Grape Jelly Bbq Sauce: The Perfect Little Smokie Ratio

Grape jelly and BBQ sauce are two of the three ingredients needed to make little smokies, a popular American side dish and appetiser. The other ingredient is miniature smoked sausage links. The recipe is simple: combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook until heated through. The smokies can be served with toothpicks for easy eating.

Grape jelly and BBQ sauce quantities

The quantities of grape jelly and BBQ sauce you'll need for your little smokies will depend on how many you're cooking and your personal preference for sauce consistency. As a general rule, you'll want equal parts grape jelly and BBQ sauce—this can be anywhere from 8 to 18 ounces of each, depending on how much you're making.

For example, if you're making a small batch of little smokies (around 14 to 30 ounces), you might use one 8-ounce jar of grape jelly and one 12-ounce bottle of BBQ sauce. However, if you prefer a saucier consistency, you could increase the amount of sauce, using a full 18-ounce jar of grape jelly and a larger bottle of BBQ sauce.

If you're making a larger batch of little smokies, simply adjust the quantities of grape jelly and BBQ sauce accordingly. For instance, if you're doubling the recipe, you might use two 12-ounce bottles of BBQ sauce and two jars of grape jelly (either two 8-ounce jars or one larger 18-ounce jar).

It's worth noting that the type of BBQ sauce you use can also impact the flavour and consistency of your little smokies. There are various flavours of BBQ sauce available, including spicy, tangy, honey, and original. You can also add additional ingredients to your sauce, such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, onion, pepper, or sriracha, to enhance the flavour.

In terms of preparation, simply combine the grape jelly and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker or crockpot, stirring them together thoroughly. Then, add your little smokies and cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, or on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Grape jelly alternatives

While grape jelly is a key ingredient in the classic little smokies recipe, there are several alternatives you can use to switch things up or cater to different tastes. Here are some ideas for substitutes:

Apple Jelly

Apple jelly is a good substitute, especially when paired with pork. It was even mentioned as an ingredient in a similar recipe from the 1980s.

Marmalade

Marmalade can also be used instead of grape jelly, as suggested by a user who has made the recipe for years.

Strawberry Jam or Jelly

Strawberry jam or jelly can be used instead of grape jelly, but you may want to reduce the amount as strawberry jelly is stronger in flavor.

Apricot or Cranberry Jam/Jelly

For a different fruity flavor, you can substitute grape jelly with apricot or cranberry jam or jelly.

Brown Sugar, Honey, or Molasses

If you want to sweeten the smokies without using jelly, you can use brown sugar, honey, or molasses.

No Jelly at All

You can even choose to omit the jelly altogether and just use brown sugar to sweeten the smokies.

Remember, the little smokies recipe is quite flexible, so you can adjust the amounts and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

BBQ sauce alternatives

Little Smokies are a popular American side dish and appetizer, also known as cocktail sausages. They are perfect finger food and are often served with a batch of toothpicks for easy picking and eating.

A common way to prepare Little Smokies is to combine them with grape jelly and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker. However, if you are looking for alternatives to BBQ sauce, there are several options to consider:

• Hoisin Sauce: This Chinese-inspired sauce has a thick glazed appearance similar to BBQ sauce. It is made from vinegar, honey, sesame paste, flour, chilies, and soy sauce. Hoisin sauce offers a distinct and spicy taste and is excellent for those who want to add a kick to their Little Smokies.
• Plum Sauce: Another Asian sauce, plum sauce, matches the sweetness and texture of BBQ sauce. It is made with vinegar, ginger, plum, and other fruits. This sauce is an excellent option for those who want to enhance the sweetness of their Little Smokies.
• Mustard Sauce: Often called the "golden BBQ," mustard sauce has a tangy taste and is made from ingredients like honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. It will enhance the flavor of your Little Smokies and give them a unique twist.
• Teriyaki Sauce: This Asian sauce is known for its thick and juicy texture. It is made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and Mirin (sweetened rice wine). To use Teriyaki sauce as a substitute for BBQ sauce, add spices like onion powder, garlic, and chilies to provide a smoky taste.
• Fruit-based Sauces: If you want to reduce the acid content found in tomato-based sauces like BBQ sauce, consider fruit-based sauces. These sauces use fruits like pineapples, mangos, apricots, apples, or even peaches to enhance the taste while eliminating the need for added sugar.
• Dry Rub: Instead of a sauce, you can also try a dry rub on your Little Smokies. This involves garnishing your grilled meat with a dry powder made of smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, black pepper, garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Tomato Sauce: If you want to stick to a tomato base but don't want the sweetness of BBQ sauce, you can use plain tomato sauce. Add some smoked paprika or jalapeno powder and vinegar to give it a smoky effect.

Little smokies alternatives

Little smokies, also known as cocktail sausages, are a popular American side dish and appetiser. They are often cooked in a slow cooker with grape jelly and barbecue sauce, but there are many alternative recipes to try.

Bacon and Brown Sugar Little Smokies

This recipe involves wrapping little smokies in bacon and coating them in brown sugar. The smokies are then cooked in an air fryer for 10 minutes.

Pigs in Blankets

A popular alternative is to wrap little smokies in pastry or canned biscuits. This can be taken a step further by adding cheese or mustard inside.

Scrambled Eggs

Little smokies can be chopped up and added to scrambled eggs. This can be served on toast or in a breakfast burrito with peppers, onions and cheese.

Mac and Cheese

Little smokies can be sliced, sautéed and mixed into a box of mac and cheese. Broccoli can be added to this dish to make it healthier.

Grilled Little Smokies

For a more complex dish, little smokies can be grilled and then added to a homemade barbecue sauce. This sauce includes cider vinegar, apricot preserves, sugar, honey, chipotle Tobasco sauce, chipotle powder, pumpkin pie spice, granulated garlic, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper and white pepper.

Serving suggestions

Little smokies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even the main course. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your grape jelly and BBQ sauce little smokies:

As an Appetizer

Little smokies are perfect as bite-sized party appetizers. Simply stick a toothpick in each one and arrange them on a platter or in a bowl for guests to help themselves. You can also provide a ladle so guests can prepare their plates. This is a great way to serve little smokies for game days, birthdays, or barbecues.

As a Side Dish

Little smokies can be a tasty side dish to accompany a main course. Try serving them with a plain starchy side, such as steamed white rice or mashed potatoes, to balance out the sweetness of the grape jelly. A steamed green vegetable or a crisp green salad on the side will also complement the smokies nicely.

As the Main Course

While little smokies are typically served as an appetizer, some people enjoy them as the main course. To make it a more substantial meal, consider serving them with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of grilled or baked vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or corn on the cob, will also go well with the smokies.

For a Party

Little smokies are an excellent choice for a party, as they are easy to eat and full of flavour. You can serve them directly from the crockpot, keeping them warm throughout the event. Provide small plates, toothpicks, and extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. If you're serving a large group, you may want to double or triple the recipe to ensure you have enough.

Customisation Ideas

Little smokies are a versatile dish that can be customised to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to spice things up:

• Add some crumbled bacon to the mix for a savoury twist.
• For a spicy kick, add sriracha, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or minced jalapeño.
• Replace the grape jelly with crushed pineapples for a sweet and sour flavour profile.
• Incorporate brown sugar, honey, or molasses to enhance the sweetness.
• Use different types of sausages, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, to find your favourite combination.
• Wrap the smokies in bacon and bake them for a delicious, savoury treat.

No matter how you choose to serve them, little smokies are a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests!

Frequently asked questions