Grape Jelly Little Smokies
18 CommentsJan 03, 2026
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Grape jelly little smokies are the easiest appetizer to make, with only three ingredients, and in a few hours, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I make this recipe, everyone asks for the recipe! They have no idea how simple it is.
What are little smokies?
Known as one of the most popular appetizers, little smokies are also known as cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies. They are much smaller than ordinary sausages and are perfect finger food. To me, they taste like smoked sausage.
These little smokies with jelly are a great recipe to start with if you never tried them. The sweet and savory aspect is amazing!
Often you will see grape jelly meatballs served; instead, surprise your guests with this little smokie version!
Key Ingredients
Little Smokies Cocktail Sausages – I use pork and chicken packs from the Hillshire brand (you can use beef or cheese too!). You can also use the store-brand.
Chili Sauce – made with ripened tomatoes, garlic, and spices. It’ll add the perfect flavor to this crockpot little smokies recipe. This is NOT a spicy sauce, it almost tastes like ketchup. You will find this near the ketchup and mustard at your grocery store.
Grape Jelly – you can use any brand of grape jelly. This does not make the recipe too sweet, along with the salty sausage and chili sauce, it’s a match made in heaven.
How to Make Grape Jelly Little Smokies
- Mix together the little smokies and sauces. Add the the slow cooker.
- Cook until hot and glossy, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Variations
Barbecue Sauce or Ketchup – instead of chili sauce, replace it with BBQ sauce or Ketchup. Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.
Spicy – if you’re looking to add some heat, consider sriracha, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Or you can add one minced jalapeno to jazz up this recipe.
Cranberry sauce – Swap out the grape jelly for one can of jellied cranberry sauce along with the chili sauce to create a festive appetizer.
Meat Swap: During the holidays, these little smokies can sell out – don’t fret, you can use 2 rings of kielbasa instead.
How to serve
- Appetizer – Grape Jelly Little Smokies are best served as an appetizer! Set out small plates next to your slow cooker and toothpicks for serving.
- Main Course – Yes, some do eat little smokies with grape jelly as the main course! I suggest a plain starchy side such as steamed white rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. A steamed green veggie or green salad will also even out your meal.
Can Hot Dogs be Used?
Yes! Hot dogs are a GREAT choice if you prefer. Slice the hot dogs into thirds, cutting them on an angle. Hot dogs soak up the sauce nicely and do not get soggy in the crockpot.
Grape Jelly Little Smokies Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 28 oz. Lit'l Smokies, two 14-oz. packages (I use pork and chicken) DRAIN WELL
- 18 oz. Concord grape jelly
- 12 oz. chili sauce
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions
- Drain the little smokies and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Add the chili sauce and grape jelly and stir. Or you can add everything to the slow cooker instead and stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH For 2.5-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with toothpicks for guests to eat the smokies with and enjoy!
Stove Top Instructions
- If you don't have a crockpot, you can put everything in a pot and cook them over medium-low to medium heat on the Stove Top. You'll need to stir it often to keep the sauce from sticking (and scorching).
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 4 days. Freeze (fully cooled) in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Apple Butter Little Smokies, BBQ Little Smokies, and Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are easy party bites that disappear fast.
Meatballs and Little Smokies and Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs bring that sweet-and-savory vibe that’s perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Bourbon Hot Dogs are a fun change-up when you want something warm, saucy, and snackable.
I’ve never made this but I’ve seen it made and I’ve had it at work when we had potlucks. I wonder if this would work with regular hot dogs?
Yes it should!
Making this today. Already looks great!
Im making for the weekend. If i want to make more smokies do i just add them, or do i need to add more jelly and chili?
So easy and so delicious!
I used three packages of smokies well drained in a colander. I used 12 oz of Chile sauce and 12 oz of grape jelly. The sauce was runny. The sauce was too tangy for me. Next time I’m going to use a different brand of sauce. All I could get was the store brand, everything else was sold out.
Is it ok to substitute grape jam for grape jelly?
Yes, grape jam will work great.
I have made these in my crockpot for years & the sauce became thick enough to stick to the lil smokies. The last couple of times, it has not thickened up & is so runny it doesn’t cling to the smokies at all. Very disappointing. I don’t know what has changed. I always drain my smokies well out of their packaging. Any ideas?
Too much jelly. Need equal parts jelly to chili sauce
I agree that 18 oz. of jelly is too much. I don’t mind having some left over – one doesn’t need to use up the entire jar.
You can also increase the amount of sauce. Frankly if I ever make this recipe I might make the BBQ variation using the whole bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ sauce which typically comes in 18-oz. bottles (used that brand and flavor for the Dr. Pepper ribs recipe on this site and it was absolutely delicious…I think I’m in love with SBR’s Sweet & Smoky LOL)
I made these for a pot luck on Holy Thursday and they were very popular (no leftovers) though it seemed even with equal parts BBQ sauce to jelly it was still a bit runny…probably has to do with the way the jelly liquefies when heated. I’m wondering if maybe some cornstarch dissolved in some cold water might help thicken it a little more.
It’s supposed to be 12 oz of grape jelly, not 18 oz!
They don’t make 12 oz. jars of grape jelly where I live (any where). You can use 12 ounces if you choose though.
You may be interested to know that Grape Jelly comes in several sizes:
Smuckers 18 oz
Welches Squeeze 20 oz
Welches Concord 30 oz
Polaner 17.66 oz
Welches Concord 18oz.
This is not a scientific recipe, more a guideline and a matter of taste. If you like sweet, increase the jelly, if you like tangy increase the chili sauce. I make mine on the stove with the small package of cocktail sausages, about 1/2 jar of jelly and about 1/2 jar of chili sauce or cocktail sauce if that what is in the fridge. They simmer for hours giving the house wonderful aroma.
If you’re looking for equal balance between sauce and jelly you can use also use the whole bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce which usually comes in 18-oz. bottles and is likely what I’ll be using instead of Heinz chili sauce as I think I’m addicted to SBR’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ sauce 🙂