These Crock Pot Little Smokies are the perfect snack for any gathering! They are small sausages cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. Just pop them in your slow cooker and let them simmer!
Seriously, they are always a hit at parties! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking. Be prepared—everyone will be coming back for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These bite-sized sausages are a must for this recipe. If you can’t find them, consider using other types of small cocktail sausages or mini sausages—just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite bottled barbecue sauce will work here. For a homemade version, mix ketchup with a bit of vinegar and sugar. A smoky variety adds an extra depth of flavor!
Grape Jelly: While grape jelly is traditional, any fruit jelly like strawberry or raspberry can give a nice twist. I’ve even used peach preserves, which adds a wonderful fruity note to the dish!
Optional Add-ins: If you enjoy a little heat, adding mustard or hot sauce enhances the flavor beautifully. For a sweet heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor with the Sauce?
The sauce is what makes these Little Smokies shine! Mixing the barbecue sauce and jelly is key to achieving that sweet and tangy flavor balance. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a bowl to combine the two sauces well. Stir until smooth; this ensures an even coat over the sausages.
- Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke to intensify the flavor further.
- Remember to stir the sausages occasionally as they cook, so they absorb all that delicious sauce!
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly (or any fruit jelly)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon mustard or hot sauce for a tangy kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, with a cooking time of 2 to 3 hours on low in the crock pot. So in total, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 10 minutes to get these delicious bites ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Grab those Little Smokies sausages and place them directly into your crock pot. It’s that easy! No need to pre-cook; they’ll get nice and warm as they cook in the sauce.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, take the barbecue sauce and grape jelly and mix them together until they are smooth. This will create a lovely, sweet, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the sausages. Feel free to taste and adjust—add more jelly for sweetness or mustard for a tangy kick!
3. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Once your sauce is all mixed up, pour it over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. With a spoon or spatula, gently stir the sausages to make sure they are fully coated in that delicious sauce. It’s okay if they don’t look perfect; they’ll become extra flavorful as they cook!
4. Cook and Stir:
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 hours. If you can, stir them occasionally to make sure they don’t stick and get even more saucy. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After a couple of hours, check that the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened. Once they’re ready, turn off the crock pot. Serve them warm with toothpicks for a snack that everyone will love!
This Crock Pot Little Smokies recipe is a hit at any gathering and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and savory treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are the classic choice, you can use other types of cocktail sausages or even mini hot dogs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times if the sausages are significantly larger or smaller.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sausages and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Simply combine them in the crock pot when you’re ready to serve. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly if the mixture is cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or place them back in the crock pot on low until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Little Smokies?
Little Smokies are great on their own, but you can also serve them with various dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or additional barbecue sauce. They pair wonderfully with a side of veggies or chips, too!
