When I was a kid, I used to eat fresh snow right off the ground, thinking it was safe. Evidently, growing up I learned that this was pretty unhygienic. Snow can pick up dirt, dust, chemicals, and other impurities, making it risky to drink without treating it first. The good news is that, with a […]
When it comes to effortless appetizers that guests (and kids!) can’t stop reaching for, Little Smokies always top the list. These bite-sized smoked sausages are tender, savory, and incredibly versatile, making them the perfect recipe for holidays, game days, potlucks, or busy weeknight snacks. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the best Little Smokies recipe, plus tips, variations, serving ideas, and everything you need to create a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or want something quick and comforting, this easy Little Smokies appetizer will never let you down.
This little smokies 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, have your neighbors over to share the perfect appetizer, or use it 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 on a toothpick or bamboo skewer, 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!
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 need in the freezer, refrigerator, or pantry. My first step is always to double-check that I have everything I need.
Step Two: Add Smokies
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 Chili Sauce
Then, add the chili sauce on top of the links. Turn the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours. Use a heatproof tool to place them on your serving tray once they’re heated through! Everyone loves this recipe!
Grab a slow cooker and place the Little Smokies in it.
Add the grape jelly and chili sauce on the links.
Turn the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours.
Use a heat-proof tool to place them on your serving tray!
Notes
Everyone loves this recipe! 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
Why You’ll Love This Little Smokies Recipe
Effortless, 5 minutes of prep
Slow cooker or stovetop friendly
Sweet, tangy, smoky flavor everyone loves
Budget-friendly appetizer
Perfect for holidays, football parties, potlucks, and family movie nights
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for the Best Little Smokies
Use quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
Keep the crockpot on WARM during parties so guests can snack anytime.
Doubling the recipe? No problem, use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.
Serve with wooden toothpicks or mini forks for easy, mess-free snacking.
Little Smokies pair perfectly with:
Baked beans
Veggie trays
Sliders or mini buns
Mac and cheese
Charcuterie boards
Potato wedges or fries
Deviled eggs
Cornbread muffins
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Little Smokies
Add:
1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2. Brown Sugar Little Smokies
Add:
1/4 cup brown sugar
3. Honey Garlic Little Smokies
Add:
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves minced garlic or one teaspoon garlic powder
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 two months. 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 one I bought, shown above (Hillshire Farms Beef Lit’l Smokies), is 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 during 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 of water, bring to a boil, then drain. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir constantly.
Can I pan-fry these?
Yes, you can. Grab a frying pan, heat the links in a small amount of water until they are heated through, then 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 meaty-smoked 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.
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 own 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 reheating to enjoy. You simmer them in your favorite barbecue sauce on your stovetop in a saucepan or a slow cooker.
Little Smokies are one of those timeless appetizers that always deliver: easy to assemble, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or need something simple for a weeknight treat, this Little Smokies recipe is your new go-to. Make it sweet, savory, spicy, or smoky, and watch it become one of your most requested dishes year after year.
I hope you try my Little Smokies Recipe; let me know if you do and how they turn 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 for 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
If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or stress-related stomach issues, lemon balm might become one of your favorite herbs. This fragrant member of the mint family is known for its calming, antiviral, and stomach-soothing properties. And by turning it into a tincture, you can enjoy its benefits any time of year.
A lemon balm tincture is easy to make, shelf-stable, and very powerful. Unlike teas that you have to brew, tinctures are ready to use whenever you need a quick dose of herbal support. All you need to make it is some fresh lemon balm and alcohol. No fancy tools or complicated formulas.
This guide to making a lemon balm tincture is from the YouTube channel She Is Of The Woods. If you've never seen her videos, I highly recommend checking them out. Her name is April Graham and she's a well-known herbalist and off-grid expert who has been doing this kind of stuff ever since she was a little girl, when she learned from her grandmothers.
You can watch her video and read the instructions below.
What You’ll Need
Fresh lemon balm (not dried)
A clean glass jar (any size)
80–100 proof vodka (unflavored)
A knife or scissors
A label and marker (or tape and pen)
A cool, dark storage spot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Harvest and Sort Your Lemon Balm
Look for lemon balm in the wild or your garden. It smells like lemon drop candy and grows in patches like many mint-family plants. Choose healthy, green leaves and stems.
Once you’ve gathered your lemon balm:
Sort through it and remove any dead leaves, sticks, or bugs.
Make sure you only have clean lemon balm in your batch.
Step 2: Chop the Herbs
Give your lemon balm a light chop. You don’t need to mince it. Just break it down a bit to expose more surface area to the alcohol. This helps with extraction.
As April says, “Don't murder the plant.” Just give it a respectful chop.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Stuff the chopped lemon balm into your jar. You don’t need to pack it down tight, but you want the jar to be well-filled without large gaps.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
Pour 80 or 100 proof vodka over the lemon balm until the jar is completely full. You want the alcohol to cover the plant material completely to avoid oxidation (which can cause browning and spoilage).
If you're using 100 proof vodka (which is 50% water, 50% alcohol), the tincture will be shelf-stable and ready to use as-is once strained.
80 proof is fine, too. Just aim for the highest proof you can legally and easily buy.
You can use any size jar, from a small half-pint up to a big half-gallon, as long as you have enough alcohol to completely cover the herbs.
Step 5: Label It
Label your jar with:
The name of the herb
The date you made it
Optional: where you harvested it, batch number, or other notes
This helps you keep track of when it's ready and what’s inside, especially if you’re making multiple tinctures.
Step 6: Let It Sit
Place your jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for 6 to 8 weeks. Shake it occasionally if you remember, but it’s not essential.
Step 7: Strain and Store
After 6–8 weeks (or longer), strain out the plant matter using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Pour the finished tincture into clean, labeled dropper bottles or jars.
Store in a cool, dark place. It’ll last several years without refrigeration.
How to Use Lemon Balm Tincture
Standard usage is:
1–2 droppers full (about 30–60 drops)
Taken under the tongue or in a small amount of water
As needed for anxiety, upset stomach, or sleep support
Always start small and observe how your body responds.
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