Our sticky sweet BBQ smokies recipe is a delicious appetizer for parties & gatherings! These little sausages are a made with just TWO ingredients, but always get rave reviews for their smoky, savory flavor.
These BBQ Smokies Are The BEST Appetizer!
Our family tradition is appetizers & light bites for Christmas Eve, and these BBQ smokies are always one of the top requests! This easy appetizer recipe is always a hit at potlucks & parties, and makes a great game day snack for football season. Here’s what we think makes this the best little smokies recipe around:
⏰ EASE: Just 2 simple Ingredients, one pan, and just a few minutes are all you need for this easy recipe!
🔥 FLAVORS: We use a little trick to coax even more flavor out of these BBQ cocktail sausages, so they’re packed with smoky, sweet, tangy, savory flavor that’s always a hit.
💡 TOP TIPS: Let that sauce reduce! It’ll get thick and sticky–it’s what keeps guests coming back again and again!
Happy cooking! xo, Emily
Ready to make a batch? Here’s what you need to get started…
Gather Your Ingredients
With such a simple ingredient list, the real magic is in the method! Our technique is what makes our recipe stand out, so let’s get to the step-by-step recipe!
How To Make BBQ Smokies, Step By Step
As always, you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and tips in the recipe card below.
- Drain The Smokies. To start, open the packages of cocktail sausages and drain any excess liquid from the package.
- Combine. Add sausages and BBQ sauce to a medium skillet and stir to coat sausages with sauce.
- Simmer On Low To Reduce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to a low simmer, stirring regularly for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is thick, sticky and coats the sausages well. If the sauce reduces too much, feel free to add a splash of water. If it’s not thick enough, just keep stirring and give it a few more minutes. (Remember to stir, so the sauce doesn’t burn!)
- Serve & Store! Enjoy right away and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best BBQ Smokies
Keep Them Warm! You can keep these on the stove on low heat, adding a small drizzle of water, if needed, if the sauce starts to reduce too much. Or, transfer them to a slow cooker or crock pot and keep on the WAR setting, adding a splash of water, if needed.
An Easy Way To Serve. If you’re bringing these BBQ smokies to a party, set out toothpicks close by for guests to spear them with. (Otherwise, I find a spoon to be a better serving tool than tongs!)
Gluten-Free Notes. If you’re gluten-free, double-check that both the sausages AND BBQ sauce are gluten-free. Many brands are, but not all! I like Bone Suckin’ Sauce and Stubb’s brand, but there are lots of great choices out there!
Variations To Try
For a flavor twist, try one of these tasty variations:
- Spicy. Use a spicy BBQ sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce!
- Sweet. A pinch of brown sugar, a drop of molasses, or a small drizzle of pure maple syrup are easy ways to add some sweetness. (Some people like grape jelly here, but I’m not personally a fan.)
- Apple. Add 2-3 Tablespoons of apple cider to the smokies and sauce before reducing. It adds a little sweet & tangy flavor that’s lovely with the barbecue sauce!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tell me all about it! Leave a star rating below when you try our easy BBQ Smokies recipe. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Sticky Sweet BBQ Smokies
Ingredients
- 2 (12-14 ounce) packages Cocktail Sausages*
- 1 (16-18 ounce) Bottle BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Drain The Smokies. To start, open the packages of cocktail sausages and drain any excess liquid from the package.
- Combine. Add sausages and BBQ sauce to a medium skillet and stir to coat sausages with sauce.
- Simmer On Low To Reduce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to a low simmer, stirring regularly for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is thick, sticky and coats the sausages well. If the sauce reduces too much, feel free to add a splash of water. If it's not thick enough, just keep stirring and give it a few more minutes. (Remember to stir, so the sauce doesn't burn!)
- Serve & Store! Enjoy right away and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. If you're bringing these BBQ smokies to a party, set out toothpicks close by for guests to spear them with. (Otherwise, I find a spoon to be a better serving tool than tongs or a fork!)
Notes
- Smokies. We like True Story Hot Dog Minis (cocktail sausages). They taste great, have a simple ingredients list, and are gluten-free and nitrate-free! (Boar’s Head is another good brand!)
- Gluten-Free Notes. If you’re gluten-free, double-check that both the sausages AND BBQ sauce are gluten-free. Many brands are, but not all! I like Bone Suckin’ Sauce and Stubb’s brand, but there are lots of great choices out there!
- Keep Them Warm! You can keep these on the stove on low heat, adding a small drizzle of water, if needed, if the sauce starts to reduce too much. Or, transfer them to a slow cooker or crock pot and keep on the WAR setting, adding a splash of water, if needed.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are an estimate only and will vary based on brands and amounts used.
Find it Online:
https://www.onelovelylife.com/bbq-smokies/
These are a must for me every holiday season. I grew up eating a version of these every year. As much as I loved those ones, this recipe is my favorite version BY FAR.