If you need a holiday appetizer that checks every box-easy, smoky, sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive-these Smoked Meatballs & Little Smokies are it. This recipe is the perfect twist on my classic grape-jelly version, but here we're elevating the flavor with BBQ sauce, apricot jam, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze that brings a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.
Everything gets tossed into a foil pan, thrown on the smoker, and cooked low and slow until the glaze gets sticky and the meatballs soak up all that holiday flavor. Whether you're hosting a party, tailgating, or feeding the family before the big meal this dish always disappears first.
Why You'll Love This Holiday Appetizer
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy. Everything cooks in one foil pan. Zero stress.
- Big flavor with simple ingredients. The apricot BBQ glaze hits sweet, smoky, and tangy all at once.
- Perfect for parties. Great for grazing tables, potlucks, and game day.
- Smoker-friendly. This recipe picks up incredible smoke flavor without babysitting.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian work great)
- 1 package little smokies
- 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Smoked Meatballs and Little Smokies with Apricot BBQ Glaze
Ingredients
Meatballs & Smokies
1 (32 oz) bag frozen meatballs
1 package little smokies
Apricot BBQ Glaze
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
1 cup apricot jam
2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F .
- Add the frozen meatballs and little smokies to a foil pan.
- Pour the bbq sauce, apricot jam and drizzle balsamic glaze.
- Place the foil pan in the smoker and cook for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Increase the temperature of your smoker to 350°F and continue to cook for another 30-40 minutes until the sauce is thickened and caramelized.
- Remove from the smoker and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze and chopped parsley if desired.
Susan says
Thank you for sharing. Will this work on reg bbq grill, oven or crackpot?
Jordan Hanger says
Oven and crockpot would be great!