If you’re searching for an easy meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, little smokies are a perfect choice. These bite-sized, smoked sausages deliver a sweet-and-savory flavor that appeals to guests at game-day parties or families at dinnertime.
Not sure what to serve with little smokies? Below is a practical list of complementary sides and appetizers to help you round out a meal or create a satisfying appetizer spread.
Little Smokies are small cocktail sausages with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. They’re often served in sauces such as barbecue or a sweet-and-tangy glaze made with jelly and brown sugar, wrapped in bacon, or tucked into crescent dough as pigs in a blanket. A slow-cooker orange barbecue preparation is another simple and delicious way to serve them.
Whether you want something savory to enhance the smokiness, something sweet to balance it, or a light side to contrast a rich appetizer, the options below cover a range of flavors and textures.
1. Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges or fries make a straightforward, tasty side for little smokies. Cook them until golden and slightly crisp—either fried or air-fried—then offer ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauces. A sprinkle of herbs, smoked paprika, or garlic powder can highlight the natural sweetness and complement the sausages.
2. Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape jelly meatballs are a classic party staple: tender meatballs glazed with grape jelly and a sweet chili or barbecue sauce. They pair well with little smokies on an appetizer table, offering a complementary sweet-savory profile. For variety, try fruit-based glazes such as apple jelly for a slightly different sweetness.
3. Crescent Rolls
Crescent rolls are a natural partner for little smokies. Serve them as pigs in a blanket by wrapping smokies in dough, or present plain crescent rolls alongside smokies in sauce. The soft, buttery dough balances the smoky, savory sausages and is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad offers a cool, creamy counterpoint to smoky little smokies. Whether you prefer a classic mayonnaise-based macaroni salad, a Tuscan-style pasta salad with vinaigrette and roasted vegetables, or a zesty Italian pasta salad, the textures and tanginess pair nicely with the sausages.
5. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic accompaniment to little smokies at picnics and cookouts. The creamy, cool potato salad contrasts well with the warm, smoky sausages. For a twist, try a deviled-egg style potato salad or a tangy mustard-based version to add a new layer of flavor.
If you’re short on time, enhance store-bought potato salad with fresh herbs, chopped pickles, or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavor.
6. Mashed Potatoes
If you serve little smokies as a main course, creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side. Classic butter-and-salt mashed potatoes work well, or add cheese and garlic for a richer option. The smooth texture and mild flavor make mashed potatoes a family-friendly complement.
7. Baked Beans
Baked beans or calico beans are a classic barbecue side that pairs naturally with little smokies. You can serve the beans alongside the sausages or add the little smokies directly into the beans for a hearty, one-dish option. The sweet-and-smoky combination is comforting and familiar.
8. Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings are an excellent fried accompaniment. Whether baked or fried, their crunchy texture and mild sweetness work well with tangy barbecue or sweet-glazed little smokies. Offer a variety of dipping sauces to suit different tastes.
9. Cheese and Crackers
A cheese-and-cracker platter provides a simple, elegant option to serve alongside crockpot little smokies. Assorted cheeses—from sharp cheddars to creamy bries—paired with crackers give guests a chance to mix flavors and create bites that highlight the smoky sausages.
10. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers bring a spicy contrast to a spread of finger foods that includes cocktail wieners. Stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon or baked for a lighter version, poppers add heat and richness so there’s something for guests who prefer bolder flavors.
These sides and appetizers give you plenty of options to create a balanced menu around little smokies—choose a mix of cool salads, starchy sides, and bold finger foods to satisfy a variety of tastes and make your next gathering a hit.