If you need a simple appetizer that everyone will enjoy, cocktail wieners are a great choice. This classic party food is easy to make, needs only a few ingredients, and works well in a slow cooker. The mix of savory sausages and a sweet, tangy sauce is always a hit, whether it’s a potluck or a game day party. (Hardin, 2025)

This particular recipe for cocktail wieners has become a fan favorite for its simplicity and delicious flavor. (Bacon Wrapped Smokies, 2023) It uses just three ingredients: barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and cocktail sausages. While the mix of barbecue sauce and grape jelly might sound unusual, the result is a beautifully balanced glaze that’s savory with just the right amount of sweetness. If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that always delivers, this is the one for you. (McGowan, 2020)

This guide will show you how to make these tasty cocktail wieners. You’ll find the ingredients, step-by-step instructions for both slow cooker and stovetop methods, plus some popular variations from other home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cocktail wiener recipe is a go-to for many, and for good reason. It’s a fuss-free appetizer that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. (McGowan, 2020)

• Minimal Ingredients: You just need three simple ingredients, all easy to find at the grocery store.
• Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker handles everything, cooking the sausages while you take care of other tasks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce is always popular with both kids and adults. (Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Wieners, 2014)
• Versatile for Any Occasion: This dish works well for potlucks, holiday parties, barbecues, or any casual gathering. (Mahrlig, 2015)

As one reviewer, Amber Schreiner, put it, “I love these wonderful ‘go to’ football day appetizers!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is simple and only needs three main ingredients. For about 10 servings, you’ll need:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite brand. A classic, smoky BBQ sauce is a good choice.
• ¾ cup grape jelly: This may sound unusual, but it’s the secret to the sweet and tangy glaze.
• 2 (16-ounce) packages cocktail sausages: Lit’l Smokies and similar brands work well.

Mixing barbecue sauce and grape jelly makes a thick, tasty sauce that covers the sausages nicely. (Ussmcclenahan, 2007)

How to Make Cocktail Wieners in a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is the easiest way to make this dish. It lets the flavors blend together over a few hours.

Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Mix one cup of barbecue sauce and ¾ cup of grape jelly in your slow cooker. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Sausages

Add two 16-ounce packages of cocktail sausages to the slow cooker. Stir until the sausages are fully coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook and Serve

Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. The sausages will heat through, and the sauce will thicken into a rich glaze. Stir once more before serving warm.

Stovetop Method

If you’re in a hurry, you can make these cocktail wieners on the stovetop. This way takes just 20 to 25 minutes.

1. Combine Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Sausages: Put the cocktail sausages in the pan and stir until they’re coated.
3. Simmer: Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then. The sausages will heat through, and the sauce will thicken.

Fun Variations to Try

The basic three-ingredient recipe is great, but many home cooks like to add their own twist. (Honey Garlic Cocktail Wieners, n.d.) Here are some popular additions and substitutions:

• Add Some Spice: For a kick, add two teaspoons of chili powder to the sauce. One reviewer, Mitchel Reinthaler, recommends this along with ½ cup of brown sugar and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a “great flavor combo.”
• Give it a Tang: Amber Schreiner adds about three teaspoons of lemon pepper to her recipe for a “great sweet/sour mix.”
• Boost the Savory Flavor: For a richer taste, try adding a tablespoon of minced garlic and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• Include Meatballs: Many people say this sauce is also great with meatballs. You can add them with the sausages or use them instead. (Kennedy, 2019)

What to Expect

This recipe makes a tasty appetizer with a unique flavor. (Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Wieners, 2008) The grape jelly blends into the barbecue sauce, making a thick, shiny glaze that covers the sausages. The flavor is a nice mix of sweet and savory, with the barbecue sauce’s smokiness balancing the jelly’s sweetness.

If the sauce looks thin at first, don’t worry—it will thicken as it cooks. In the end, you’ll have tender cocktail wieners in a sauce that everyone will want more of.

Your New Favorite Party Appetizer

Whether you’re hosting a party or need something quick for a potluck, this cocktail wiener recipe is always a hit. (McGowan, 2020) With just three ingredients and little prep, you can make an appetizer everyone will enjoy. The slow cooker makes it easy—just set it and come back when it’s ready.

So next time you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish, give this recipe a try. It’s a classic for a reason and is bound to become a staple in your collection of party foods. (McGowan, 2020)