Let me introduce you to the MVP of party snacks—Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies! If you’ve ever hosted a game day get-together, a holiday gathering, or just a casual weekend hangout, you already know that appetizers are everything. And trust me, these saucy little bites are going to be the star of the show.

So, what makes these Little Smokies so irresistible? It’s all about that flavor-packed sauce—a combination of smoky barbecue, sweet grape jelly, and a little spicy kick from Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. The best part? You only need one pot and 20 minutes to bring these beauties to life!

Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs mini smoked sausages (Little Smokies) – The star of the dish. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
• 1 cup barbecue sauce – Pick your favorite brand! I love a smoky, slightly tangy sauce for this recipe.
• ½ cup grape jelly – Sounds weird, but trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that adds the perfect balance of sweetness.
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard – Adds a little tang and depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Helps round out the flavors.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – This gives a subtle smokiness that takes the flavor up a notch.
• Salt & pepper – Season to taste.
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and freshness.

Step 1: Make the Sauce

The magic of this dish starts with the sweet and spicy glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

•  Barbecue sauce
• Grape jelly
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
•  Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
•  Salt and pepper

This combination creates a sticky, smoky-sweet sauce that clings beautifully to each sausage. If you’ve never tried grape jelly in a savory recipe before, don’t be scared! It melts right into the sauce, adding a rich sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy elements.

PRO TIP: If you love a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the spice!

Step 2: Add the Little Smokies

Now, let’s bring in the main attraction—the Little Smokies!

•  Place the mini smoked sausages into the Instant Pot.
• Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the sausages, making sure every piece is coated.
• Give it a gentle stir to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

At this point, you might already be tempted to sneak a bite—but hold off! Once they’re cooked, they’ll be even more sticky, flavorful, and downright addicting.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Now, it’s time to let the Instant Pot do the work.

• Secure the lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing.
•  Select the Manual (Pressure Cook) function and set the timer to 5 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before switching the valve to venting.

This quick pressure cooking method infuses the sausages with all that delicious sauce, making them juicy and flavor-packed.

Step 4: Release the Pressure & Stir

Once the Instant Pot has naturally released pressure for 5 minutes, it’s time to finish up:

• Carefully switch the steam release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
• Once it’s safe to open, lift the lid and give the sausages a gentle stir.

At this point, your kitchen is filled with the most incredible aroma—smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. The sausages should be glossy and fully coated in that delicious sauce.

Pro Tip: If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, switch the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken it up into a richer glaze that clings perfectly to each Little Smokie.

Step 5: Time to Serve!

Now that everything is perfectly cooked and coated, let’s get these Little Smokies onto the table!

• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausages to a serving platter or bowl.
• Drizzle extra sauce from the pot over the top. (Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!)
• If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top.

Now, you’ve got a party-perfect appetizer that’s ready to impress! Serve them warm and watch as they disappear fast.

Best Ways to Serve Them:

• Toothpick Party Style – Stick some toothpicks into the sausages for easy grab-and-go bites.
• Mini Hot Dogs – Serve them in slider buns with a drizzle of mustard and extra BBQ sauce.
• Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Turn this into a quick meal by serving it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• With Crackers or Bread – A simple side of crackers, Hawaiian rolls, or baguette slices pairs perfectly.

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Fun Variations to Try

If you love the classic version, you might want to experiment with some exciting twists. Here are a few ideas:

• Extra Spicy – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Tropical Twist – Swap grape jelly for pineapple preserves for a fruitier, tangy flavor.
• Turkey Bacon-Wrapped – Wrap each Little Smokie in half a slice of turkey bacon and cook in the Instant Pot as directed. (For extra crispiness, broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes after cooking.)
• Maple Bourbon – Swap grape jelly for maple syrup and add 1 tbsp bourbon for a deep, caramelized taste.
• Cheesy Surprise – Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top after cooking for a creamy, melty touch.

These little tweaks take this already amazing appetizer to the next level—so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Can You Make Them Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These Little Smokies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the sausages as directed, allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm them up in a slow cooker, microwave, or stovetop. Add a splash of water or barbecue sauce if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked Little Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These in a Slow Cooker Instead of an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, simply add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

2. What’s the Best Barbecue Sauce to Use?

The best barbecue sauce is one you love! I recommend a smoky, slightly tangy BBQ sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s) for the perfect balance of flavors. If you prefer a spicier kick, go for a sauce with chipotle or jalapeño.

3. Can I Use a Different Type of Jelly?

Yes! While grape jelly is classic, you can swap it for:

• Pineapple preserves – for a tropical, tangy twist
• Peach jam – adds a milder sweetness
• Strawberry jelly – for a more pronounced fruity taste
• Maple syrup – for a rich, deep caramelized sweetness

4. Can I Make These in Advance?

Yes! These actually taste even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in a saucepan, microwave, or slow cooker.

5. What’s the Best Way to Keep Them Warm for a Party?

If you’re serving these at a party, keep them in a slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting. This way, they’ll stay warm and saucy for hours without drying out.

6. Can I Use Regular Sausages Instead of Little Smokies?

Yes! If you can’t find Little Smokies, you can use regular smoked sausage or cocktail franks. Just slice them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

7. How Can I Make These Healthier?

To make a lighter version:

•  Use turkey or chicken sausages instead of traditional Little Smokies.
• Reduce the amount of grape jelly and add a bit of honey or maple syrup instead.
• Opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce to cut down on extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Little Smokies

There’s a reason these Smoky Sweet & Spicy Little Smokies are a fan-favorite. They’re:

• Ridiculously easy to make – Just mix, cook, and serve!
• Packed with flavor – A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy.
• Great for any occasion – From game nights to holidays, they’re always a hit!
• Versatile – Serve them as appetizers, in sliders, or over rice for a full meal.
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for busy hosts who want to prep in advance.

Whether you’re making these for a Super Bowl party, a potluck, or a casual weekend snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Happy cooking!

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