Weiners were a mainstay at my mom’s neighborhood gatherings. Whenever she hosted a backyard barbecue, she’d toss those bite-sized links into a slow cooker with a sweet-and-tangy sauce that filled the entire house with the most tempting aroma. Hi there, I’m Sarah from Cabana Recipes. My goal is to make cooking easy, approachable, and fun, whether you’re juggling family dinners or looking for a quick dish to impress last-minute guests. I’ve perfected a lot of lunches and dinners over the years, but these easy weiners bring me back to my mom’s cozy, bustling kitchen.
Growing up, my family was all about fuss-free meals that people of all ages would gobble up. The simplicity of this dish is exactly why I love it: just three ingredients, a few hours on Low heat, and you’re in business. So, if you’re short on time but still want a plate of something warm and comforting, this is it. Let’s jump in.
(Image Placeholder: “Alt text includes the word weiners – A slow cooker filled with cocktail sausages in sauce.”)
Why I Love These Weiners
There’s something special about a sweet, savory glaze coating tender little sausages. It’s a party favorite that’s super easy to prepare. Some people know me for my fancy holiday meals, but I also cherish the recipes that don’t require an entire afternoon in the kitchen. Who has the time, especially when there are hungry kids (and maybe even hungry adults) waiting?
These weiners work for everything: game nights, potlucks, and casual family gatherings. If you’ve got five minutes in the morning, you can quickly start this meal and walk away. A few hours later, dinner or snack time is magically ready. It’s also a recipe that you can hand off to a cooking newbie or even a teenager eager to practice a simple dish. That’s what I love most about cooking—anyone can get involved, and everyone ends up fed and happy.
Weiners for Busy Days
Life can get hectic, and as much as I adore elaborate cooking sessions, sometimes we just need something quick and reliable. When I was first learning to cook, I relied on easy recipes like these to build my confidence. I’d throw everything in, set the slow cooker, and hope for the best. After a few tries, I realized the secret is simple—good ingredients and a bit of patience.
These weiners are perfect for those times you have zero minutes to fuss over a stovetop. They’re also a lifesaver if you’re feeding a crowd with diverse tastes. My kids used to go for plain hot dogs, but they changed their tune once they tried these sweet-and-savory mini sausages. Now, they’ve become part of our go-to rotation for last-minute meals.
In your slow cooker, mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together until smooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¾ cup grape jelly
- 2 packages (16 ounce) cocktail sausages such as Lit’l Smokies
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together until smooth.
- Open and drain any excess liquid from the cocktail sausages.
- Add the sausages to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to Low, and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
- After cooking, stir well to ensure the sausages are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
The Chef’s Personal Touch
As your Cabana Recipes chef, I’m all about helping busy folks (like me) find joy in the kitchen. We all have different schedules, dietary needs, and stress levels when it comes to meal prep. That’s why I love to share a mix of laid-back dinners and more involved recipes. For me, cooking is not just about feeding your loved ones—it’s about creating a sense of warmth and happiness in the home.
I’ve learned that even simple dishes can feel like a big treat if they’re served with a dash of fun. Put out some cute toothpicks, arrange these easy weiners on a platter, and watch how quickly they disappear. If you’re like my family, you might find yourselves fighting over the last sausage—no shame in that!
Flavor Variations
Thinking of spicing things up? I’m all for experimenting with flavors.
- Tangy Cranberry: Replace grape jelly with cranberry sauce.
- Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple chunks or a small can of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Honey Mustard: Stir in a few spoonfuls of mustard and honey for extra zing.
These small changes can turn the standard sweet-and-savory sauce into something unique. Don’t be afraid to test new ingredients. You never know which version will become the next family favorite.
FAQ
1. do midgets have small weiners?
This question pops up online but doesn’t have any direct relevance to cooking. Everyone’s body is unique, and size assumptions based on height alone can be misleading. There’s no scientific or culinary basis for connecting stature to the size of weiners.
2. do flies have weiners?
Flies, being insects, have different reproductive structures than mammals. In common terms, they do not have what we typically call “weiners.” So, this question doesn’t apply to our kitchen-friendly version of weiners.
3. are weiners gluten free?
Many cocktail sausages are labeled gluten free, but not all. Always check the packaging and ingredients. Some brands use fillers that contain gluten. Look for a certified gluten-free label if you’re avoiding gluten.