These slow cooker little smokies couldn’t be easier! With only 4 ingredients, they are always a hit. Tangy little smokies turn into a mouthwatering appetizer when slow-cooked with a unique blend of sweet grape jelly and spicy BBQ sauce. This simple slow cooker recipe starts with mini smoked sausages known for their savory and smoky flavor. They’re combined in a slow cooker with a tangy BBQ sauce mixture to elevate them, adding a rich, deep flavor profile. The surprising twist comes from grape jelly, which pairs seamlessly with the BBQ sauce, lending a subtle, fruity sweetness and enhancing the smoky flavor. The slow-cooking process allows the sausages to absorb these flavors, making them tender, sticky, and bursting with bold taste. If you like grape jelly meatballs, you’ll love these little smokies.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or game-day snacking. Just set your slow cooker on low and let it do the work over a few hours until the sauce is thick and glossy. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and watch as these sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy bites disappear.
Ingredients
Little Smokies: There are a few brands you might choose from, some made with pork and others made with beef. Mini cocktail franks are another excellent option for this recipe. You could even cut hot dogs into 1 to 2-inch lengths.
Grape Jelly: Any store-bought grape jelly will work just fine.
Barbecue Sauce: A smoke-flavored sauce is wonderful with the grape jelly. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds some extra zing to the sauce. You can leave it out or use 1 teaspoon of fresh grated or minced garlic.
Recipe Variations
- For a spicier appetizer, add a few tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, chili crisp, or Asian chili sauce to the slow cooker.
- Replace the grape jelly with apricot or pineapple preserves or whole cranberry sauce.
- Add a splash of Bourbon for a boozy twist.
- Enhance the fruity flavor with 1 teaspoon of orange zest or a dash of lemon zest.
- Add chunks of pineapple and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice for a tropical taste.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
Let the smokies cool completely, then transfer them and the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a lid or damp paper towel, in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a saucepan or skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or BBQ sauce if the mixture seems too thick.
- Slow Cooker: For larger batches, reheat on low for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Delight your guests with slow cooker little smokies. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion with just four ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Sausage, Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 12-ounce packages of little smokies or mini hot dogs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3/4 cup grape jelly
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Thyme, parsley, or chives (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Combine: Put the little smokies in the slow cooker and add the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Cook: Slow cook the smokies on low for 2 to 3 hours or until they are hot and the sauce is thickened.
3. Serve: Set the slow cooker on warm for serving, or transfer the vegetables to a platter to serve them all at once. If desired, garnish with thyme leaves, parsley, or chives.
Equipment
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