Cocktail weenies are a must on any party platter! These appetizers with little smokies will keep guests happy and full as they mingle. Be prepared to share these recipes!
14 Appetizers with Little Smokies That Work for Any Occasion
Updated on Jan. 17, 2023
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
For New Year’s, I used to make appetizers with little smokies rolled up with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
1/14
2/14
Simmered Smoked Links
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
No one can resist appetizers with little smokies. They’re effortless to prepare with a sweet, spicy glaze, and they make a perfect party nibbler. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
3/14
Mini Corn Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fun-sized corn dogs add a little "wow" factor to any cookout or get-together. Kids and adults equally love them, so expect them to disappear fast. —Deb Perry, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini corn dog: 68 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
4/14
Hot Dog Sliders
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
An American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that’s great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider (calculated without toppings): 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/14
Cranberry Meatballs and Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
6/14
Smoky Bacon Wraps
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little cocktail weenie and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that’s fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/14
Little Pigs in a Hammock
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for kids! Dijon and Camembert transform this children’s favorite into a version that’s perfect for grown-ups. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 211 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
8/14
Slow-Cooked Smokies
Total Time
5 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include these little smokies smothered in barbecue sauce on all my appetizer buffets since they're popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1694mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
9/14
Italian Meatballs and Sausages
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a wonderful nibble for a tailgate or any family function. The appetizer with little smokies is so easy to prepare and also very tasty. I’ve doubled and even tripled the recipe for large groups. No matter how much I make, I always come home with an empty slow cooker. —Jan Kasinger, Graham, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 200 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
10/14
Ring of Piggies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This charming plate of cocktail weenies looks like a holiday wreath when I drape fresh rosemary in the center. It’s a cute display for merry get-togethers. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/14
Barbecue Sausage Bites
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This irresistible appetizer pairs tangy pineapple with sweet barbecue sauce and three kinds of sausage (including cocktail weenies). It’ll tide over even the biggest appetites until dinner. —Rebekah Randolph, Greer, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
12/14
Party Franks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These are the quintessential appetizers with little smokies. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They’re convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 268 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
13/14
Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We wanted to get creative with cocktail weenies, so we made a mac-and-cheesy appetizer with them! Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
14/14
Barbecued Party Starters
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet and tangy bites will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
