work beautifully served next to mac and cheese or as a meaty addition to a game day buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Zesty Little Smokies some festive flair by threading them onto small skewers with cubes of cheese or crunchy pickles. Serve them in mini slider buns for adorable party bites, or tuck them into warm tortillas with slaw for a playful twist on street tacos. Their versatility means you can make them the star at any style of gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Zesty Little Smokies store beautifully! Let them cool completely, then transfer the sausages and sauce to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to four days without losing their signature zing.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? You can freeze Zesty Little Smokies for up to two months. Just pack them with sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive that just-made flavor, reheat Zesty Little Smokies gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re feeding a crowd, a slow cooker on low works perfectly and keeps them piping hot for hours. For single portions, the microwave does the trick—just use short intervals and stir between blasts to keep things even and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?
Absolutely! Just combine all the sauce ingredients in your slow cooker, add the sausages, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This is the perfect option if you want to prepare Zesty Little Smokies ahead of a party or keep them warm for serving.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Go with your favorite—smoky, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce all work well. If you like things extra zesty, choose one with chipotle or add a dash of hot sauce for a bolder twist in your Zesty Little Smokies.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Most cocktail sausages are gluten-free, but double-check labels to be sure. Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and you’ll have gluten-free Zesty Little Smokies everyone can enjoy.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
Feel free to swap in apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or even orange marmalade for different spins on the classic Zesty Little Smokies flavor. Each option brings its own subtle flair to the sweet-tangy balance.
How can I make these even zestier?
The easiest way is to add a hearty splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of prepared horseradish to the sauce. This amps up both the tang and the heat, perfect for guests who love a bold bite in their Zesty Little Smokies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deliciously simple appetizer guaranteed to disappear at any party, Zesty Little Smokies are impossible to beat. With their glossy, zippy sauce and effortless preparation, there’s every reason to give these a try—just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe!
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Zesty Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Zesty Little Smokies is a flavorful appetizer featuring cocktail sausages cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Cocktail Sausages:
1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
Sauce:
1 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup grape jelly, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook Sausages: Add the cocktail sausages and stir to coat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer.
Notes
- These can also be made in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours.
- For extra zest, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of horseradish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 batch
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
