Crockpot Little Smokies

Introduction

When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers, Crockpot Little Smokies are always a hit. These little sausages simmered in a tangy, sweet sauce are incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family get-together, game day, or a holiday party. The best part? You toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it, leaving you free to focus on the other details of your event. And, trust me, they’re always the first to disappear from the appetizer table!

What I love most about this recipe is how those little Crockpot Little Smokies soak up all that delicious, sticky sauce. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a hint of tang from the barbecue sauce. They’re like the ultimate finger food—easy to eat, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, you can make the sauce as sweet, spicy, or tangy as you want, which means you can customize it to suit your guests’ tastes.

Whether you’re serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking or pouring them over a bed of rice for a more substantial dish, Crockpot Little Smokies are always a winner. They’re the kind of appetizer that brings people together and makes any gathering feel a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off: You can prepare everything in advance and let your Crockpot do all the work!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sausages are always the first thing to disappear at any gathering.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that’s ready in no time.
• Perfectly Customizable: You can tweak the sauce to your taste—add a little extra heat or sweetness, or make it smokier.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer or served over rice for a quick and satisfying main dish.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2-3 hours (depending on cooking method)
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low or 1-1.5 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Fat: 13g, Carbohydrates: 9g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

For the Crockpot Little Smokies, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies sausages
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite variety—sweet, tangy, or smoky)
• 1/2 cup grape jelly (or apricot preserves for a slightly different flavor)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Little Smokies: These small, fully-cooked sausages are the perfect base for the sauce, soaking up all that delicious flavor while staying tender and juicy.
• Barbecue Sauce: A key element for the sweet and tangy flavor profile of this dish. Whether you prefer a smoky or sweet barbecue sauce, this ingredient is the star.
• Grape Jelly: Adds a sweet, glossy element to the sauce, making it stick perfectly to the sausages.
• Dijon Mustard: A little kick of tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the jelly and barbecue sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For a deep, savory flavor that complements the sweet and tangy elements.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: Essential for adding that rich, savory base flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Crockpot Little Smokies is so simple—you’ll be surprised at how quickly everything comes together.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the jelly is fully incorporated with the sauce and everything is smooth.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more mustard for tang, more jelly for sweetness, or extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Cook the Little Smokies

3. Add the Little Smokies: Place the Little Smokies sausages into the Crockpot.
4. Pour the Sauce Over the Smokies: Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Cook on Low or High:
   • Cook on Low for 2-3 hours, or on High for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The sausages should be heated through and fully coated in the sauce.
   • If you’re in a rush, you can cook on high, but I recommend low for the best flavor.
6. Stir Occasionally: Give the sausages a good stir every 30 minutes or so to ensure they’re fully coated in the sauce and are cooking evenly.

Serve and Enjoy

7. Serve Warm: Once the Little Smokies are cooked, serve them straight from the Crockpot, either with toothpicks for easy snacking or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

How to Serve

These Crockpot Little Smokies are super versatile and can be served in several ways:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of extra sauce for dipping.
2. Over Rice: Pour the Little Smokies and sauce over a bowl of rice for a simple meal.
3. On a Bun: Serve them on slider buns for mini sausages sandwiches.
4. With Veggies: Pair them with raw veggies or chips for a balanced appetizer spread.
5. Topped with Cheese: For an indulgent twist, top them with shredded cheese and let it melt for a cheesy, gooey treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Crockpot Little Smokies even better:

1. Use Different Sauces: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite. A smoky, spicy sauce pairs well with the sweetness of the jelly.
2. Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce and refrigerate it for a day ahead of time, then just pour it over the sausages when ready to cook.
3. Stir Occasionally: Stirring the sausages occasionally ensures that they’re evenly coated with sauce and prevents them from sticking to the bottom.
4. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dip, add more jelly. For less sweetness, you can reduce the jelly by half or use a different fruit preserve.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe:

• Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Honey and Mustard: Try swapping the grape jelly for honey, and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a different take.
• Bacon Lovers: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the sauce for a savory twist.
• Smoky BBQ: For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Store any leftover Crockpot Little Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the Crockpot on low.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a Crockpot or slow cooker for this recipe, which will make it super easy to prepare and keep the sausages warm for serving. If you don’t have one, you can use a stovetop pot, but the slow cooker is perfect for making the most of the flavors and keeping them warm for hours.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Crockpot Little Smokies:

• Can I use a different type of sausage?
  Yes! You can use regular cocktail sausages, turkey sausages, or even larger smoked sausages if you prefer.
• Can I make this in advance?
  Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just combine the sauce and sausages and let the Crockpot do the work.
• Can I use another kind of jelly?
  Absolutely! While grape jelly is the classic choice, apricot preserves, strawberry jam, or even peach preserves can work really well.
• How do I reheat Crockpot Little Smokies?
• Reheat them in the Crockpot on low for about 30 minutes to an hour, or you can warm them up on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn.
• Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
• Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and make sure your Crockpot is big enough to handle the extra sausages and sauce. It’s an easy recipe to scale up for bigger gatherings.

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Conclusion

These Crockpot Little Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, tailgating, or just gathering with friends. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes them irresistible, and the best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare. Just throw everything into your slow cooker, let the magic happen, and you’ll have a snack that everyone will rave about.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack or pairing them with other party foods, these little smoky delights will definitely steal the show. They’re perfect for keeping guests satisfied while you enjoy the party. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your household. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!