Recipe for Cocktail Weenies

This easy cocktail weenies recipe is always a hit at parties. It’s the perfect appetizer during football games, especially Big Game parties, as well as birthday parties and holiday parties.

I mean, is it even a party if you aren’t serving cocktail wienies?

Make this recipe for cocktail weenies with only three or four ingredients and minimal effort using your stove top or crock pot.

For more party appetizers, check out our Black Bean Avocado Taco Cups and other Big Game party food ideas.

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Easy Cocktail Wieners Appetizers

This is one party appetizer I’ve come to expect, especially when homegating during football season.

It’s so simple to make and works well for just about any occasion.

Do You Have to Use Grape Jelly?

I know, I know, cooking cocktail weenies with grape jelly may sound odd, but the flavor of the sauce is so good. You don’t really taste the grape, but it cuts the barbecue sauce perfectly.

You don’t have to use grape jelly though, you can use any jelly flavor. If you really want to skip the jelly all together, you can. The sauce may not thicken up as much, but the cocktail smokies will still taste fine.

Cocktail Weenies Ingredients:

• 1-2 packages of little smokies or cocktail wieners
• 1 12oz jar grape jelly
• 1 18oz bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)

You can use any jelly, any brand. I just get the store brand. Same goes for the BBQ sauce, but I like the tang of Sweet Baby Ray’s.

How to Make Cocktail Weenies

Whether you are making these on the stove or in a slow cooker, the preparation is essentially the same, but the cook time will vary. Lil smokies are small smoked sausages that need to be heated thoroughly before eating.

I prefer making these in a small crock pot so it is easier to keep them warm throughout the party.

Stove Top Method:

Start by emptying the whole jar of jelly and whole bottle of BBQ sauce into a medium sauce pan. Using medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until nearly smooth.

Then stir in chili powder. Drain the wienies and stir them in.

Cover and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with or without toothpicks. Yum!

Crock Pot Method:

Add entire bottle of barbecue sauce and entire jar of jelly to a small slow cooker.

Add chili powder and stir. Add drained cocktail wieners and stir.

Heat on HIGH for about 2 hours or LOW for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Leave on WARM while serving.

More Party Food Recipes:

• Black Bean Avocado Taco Cups
• Easy Black Bean Corn Salsa Queso Dip
• Rainbow Recipes for Birthday Parties
• Halloween Party Food Ideas
• New Year’s Eve Appetizers