There’s something genuinely comforting about a dish that’s both irresistibly tasty and effortlessly simple to prepare, and that’s exactly what you get with this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe. Bursting with sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy flavors, these little smokies simmer to perfection in a luscious blend of barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and spice, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, parties, or cozy family dinners. The magic of the slow cooker melds all the ingredients together, leaving you with irresistibly tender, flavorful sausages that everyone will keep reaching for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. From the smoky richness of the sausages to the unexpected sweetness of grape jelly, every component is there to bring out the best in this dish.
- Barbecue sauce: This provides the smoky, savory base that coats the little smokies in mouthwatering flavor.
- Grape jelly: Adds a touch of sweetness and a silky texture that balances the tang of the barbecue sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity to brighten up the sauce and enhance all the other flavors.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Little smokies sausages: The star of the show—bite-sized and tender, perfect for dipping and sharing.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper in a bowl. This combination creates that iconic sweet and tangy sauce that makes the Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe so unforgettable. Stir until the jelly has melted and everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Little Smokies to the Crockpot
Next, toss the little smokies sausages into your crockpot. Using the slow cooker means you’ll get perfectly heated, juicy sausages without any fuss.
Step 3: Coat the Sausages with Sauce
Pour your lovingly mixed sauce over the little smokies and gently stir to make sure every sausage is completely coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and keeps the smokies moist as they cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally. The slow, even heat warms the sausages thoroughly and helps all those wonderful flavors meld together. Once done, your Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe will be ready to serve warm and gooey!
How to Serve Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the sweet and smoky sauce beautifully. If you like a little extra heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can ramp things up effortlessly.
Side Dishes
These little smokies shine as a party appetizer, but they’re also fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crispy French fries, or a fresh green salad. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread make perfect partners, great for mopping up every last bit of that mouthwatering sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe in mini slider buns or skewer a few on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacks at your next gathering. You could even use them to top nachos for a playful, smoky twist on a classic favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—and let’s be honest, it’s hard not to—they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the little smokies are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These smokies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly, keeping those irresistible flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While little smokies are traditional and ideal because of their size and flavor, you can substitute cocktail sausages or any bite-sized smoked sausage you prefer. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without grape jelly?
If you don’t have grape jelly on hand, you can use other fruit preserves like apricot or apple jelly. Each will bring its own unique sweetness that works beautifully with the barbecue sauce.
Can I make this recipe on high instead of low in the crockpot?
You can, but it’s best to keep an eye on the cooking time. It may take only about 1 to 1 ½ hours on high. The slow cooking method at low temperature helps the flavors meld more deeply and keeps the sausages super tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally, yes, as most little smokies and barbecue sauces are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels of the barbecue sauce and sausages to be certain.
How spicy is this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe?
The recipe includes just a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper, giving it a mild warming heat that shouldn’t overwhelm anyone. You can adjust the cayenne to your taste or omit it completely if you prefer no heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something super satisfying without much effort, this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe is a fantastic go-to. The blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes every bite a delight, and the ease of slow cooker magic means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this has become a beloved favorite for so many!
Print
Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Little Smokies recipe combines savory little smokies sausages with a sweet and tangy sauce made from barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, these irresistible appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Meat
- 28 ounces little smokies sausages (2 packages of 14 ounces each)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Add Little Smokies to Crockpot: Place the 28 ounces of little smokies evenly into the crockpot, spreading them out for even cooking.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the little smokies in the crockpot and stir gently to ensure all sausages are well coated with the sauce.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 2 to 3 hours, until the little smokies are warmed through and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Notes
- For thicker sauce consistency, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for more or less heat.
- Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
