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    Home » Appetizer

    Best Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and Tailgates

    Published: May 5, 2024 · Modified: Aug 31, 2024 by Ginny Collins · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    These miniature smoked sausages aren’t just for game day. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great with toothpicks and a cold beer, but they also make some darn tasty crowd-pleasing dishes. Next time you don’t know what to bring to a potluck or you just want to cook something simple with a high yum factor, here are some of the best little smokies recipes to get you started.

    Contents hide
    1 1. Smoked Little Smokies
    2 2. Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
    3 3. Apple Jelly Smokies
    4 4. Saucy Stovetop Little Smokies
    5 5. Mississippi Lil’ Smokies
    6 6. Honey Garlic Little Smokies
    7 7. Dr. Pepper BBQ Little Smokies
    8 8. Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Smokies
    9 9. Asian BBQ Lil’ Smokies
    10 10. Grape Jelly Little Smokies
    11 11. Peach Barbecue Little Smokies
    12 12. Lil’ Smokies Pigs in a Blanket
    13 13. Air Fryer BBQ Lil’ Smokies
    14 14. Twice Smoked Raspberry Chipotle Lil’ Smokies
    15 15. Crockpot BBQ Beer Little Smokies
    16 16. 2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies
    17 17. Easy Cheesy BBQ Little Smokies Casserole
    18 18. Smoked Little Smokies Burnt Ends
    19 19. Easy Instant Pot Little Smokies
    20 20. Sweet Little Smokies Rolls
    21 21. Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies

    1. Smoked Little Smokies

    ©Kitchen Laughter

    Already smoky? Sure. But a few hours in the smoker kicks these bad boys up to a whole new level. We used raspberry preserves for the sauce so it has a delightful fruity and slightly tangy flavor.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Smoker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Little Smokies

    2. Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

    ©The Chunky Chef

    Bacon. Brown Sugar. Heat. Need I say more? Okay, fine, I will. These little bites are the perfect sweet, salty, and spicy combo that’ll have your guests fighting over the last one.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Oven

    ⌛Total Time: 40 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

    3. Apple Jelly Smokies

    ©Plain Chicken

    This classic combo of sweet and savory is always a hit. The apple jelly glaze also has a bit of Dijon mustard for a bit of tanginess to balance everything.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 20 minutes (stovetop) or 1 hour (slow cooker)

    ⭐Get Recipe: Apple Jelly Smokies

    4. Saucy Stovetop Little Smokies

    ©All My Good Things

    These flavorful little smokies are perfect for dipping! The sauce adds a delicious savory twist to this quick and simple recipe.

    Making little smokies on the stovetop is fast and convenient. This version is ready in a flash and delivers a sweet and tangy sauce that’ll have you lickin’ your fingers.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Stovetop

    ⌛Total Time: 25 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Saucy Stovetop Little Smokies

    5. Mississippi Lil’ Smokies

    ©Buns In My Oven

    Down South knows how to do it right! These lil’ smokies are more on the savory side with a bit of tang and spice. This might not be the fastest recipe but sometimes slow is the way to go!

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Mississippi Lil’ Smokies

    6. Honey Garlic Little Smokies

    ©Damn Delicious

    Sticky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. These honey garlic little smokies are the perfect finger food for any get-together. Just be prepared to make a double batch, because they’ll disappear fast!

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Stovetop

    ⌛Total Time: 40 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Honey Garlic Little Smokies

    7. Dr. Pepper BBQ Little Smokies

    ©Eazy Peazy Mealz

    Who knew your favorite soda could make such a darn good BBQ sauce? This recipe is sweet, smoky, and a little bit tangy thanks to all the other sauces and spices used – the perfect way to dress up those little smokies.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Dr. Pepper BBQ Little Smokies

    8. Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Smokies

    ©The Recipe Rebel

    Set it and forget it! These slow cooker smokies are bursting with that classic sweet and sour flavor we all love. The slow cooking makes them extra tender and juicy, and the addition of pineapple and peppers is a creative touch that will be well-loved.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Smokies

    9. Asian BBQ Lil’ Smokies

    ©Le Creme De La Crumb

    These lil’ smokies are gettin’ a flavor makeover, Asian-style! The sweet and savory BBQ sauce with a hint of spice, garlic, and lots of umami is a real crowd-pleaser.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Asian BBQ Lil’ Smokies

    10. Grape Jelly Little Smokies

    ©Meg’s Everyday Indulgence

    Don’t knock it till you try it! The combo of grape jelly and chili sauce might sound strange, but trust me, it works. These little smokies are sweet, savory, and surprisingly addictive.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Grape Jelly Little Smokies

    11. Peach Barbecue Little Smokies

    ©Sugar And Soul

    Summertime sweetness meets smoky BBQ goodness in these peach barbecue little smokies. The sauce is tangy, fruity, and downright delicious.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Peach Barbecue Little Smokies

    12. Lil’ Smokies Pigs in a Blanket

    ©Buns In My Oven

    A classic party appetizer gets a smoky twist! Wrap those little smokies in crescent roll dough and bake until golden brown. Or air fry them for faster results and less heat in the kitchen!

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Oven or Air Fryer

    ⌛Total Time: 25 minutes (oven) or 15 minutes (air fryer)

    ⭐Get Recipe: Lil’ Smokies Pigs in a Blanket

    13. Air Fryer BBQ Lil’ Smokies

    ©Pink When

    Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside! These air fryer smokies are a quick and easy appetizer for game day or any gathering. Toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce and get ready to snack.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Air Fryer

    ⌛Total Time: 15 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Lil’ Smokies

    14. Twice Smoked Raspberry Chipotle Lil’ Smokies

    ©Girls Can Grill

    Sweet, smoky, fruity, and a little bit spicy! These little smokies have a unique sauce that makes them a memorable crowd favorite. And they’re made in the smoker, which means even more smoky flavor. What’s not to love?

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Grill or Smoker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Twice Smoked Raspberry Chipotle Lil’ Smokies

    15. Crockpot BBQ Beer Little Smokies

    ©The Chunky Chef

    Set it and forget it! These slow cooker smokies are simmered in a rich and flavorful BBQ sauce with a hint of beer. They’re excellent for game day, potlucks, tailgates, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Crockpot BBQ Beer Little Smokies

    16. 2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies

    2-ingredient BBQ little smokies in a bowl, topped with fresh herbs.
    ©Culinary Hill

    Little smokies can’t get any easier than a 2-ingredient recipe. Pick your favorite tomato-based BBQ sauce and cook them in the slow cooker or on the stove if you want them ready faster. It’s that simple!

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 10 minutes (stovetop) or 1-2 hours (slow cooker)

    ⭐Get Recipe: 2-Ingredient Barbecue Little Smokies

    17. Easy Cheesy BBQ Little Smokies Casserole

    Close-up of cheesy little smokies casserole.
    ©Sweet C’s Designs

    Comfort food at its finest! This cheesy casserole is loaded with little smokies, gooey cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce on a bed of canned biscuits. Great for a potluck or a cozy night in.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Oven

    ⌛Total Time: 27 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Easy Cheesy BBQ Little Smokies Casserole

    18. Smoked Little Smokies Burnt Ends

    Smoked Little Smokies burnt ends on a sheet pan.
    ©Or Whatever You Do

    Burnt ends made easier with little smokies! These are smoked in 2 steps: once in a grill-safe pan, and a second time straight on the grill grates for a sticky crispy exterior that makes them even better.

    We love creative burnt ends recipes, and if you do too, you definitely have to try hot dog burnt ends and bologna burnt ends.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Smoker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Smoked Little Smokies Burnt Ends

    19. Easy Instant Pot Little Smokies

    Top view of instant pot little smokies in a white bowl.
    ©Margin Makin’ Mom

    Short on time? No problem! The instant pot will take care of your little smokies in no time. With a sweet and savory 3-ingredient sauce, you’ll have more time to relax or spend with friends instead of sweating in the kitchen.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Instant Pot

    ⌛Total Time: 21 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Little Smokies

    20. Sweet Little Smokies Rolls

    Close up of sweet little smokies rolls on a white plate.
    ©Spicy Southern Kitchen

    These sweet little smokies rolls are like pigs in a blanket but drenched in a sauce made of butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne. A sprinkle of pecans adds some crunch for a fun but unique party appetizer.

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Oven

    ⌛Total Time: 32-35 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Sweet Little Smokies Rolls

    21. Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies

    Brown sugar and bourbon little smokies in a white serving dish.
    ©Spend With Pennies

    Bourbon and BBQ? Yes, please! These little smokies are simmered in a brown sugar bourbon sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Me and Ginny are big fans of cooking with bourbon. I’m tempted to try these with our homemade smoked pumpkin bourbon BBQ sauce!

    👩‍🍳Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

    ⌛Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

    ⭐Get Recipe: Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies

    • smoked sausage in a bun with mustard, pickles and potato salad.
      Smoked Sausage
    • disposable aluminum pan on the grill with the breakfast casserole.
      Grilled Sausage Breakfast Casserole
    • Fully Cooked Beer Brats on Platter.
      Amazing Grilled Beer Brats
    • bowl of smoked lit'l smokies with a toothpick in one to serve as a party appetizer.
      Smoked Little Smokies With Raspberry Preserve
    Ginny Jumping in Tenerife
    Ginny Collins

    Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

    Best Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and TailgatesBest Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and TailgatesBest Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and TailgatesBest Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and TailgatesBest Little Smokies Recipes for Potlucks and Tailgates
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