Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Enjoy a mouthwatering appetizer with these slow cooker little smokies. Tender sausages slow-cooked in grape jelly and BBQ sauce.
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.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Only four ingredients. This appetizer comes together with minimal shopping and prep, relying on simple pantry staples to create a surprisingly rich and flavorful sauce.
Set-it-and-forget-it ease. The slow cooker does all the work, gently warming the smokies and thickening the sauce while you focus on other dishes or hosting.
A classic party favorite. These saucy cocktail sausages have universal appeal, making them ideal for gatherings where guests of all ages need something easy to nibble on.
Scales beautifully. Double or triple the ingredients for larger groups—the cook time stays about the same, and the slow cooker keeps everything warm for serving.
Flexible flavor profile. You can adjust the sweetness, spice, or tang by swapping the sauce, adding heat, or introducing different preserves for a personalized twist.
Ingredient Notes
- Little smokies – Use classic pork and beef cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs. Turkey versions work too if you want a lighter option.
- Barbecue sauce – Choose a sauce you enjoy—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work well. Thicker sauces create a richer glaze.
- Grape jelly – Melts into the barbecue sauce to create a glossy, sweet coating. Apricot, plum, or pepper jelly can be substituted for different flavor spins.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory depth to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but they give the glaze a mild kick. Add more if you prefer a spicy version.
- Fresh herbs – Parsley, thyme, or chives add a touch of color when serving but are not required.
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Little Smokies
- Add the smokies to the slow cooker along with the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir to coat the sausages evenly in the sauce mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours, or until heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Switch the slow cooker to warm for serving, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce glossy.
- Garnish with herbs if desired and serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a platter.
Tips
- Use the right slow cooker size. A 3- to 4-quart slow cooker is perfect for a single batch. In a larger cooker, the sauce may reduce faster, so check occasionally and stir to prevent scorching.
- Stir more than once for the glossiest sauce. Because jelly melts unevenly, stirring halfway through ensures every sausage gets fully coated and keeps the glaze smooth and shiny.
- Choose the best barbecue sauce for your flavor goal. Sweet and smoky sauces create a classic cocktail-party taste, while vinegar-based BBQ sauce adds tang and balances the jelly’s sweetness.
- For thicker sauce, remove the lid briefly. Letting the slow cooker run uncovered for the last 10 to 15 minutes evaporates excess moisture for a stickier coating.
- For thinner sauce, add a splash of broth. If the sauce tightens too much while holding on Warm, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen it.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat.
- Sweet and tangy. Substitute half the grape jelly with pineapple preserves or apricot jam.
- Smoky bourbon glaze. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce for depth.
- Cranberry BBQ smokies. Replace the grape jelly with cranberry sauce for a holiday twist.
- Meatball combo. Add frozen cocktail meatballs for a mixed appetizer crock.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
- Pair with crackers, cheese boards, or veggie trays for a fuller spread.
- Add them to buns for mini smokie sliders.
- Choose to serve alongside other slow cooker appetizers for a warm buffet.
- Offer extra barbecue sauce or hot sauce for dipping.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate:Let the smokies cool completely, then transfer them and the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: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.
To Reheat
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
Ingredients
- 24 ounces little smokies, 2 packs, 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.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
