Cooking Bbq Cocktail Weenies: A Tasty, Easy Treat

how to cook bbq cocktail weenies

BBQ cocktail weenies are the perfect snack for any occasion, from game day to New Year's Eve. They are a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is a classic, loved by kids and adults alike, and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So, get your crockpot ready and let's get started on making some delicious BBQ cocktail weenies!

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Choosing your ingredients

The most important ingredient for your BBQ cocktail weenies is the weenies themselves. These are also known as cocktail sausages, cocktail wieners, cocktail franks, lil smokies, or baby wursts. You can find these in the refrigerated meat section of most grocery stores, usually near the hot dogs. They typically come in 12- to 14-ounce packages, but you can also find larger bags at stores like Costco.

For this recipe, you'll want to get two 14-ounce packages of miniature smoked sausage links, which will yield about 10 servings. You can also add more smokies if you want to make a bigger batch.

The next key ingredient is barbecue sauce. You can use any store-bought barbecue sauce, or you can make your own. Just make sure it's not a vinegary, Carolina-style sauce. Some popular options include Sweet Baby Ray's or Weber's BBQ sauce. You'll need about 12 ounces of barbecue sauce for this recipe.

To add some extra flavour to your cocktail weenies, you can include some additional ingredients like brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. These ingredients will give your weenies a sweet and tangy taste. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or orange juice, or add some spice with buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce, or Sriracha.

Finally, you'll need some toothpicks to serve your cocktail weenies. This will make it easy for your guests to pick them up and snack on them.

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Cooking methods

There are several methods for cooking BBQ cocktail weenies, with the most popular being the use of a slow cooker or crockpot. Here is a detailed description of the different cooking methods:

Slow Cooker Method:

This method is ideal for preparing BBQ cocktail weenies as an appetizer or for a party. It is simple and convenient, requiring minimal preparation. Here are the steps:

  • Combine barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a slow cooker. You can use store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
  • Stir in miniature smoked sausage links. You can use pre-cooked cocktail sausages or "Little Smokies."
  • Cook on High for 2 to 3 hours or until heated through.
  • Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Crockpot Method:

The crockpot method is similar to using a slow cooker and is perfect for serving a crowd. Here's how to do it:

  • Place a crockpot liner in the crockpot for easy cleanup (optional).
  • Place the little smokies inside the crockpot.
  • Pour grape jelly and barbecue sauce over the smokies.
  • Stir to combine the ingredients.
  • Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1.5 hours.
  • Stir and serve with toothpicks.

Stovetop Method:

If you prefer to cook your cocktail weenies on the stovetop, follow these steps:

  • Heat barbecue sauce and smokies in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir occasionally until the sausages are hot throughout, which should take about 10 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

Oven or Microwave Method:

You can also heat cocktail weenies in the oven or microwave, especially if you're reheating leftovers. Simply place them in an oven-safe dish or on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed through.

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Serving suggestions

BBQ cocktail weenies are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side. They are perfect for parties, game days, potlucks, backyard BBQs, or any get-together. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your cocktail weenies:

Appetizer Ideas:

  • Stick a toothpick in each weenie and arrange them on a platter. This makes it easy for guests to pick them up and eat them as finger food.
  • Provide a bowl of BBQ sauce on the side for extra dipping.
  • For a fancier presentation, use cocktail forks instead of toothpicks.
  • If you're serving a large group, keep the weenies warm in a crockpot during the party. That way, guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about running out.

Side Dish Ideas:

  • Serve the weenies as a side to complement your main course. They go well with macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or baked chicken wings.
  • For a heartier meal, pair the weenies with a side of bacon-wrapped shrimp or white queso.

Presentation and Garnishes:

  • Add some colour and flavour to your dish by garnishing with cooked crumbled bacon or chopped parsley.
  • If you're serving the weenies in a crockpot, keep a spoon nearby for serving.
  • For a fun twist, serve the weenies with diced pineapple or make them into mini corn dogs.

No matter how you choose to serve them, BBQ cocktail weenies are sure to be a hit with your guests!

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Storing and reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your cocktail weenies again, let them thaw in the fridge if frozen. Then, simply reheat them on the stove, in the Crock-Pot, or in the microwave until they're heated through.

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Recipe variations

There are several ways to vary your cocktail weenies recipe. Here are some ideas:

  • Mini corn dogs: Instead of serving the cocktail weenies as-is, you can turn them into mini corn dogs by battering and deep-frying them.
  • Pigs in a blanket: Wrap the cocktail weenies in crescent roll dough before baking.
  • Sweet and sour: Instead of barbecue sauce, try using a sweet and sour sauce or whisking together 12 ounces of chili sauce with 1 1/2 cups of melted grape jelly.
  • Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup, honey, or freshly squeezed orange juice to add a touch of sweetness.
  • Spice: For a spicier kick, add some buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Protein variation: Use half frozen meatballs and half little smokies for a heartier snack.
  • Bangers and mash: Serve the cocktail weenies over mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.
  • Add-ins: You can add some crunch and flavour by stirring in crumbled bacon or chopped parsley.
  • Grape jelly: While not a variation per se, many recipes call for adding grape jelly to the barbecue sauce for added sweetness.
  • Other jelly: You can also swap out the grape jelly for apple jelly or cranberry sauce.
  • Meatballs: Instead of little smokies, you can use meatballs for a similar effect.

Frequently asked questions

You will need BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and mini smoked sausage links.

Cook your cocktail weenies on low heat for 2-3 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours.

Yes, you can make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The weenies are done when they are warmed all the way through and plump.

You can serve them with toothpicks or cocktail forks. You can also provide extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

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