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Cocktail Franks Recipe—3 Simple Steps, Amazing

Okay, listen up! If you’re ever in charge of bringing something to a potluck, a casual get-together, or just need a ridiculously easy snack that *everyone* devours, this is your secret weapon. We’re talking about those little bites of pure party happiness: Cocktail Franks! And trust me, my go-to Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite is so simple, it feels like cheating. It’s been my absolute lifeline for years, saving me from last-minute panic more times than I can count.

Seriously, I’ve made these for everything from Super Bowl parties to impromptu summer BBQs. They disappear faster than you can say “pass the plate”! People always ask for the recipe, and they’re shocked when I tell them how few ingredients are involved. It’s a classic for a reason, and this version? It’s the best kind of easy comfort food.

Why This Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite Will Be a Hit

Honestly, these little guys are a guaranteed win every single time. Here’s why you’ll be getting compliments (and probably asked for the recipe!) when you show up with these:

  • They are ridiculously easy. Seriously, we’re talking minimal effort for maximum payoff.
  • The flavor combo? It’s that perfect sweet and tangy mix that just works. Kids and adults alike go crazy for it.
  • They cook in a slow cooker! Set it and forget it, leaving you free to actually enjoy your party.
  • They are the ultimate comfort food appetizer. Warm, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
  • You really only need THREE ingredients. Yes, just three. It doesn’t get much simpler.

Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite - detail 2

Gathering Your Ingredients for This Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of this recipe is how incredibly simple the ingredient list is. You probably have at least one of these things in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

  • 1 lb. of your favorite cocktail franks (those cute little sausages!)
  • 1 bottle (that’s typically an 18-ounce bottle) of barbecue sauce. Whatever kind you like is fine.
  • 1 jar (usually 10 ounces) of grape jelly. Yep, grape jelly! Trust me on this.

That’s it! See? I told you it was easy.

The Simple Steps to Make This Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Okay, you’ve got your three ingredients ready? Awesome! Now let’s get these little guys cooking. The best part is, your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to, you know, actually hang out with people or maybe just put your feet up. Here’s exactly how I make them:

First things first, grab your slow cooker. Mine’s a pretty standard size, about 6 quarts, and it works perfectly for a pound of franks. You don’t need to grease it or anything, which is another win in my book!

Next, pour that whole bottle of barbecue sauce right into the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t be shy! Then, spoon in the entire jar of grape jelly. It might look a little weird right now, like a strange science experiment, but trust the process!

Now, take a spoon or a whisk and stir those two together. Keep going until the jelly is pretty well mixed in with the barbecue sauce. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, a few little jelly lumps are totally fine, they’ll melt as it cooks.

Once your sauce is looking good, dump in your pound of cocktail franks. Give everything a good stir so all those little sausages are coated in that amazing sweet and tangy sauce. Make sure none are stuck together!

Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Now, set it to LOW heat. This is important – low and slow is the way to go for these. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 hours. You’re really just letting the sauce meld together and the franks get heated all the way through. I usually give them a stir about halfway through, just to make sure everything’s happy in there.

You’ll know they’re ready when they’re hot and the sauce is bubbly and smells absolutely incredible. They’re best served warm, so keep that slow cooker on the “warm” setting if you’re serving them over a longer period. See? Told you it was simple!

Equipment Needed for Your Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy for these little guys. The beauty is in the simplicity! Here’s the short and sweet list of what you’ll need to pull this off:

  • A slow cooker (any size that fits a pound of franks will work!)
  • A spoon or whisk for stirring

That’s it! Easy peasy, right?

Ingredient Notes and Swaps for Your Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Okay, so while this recipe is super straightforward, there’s a little wiggle room if you want to play around or if you’re missing an ingredient! First off, those cocktail franks? You can totally swap them out. Little smoked sausages, mini Italian sausages, or even cut-up regular hot dogs would work just fine. Whatever small, savory bite you have on hand!

Now, about that grape jelly. It gives you that classic sweet note, but if you’re not a huge grape fan, you could try apricot or even apple jelly. They’ll give you a slightly different flavor profile, but still that sticky, sweet goodness. And if you like things less sweet, just use a little less jelly! Start with half the jar and add more to taste after it’s cooked for a bit. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Tips for Perfecting Your Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Making these cocktail franks is pretty foolproof, but a couple of little things can make them even better! First, give them a good stir a couple of times while they’re cooking. This just makes sure every single frank gets coated in that delicious sauce.

Also, stick to the low heat setting on your slow cooker. It lets the flavors really meld together without anything burning. And finally, serve them warm! They’re just not the same cold. Keep that slow cooker on the warm setting if you’re serving them buffet-style. Easy peasy, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Okay, I always get a few questions when I bring these to a party, so let me try and answer the most common ones right here!

Can I make these on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a pot on the stove. Add the franks, stir to coat, and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbly. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Just watch them so the sauce doesn’t burn on the bottom!

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use? Honestly, use your favorite! A classic sweet and smoky sauce works really well, but if you prefer something a little tangier or spicier, go for it. The grape jelly adds sweetness, so keep that in mind.

How should I store leftovers? If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely, then transfer them and the sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I substitute something else for the grape jelly? Yep, as I mentioned before, apricot or apple jelly are great swaps if you want a slightly different flavor. You just need something sweet and jelly-like to react with the barbecue sauce.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you have an idea, here’s a general look at the estimated nutritional info for a serving of these cocktail franks (we’re talking about maybe 3 franks per serving, roughly!). Keep in mind, these numbers can totally change based on the specific brands of franks, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly you use. Think of this as a ballpark figure, not a hard and fast rule!

  • Calories: Around 250
  • Sugar: About 25g
  • Sodium: Roughly 600mg
  • Fat: Approx. 15g
  • Carbs: Around 28g
  • Protein: About 10g

Again, these are just estimates! But hey, it’s a party food, so let’s just enjoy it, right?

Time to Enjoy Your Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Seriously, that’s it! You’ve just made the easiest, most crowd-pleasing appetizer ever. Get those little franks into a serving dish and watch them disappear! I really hope you give this Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite a try for your next gathering. Come back and let me know how it went in the comments below! And please, feel free to rate the recipe too – I love hearing what you think!

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Cocktail Franks Recipe – Party Favorite

Cocktail Franks Recipe—3 Simple Steps, Amazing


  • Author: cocktailmixguide.com
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A classic party favorite, these cocktail franks are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce. Easy to make and always a hit.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. cocktail franks
  • 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Combine barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a slow cooker.
  2. Stir to mix well.
  3. Add cocktail franks to the sauce.
  4. Stir to coat franks with sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
  6. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute other types of small sausages for the cocktail franks.
  • Adjust the amount of grape jelly for your desired sweetness.
  • These can also be made on the stovetop over low heat.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 franks
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cocktail franks, party food, appetizer, slow cooker, barbecue sauce, grape jelly

Recipe rating