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If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s effortless yet bursting with flavor, the Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy notes in perfect harmony, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just craving some comforting finger food, these little sausages simmered in a luscious BBQ sauce and grape jelly glaze are guaranteed to disappear fast. The simplicity of the ingredients hides a deliciously rich taste that feels like no effort but gives all the party-winning credit to you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a breeze because it relies on a handful of essential pantry staples and a simple protein to create a sensationally tasty bite. Each element plays a vital role: the BBQ sauce adds tang and smokiness, the grape jelly brings a mellow sweetness and silky texture, the red pepper flakes introduce a subtle kick, and the miniature smoked sausages deliver that irresistible savory punch.
- BBQ sauce (15 to 18 oz): Choose your favorite style—smoky, sweet, or spicy—as it’s the heart of the flavor base.
- Grape jelly (8 oz jar): This adds a wonderful sweetness and glossy finish that balances the tang of BBQ sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): A little heat goes a long way to elevate the flavor without overpowering it.
- Miniature smoked sausages (14 oz package): These bite-sized links soak up the sauce perfectly and make for perfect party finger food.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients
Begin by combining your BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and if you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper flakes in a 2 to 3-quart slow cooker. Whisk everything together until the jelly melts into the sauce and the mixture becomes smooth. This step is key because it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Add the Little Smokies
Next, toss in the miniature smoked sausages and give everything a good stir. The goal is to coat every sausage in that luscious, tangy sauce so each bite is packed with flavor. This simple step sets the stage for the slow cooker to work its magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 3 to 4 hours. This gentle heat lets the sausages absorb all the sweet and smoky notes while thickening the sauce to a delectable glaze. The countdown to a crowd-pleasing appetizer has officially begun!
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the sausages just before serving. A few sesame seeds can also add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that complements the glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
These smoky little bites pair wonderfully with crunchy crudités or a creamy ranch dip for a nice textural balance. For a heartier option, serve alongside buttery cornbread or a crisp coleslaw to complete the comfort-food vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun to the table by serving these little smokies in a hollowed-out loaf of bread as an edible bowl or skewering them with colorful toothpicks to make grabbing easier at parties. They also shine as a topping on baked potatoes or mixed into your favorite party snack platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy snack or meal addition during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the sausages and sauce together in a sealed freezer bag or container. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw fully before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or back in the slow cooker on LOW until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth and the sausages remain juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While miniature smoked sausages are traditional, you can experiment with cocktail sausages or even sliced bratwurst to suit your taste. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is the grape jelly necessary?
Yes, it adds a subtle sweetness and silky texture that perfectly balances the tangy BBQ sauce. You can try other fruit jellies like apricot or peach for a twist, but grape is classic for a reason!
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce before cooking to give it some extra kick that will tantalize spice lovers.
What size crockpot works best?
A 2 to 3-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It’s large enough to hold the sauce and sausages without overcrowding, which helps the flavors blend evenly.
How long can these little smokies stay warm in the crockpot?
You can keep them on the “keep warm” setting for up to 2 hours after cooking. Just give them a good stir occasionally to keep the sauce from thickening too much or sticking to the sides.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is pure party magic—so simple yet irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a favorite because it takes minimal effort while delivering big on flavor and fun. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic appetizer as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to for every gathering!
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Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 185 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring miniature smoked sausages simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with grape jelly and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Perfect for parties, game days, or simple gatherings, this slow cooker dish requires minimal prep and delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (15 to 18-oz) bottle BBQ sauce
- 1 (8-oz) jar grape jelly
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14-oz) package miniature smoked sausages
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a 2-3 quart slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and red pepper flakes (if using) until fully combined to create a sweet and tangy base.
- Add the sausages: Pour the miniature smoked sausages into the sauce mixture and stir well to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausages to heat through thoroughly.
Notes
- Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust to taste for desired heat level.
- Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer or party snack.
- Can be kept on the ‘warm’ setting for a short period before serving.
- For thicker sauce, stir occasionally during cooking and cook a bit longer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
