This article was updated on the 5th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your little smokies, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for little smokies.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with little smokies are mashed potatoes, orzo bake, sweet potato wedges, and panzanella salad. If you’re making them for a party, serve them with grape jelly meatballs and pretzel bites. For healthier options, try buttered veggies and roasted brussels sprouts and squash.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Party Treats
Little smokies’ bite-sized nature makes them the perfect appetizer to serve at parties, so it’s no surprise that we have a slew of fun and tasty snacks on the list to complete the spread!
Sweet Potato Wedges
4.6 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 20 mins
These sweet potatoes are phenomenal! They’re lightly crisp on the outside, with tender, fluffy insides that make every bite satisfying.
They’re seasoned with herbs like oregano, thyme, sage, and basil, giving you a satisfying sweet-savory kick that complements the little smokies.
And if that’s not enough, Chef in Training’s recipe includes a honey chipotle sauce that pairs superbly with both the sweet potato fries and little smokies.
What readers are saying…
“This was super simple, I have used this recipe twice, cooked it exactly as stated here and my family loved it.”
“This recipe was so yummy – I managed to make one of the best steaks I’ve ever made without it being a long complicated process!”
“My first time making steak and all my hubby kept saying was the best steak he ever had. Better than the restaurant.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
🌶 Smashed Chili Sweet Potatoes
Grape Jelly Meatballs
5.0 ⭐️ (2332 ratings) | 3 hrs 40 mins
If you’re throwing a party, these grape jelly meatballs are a must-have in your spread.
They’re such a breeze to make — simply let the meatballs simmer in the chili and grape jelly sauce until they’re tender. Easy peasy. You can even dip your little smokies into the tasty sauce!
Pro-tip: This recipe uses frozen meatballs, but also has instructions for making them from scratch.
What readers are saying…
“Awesome as an appetizer and over rice.”
“I’m a vegetarian, so I haven’t actually eaten these, but my husband who is definitely a carnivore, loves these. Had them at a get-together a couple of weeks ago.”
“I made this recipe yesterday for a school celebration. It was a success. It was the dish that everyone talked about and came back for seconds and thirds.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
4.1 ⭐️ (60 ratings) | 26 mins
Jazz up your little smokies with a serving of these jalapeño popper roll-ups.
They’re everything you love about jalapeño poppers, with the addition of a soft tortilla holding everything together. They’re creamy and cheesy, with a hint of smokiness that pairs superbly with little smokies.
Plan ahead and make a double batch of these jalapeñopopper roll-ups. They’re guaranteed to be snapped up fast.
Pro-tip: If you’re sensitive to spicy food, boil your jalapeños first to reduce their heat level.
What readers are saying…
“So delicious! My mother in law made these for a birthday party and they were a huge hit. I found the recipe saved on her Pinterest board and saved it to mine so I can make it in the future.”
“I seriously want to gobble that entire container up! These look outrageous (in such a delicious way)!”
“I love this recipe for its flavor, and for its convenience!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
4.3 ⭐️ (15 ratings) | 26 mins
These pretzel bites are an excellent snack to serve with your little smokies.
First time making homemade pretzels? Don’t stress — they’re super easy to make.
Aside from the pretzel salt, the six other ingredients for these are probably already sitting in your pantry.
Plus, West Via Midwest’s recipe bakes these pretzel bites in the air fryer, which reduces cooking time and gives them a delightful crust. But don’t worry, they include oven instructions too!
What readers are saying…
“They came out great! We loved them and so easy to make.“
“I loved making these in my air fryer!! It was crazy easy!! Now I can eat soft pretzels anytime I want, thanks for the great recipe!”
“These pretzel bites look amazing! I love soft pretzels and have a feeling we’ll need a double batch!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Crab Rangoon
4.5 ⭐️ (28 ratings) | 45 mins
Crab rangoon is always a must-have in my appetizer spread.
These are made with wonton wrappers filled with a creamy crab mixture and then deep-fried to perfection. You can also bake them, but I find they have a much better crunch when fried.
These dumplings are typically served with a sweet chili sauce, but you can also dunk them in your little smokies’ BBQ sauce.
What the chef says…
“It’s best not to make these too far ahead of time as the wonton wrappers can dry out. You can make up the filling a day or two ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Brunch Favorites
Little smokies are sausages, so it makes sense that you can enjoy them for breakfast too! Treat yourself and serve the smokies with these tasty brunch favorites.
Zucchini Cheddar Waffles
4.0 ⭐️ (45 ratings) | 30 mins
Serve your little smokies over these savory zucchini cheddar waffles for a hearty brunch.
They’re a great way to amp up your kids’ veggie intake – they won’t even question the little zucchini pieces spread across the waffles.
All they’ll taste is cheesy cheddar goodness.
What readers are saying…
“I loved these Zucchini Cheddar Waffles. I was a little leary at first but these are AMAZING!”
“The perfect summer brunch recipe! My whole family loved them. We will be trying them with different toppings soon.“
“Delicious! They freeze well, and then I just pop one in the toaster for a quick breakfast on the go.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
French Toast
4.9 ⭐️ (139 ratings) | 25 mins
Want that sweet and savory flavor combo for breakfast? Have your little smokies with a slice (or two) of French toast.
It’s an indulgent breakfast meal fit for a king. Each slice of French toast has perfectly crisped edges and a pillowy soft middle. But what really sets this recipe apart is the added sprinkle of sugar to the toast as it cooks. This creates a caramelized layer in your French toast, giving it a deeper flavor.
Pro-tip: As you cook, store the French toast slices inside your oven under the ‘keep warm’ setting.
Psst… want to discover more great pairings for French toast?
What readers are saying…
“This is nothing short of amazing. Shortly after the first slices started to cook, the smell was incredible.“
“I’ve never been able to make French toast, it was always soggy and yucky… but THIS! THIS IS AMAZING!!!! So yummy and crispy!”
“This is perfection! Finally, I can make yummy French Toast soft as a cloud at home. Thank you so much!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Spinach and Feta Frittata
4.4 ⭐️ (39 ratings) | 30 mins
If you’re having little smokies for breakfast, serve them alongside this spinach frittata for a nutritious start to the day.
This dish looks intimidating, but it’s actually very simple.
Everything comes together in one pan, and you finish it off in the oven to ensure the eggs are cooked through. And you can have this frittata ready to serve in 30 minutes.
What the chef says…
“To prevent stray bits of shells, break the egg on a flat surface — not on the edge of the bowl.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Starchy Dishes
Want to have little smokies for dinner? Pair them with these starchy dishes for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 30 mins
Take inspiration from the classic English dish bangers and mash — serve your little smokies over a bed of luscious mashed potatoes.
But if you want to switch up your traditional mashed spuds, why not try adding mascarpone cheese? It’ll make your mash extra smooth and rich.
Making your smokies with barbecue sauce? Scoop some of it over these mashed potatoes for a delicious combination of savory, creamy flavors.
What the chef says…
“I made these as a side with the Classic Pot Roast, and they were delicious! Creamy, savory, and flavorful. I’m looking forward to the leftovers.”
“Easy to make, smooth and delicious! I served them as a side with a beef roast, with carrots on the side, also. Great recipe!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Vegan Mashed Potatoes
😇 Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
🧘♀️ Parsnip Puree
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
4.2 ⭐️ (580 ratings) | 45 mins
Planning to serve little smokies for a family dinner? Make it a complete meal with this orzo bake.
It features the popular broccoli-cheddar combination in pasta form and is sure to be a massive hit. After all, no one can resist anything covered in cheese sauce, right?
This pasta bake is so good, don’t be surprised if your kids will be begging you to make it for dinner every week.
What the chef says…
“This is on repeat in our home! Quick, easy, delicious.“
“Creamy & delicious & the whole family loved it! Thx for another amazing recipe!!”
“Absolutely delicious! Exactly what we needed in our house on a cold fall evening. “
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Four-cheese Sun-dried and Spinach Pasta Bake
🤩 Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Beans
5.0 ⭐️ (3251 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Serving little smokies at your next barbecue? Enjoy them with these baked beans!
How Sweet Eats’ recipe starts with canned baked beans, but the addition of spices, aromatics, and other ingredients like mustard and BBQ sauce makes them taste homemade. They give you the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making each bite an absolute delight.
You can enjoy your little smokies alongside these baked beans, but I prefer mixing them in with the beans for a delicious one-bowl meal.
What readers are saying…
“Made these following the recipe. I made them in my Instapot and they came out great!”
“Love the recipe! I’ve made it a few times and it’s always a hit. I swap out the ketchup for all bbq sauce, but these are the best beans ever either way.“
“BEST baked bean recipe! Everyone loves it when I make it for parties!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and Salads
Vegetable sides and salads are another option if you want to enjoy little smokies for lunch or dinner. They’re lighter than starchy sides and are healthier. Salads, especially, provide a fresh bite that’ll refresh your palate.
Panzanella Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 1 hr
Got some leftover bread? Take advantage of it and make panzanella salad to go with your little smokies.
This Italian classic has a refreshing vibrant flavor that contrasts the saltiness of your little smokies.
The secret to getting this salad right is letting it rest. This allows the croutons to absorb the dressing and the tomatoes’ juices, making them slightly soft but not soggy.
What readers are saying…
“I have made this salad twice and was a hit both times…We finished the whole salad just the two of us. Will definitely make again.”
“Although it’s the middle of winter had some stale Italian bread to use up. Turned out fabulous.”
“Everything in this!!! ALL OF IT!!! I could eat this every single day. Those fresh flavors are so refreshing and clean tasting…and I love me some bread.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Buttered Veggies
4.2 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 10 mins
For those days when you’re simply too busy to cook, a serving of little smokies and buttered veggies ticks the boxes for a well-rounded meal.
The great thing about this dish is you can use any veggies you like – great for using up anything lying around in your fridge!
Think these veggies are too plain? Try dressing them up with grated parm and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What the chef says…
“If you like softer veg, then feel free to cook it for longer until it is at your desired ‘doneness.’ You may need to add a splash more stock/water if your pan starts to dry out.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
☀ Brown Butter Summer Veggie Saute
🌷 Steamed Spring Vegetables with Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
4.2 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 35 mins
Make your dinner a special meal with a heaping helping of this roasted sprouts and squash recipe.
It’s a low-effort dish that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. Simply peel and prep the veg, toss them in the seasoning, then they’re ready to be roasted.
And speaking of seasoning, this recipe uses a maple glaze, which gives the sprouts and the squash a delectable savory kick.
What readers are saying…
“I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a HIT!! My boyfriend’s family LOVED it. Of course I did too, but it always feels nice to impress the family of your boyfriend.”
“I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Even some who don’t normally like brussels said this was delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cauliflower Cheese
5.0 ⭐️ (67 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
In the mood for something decadent with your little smokies but trying to cut down on calories? Don’t stress, cauliflower cheese has your back!
This classic British dish is exactly what its name suggests: cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy cheese sauce.
Traditional recipes often start with steaming the cauliflower, but this version roasts them instead. This gives the florets a deeper flavor and also prevents them from watering down the sauce.
What the chef says…
“Really delicious! Made it as written the first time and it’s a delight!”
“Made this tonight and served as side dish. I used a swiss-style cheese and the sauce was out of this world for flavour“
“Why have I been wasting my life steaming the cauliflower? The roasted method makes it utterly delicious, like a whole new vegetable.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧘♀️ Lemony Cauliflower with Garlic and Herbs
🍚 Cauliflower Fried Rice
What To Serve With Little Smokies – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion mascarpone mashed potatoes
- 1 portion grape jelly meatballs
- 1 portion southern baked beans
- 1 portion buttered veggies
- 1 portion pretzel bites
- 1 portion jalapeno popper pinwheels … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your little smokies according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: mascarpone mashed potatoes, broccoli cheddar orzo bake, panzanella salad, sweet potato wedges, zucchini cheddar waffles, french toast, grape jelly meatballs, jalapeno popper pinwheels, southern baked beans, pretzel bites, spinach and feta frittata, buttered veggies, and roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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