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Barbecue little smokies are the ultimate party snack—quick, easy, and always a hit. Tossed in a tangy, flavorful sauce, these little appetizers are sure to please!
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Barbecue little smokies are one of our favorite go-to appetizers for parties, holidays, and game days. They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and always disappear fast. The tangy, flavorful sauce made with just a few simple ingredients is what makes them so irresistible!
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a dish to bring to a potluck, these little smokies are a perfect choice. Serve them straight from the slow cooker to keep them warm or transfer them to a dish and set out toothpicks for easy snacking.
Ingredient Notes
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need, along with a few notes.
- Little smokie sausages – we like to use the Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies—beef, pork and chicken, or the cheddar.
- Ketchup – Heinz is our go-to for this homemade barbecue sauce. Other brands don’t quite taste the same.
- Dressing – Western salad dressing is the best option for creating the tangy barbecue sauce. Be sure to use regular dressing, not light.
- Lemon juice – just a splash. This is optional, but adds to the flavor.
- Pepper – a dash of black pepper, also optional.
See the recipe card for full list with amounts
Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Large saucepan or slow cooker
- Spoon
- Serving bowl, optional
- Toothpicks, optional
Let’s Make Barbecue Little Smokies
Follow the simple steps below to make these tasty little appetizers.
1
Mix BBQ Sauce.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of Heinz Ketchup and 1 cup of Western Salad Dressing until smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice and a dash of pepper, if desired, for extra flavor.
2
Add smokies to saucepan or slow cooker.
Place the little smokies in a slow cooker or a large saucepan.
3
Top with BBQ Sauce.
Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the sausages, ensuring they are fully coated.
4
Heat.
Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Serve and enjoy.
Serve directly from the slow cooker or pan, or transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: With just 5 ingredients, this appetizer is incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for busy hosts. It’s a go-to recipe when you need something quick and delicious.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish is always a hit at parties, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. Whether it’s for game day, a holiday, or a weekend snack, everyone will love the combination of savory smokies and tangy barbecue sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about making barbecue little smokies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them in advance and keep them warm in a slow cooker until ready to serve.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Little Smokies in Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue little smokies are the ultimate party snack—quick, easy, and always a hit. Tossed in a tangy, flavorful sauce, these little appetizers are sure to please!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs little smokie sausages
- 1 cup Heinz Ketchup
- 1 cup Western Salad dressing
- Splash of lemon juice (optional)
- Dash of pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the sauce. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of Heinz Ketchup and 1 cup of Western Salad Dressing until smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice and a dash of pepper, if desired, for extra flavor.
- Add smokies to saucepan or slow cooker. Place the little smokies in a slow cooker or a large saucepan.
- Top with sauce. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the sausages, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat. Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve directly from the slow cooker or pan, or transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- The sauce: The brands used really do make a big difference in the taste of this sauce. You can also use your favorite barbecue sauce as an alternative.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 8.9 g
- Sodium: 978 mg
- Fat: 25.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 7.9 g
- Cholesterol: 38.2 mg
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