These Crockpot Little Smokies are fun, tasty, and super easy to make! Just toss those little sausages and your favorite BBQ sauce in a slow cooker and let them cook until warm and delicious.
They’re perfect for parties or game nights. Plus, who can resist those tiny bites? I love serving them with toothpicks—it’s like an instant finger food party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the dish! They come pre-cooked, so just toss them in your crockpot. If you can’t find little smokies, you can use cocktail sausages or kielbasa, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. Sweet, tangy, or smoky options all work well. If you want a lighter option, look for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You can also use hot sauce if you like a bit of heat!
Grape Jelly: This sweet ingredient balances the BBQ sauce perfectly. If you prefer, you can swap it for apricot jam or another fruit preserve to change up the flavor.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but it can add a bit of extra sweetness. If you’re looking to cut sugar, maple syrup or honey can be a nice alternative.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in the Sauce?
The sauce for these little smokies is key to their deliciousness! To make sure your sauce is flavorful, mix the BBQ sauce and grape jelly really well. Here’s a quick method:
- In a bowl, whisk the BBQ sauce and grape jelly until smooth. Don’t worry about lumps—just make sure it’s well combined!
- If using brown sugar or seasonings, stir them in until they’re fully dissolved for even flavor.
This step ensures each little smokie gets a good coating! Remember to taste the sauce before pouring it over the sausages to adjust any sweetness or spice levels to your liking.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) of little smokies sausages
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you let the crockpot do the work! Cooking time is about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high, making it perfect for gatherings or parties. Just mix, cook, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Start by placing the little smokies sausages directly into your crockpot. Spread them out evenly for the best cooking results.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir until the two ingredients are well mixed and smooth. If you want a little extra sweetness, add in the brown sugar. For an extra flavor kick, you can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder. Mix well until everything is combined!
3. Combine and Coat:
Pour the sauce mixture over the little smokies in the crockpot. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat all the sausages evenly. Make sure each little smokie gets some delicious sauce on it!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or set it to high for 1-2 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbly and fragrant.
5. Stir and Serve:
When they’re done cooking, give them a gentle stir to make sure the sauce is distributed well. They are best served warm, and you can use toothpicks to make them easy for everyone to grab and enjoy!
Enjoy these glossy, flavorful little smokies at your next gathering! They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Sausages?
Absolutely! If you can’t find little smokies, feel free to use cocktail sausages or sliced kielbasa. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked for best results!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce or omit the brown sugar and grape jelly. Alternatively, try using unsweetened barbecue sauce for a more savory flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients and store everything in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just pop it in the crockpot and cook when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
