Crockpot Little Smokies

Introduction

If you’re looking for a snack that’s as simple as it is crowd-pleasing, Crockpot Little Smokies are the perfect solution. These bite-sized sausages simmered in a flavorful sauce make for the ideal party snack, game day treat, or a fun appetizer for any occasion. The best part? They practically cook themselves, leaving you free to enjoy the event without worrying about the food. I’ve made these for family gatherings, holiday parties, and casual get-togethers, and they’re always a hit.

There’s something magical about the combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that makes these little smokies absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s the smoky sausages, the rich sauce, or the balance of flavors, they have a way of disappearing quickly once the crowd digs in. And if you’re in a hurry or need to prepare ahead, this recipe is a total lifesaver. Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it work its magic, and in no time, you’ll have a tasty snack that’s ready to be devoured.

They’re one of those snacks you can count on to please just about everyone, no matter the event. Plus, it’s the easiest way to get a crowd-pleasing appetizer on the table without breaking a sweat. So if you need a dish that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, this Crockpot Little Smokies recipe is your answer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crockpot Little Smokies are bound to become your go-to party snack:

• Minimal Prep: Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it cook. No mess, no fuss!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these little sausages. They’re quick to eat, easy to share, and perfect for any gathering.
• Flavors You’ll Love: The sweet and tangy sauce mixed with the smoky flavor of the sausages creates a bite that’s both comforting and irresistible.
• Versatile: Perfect for a variety of occasions—from game nights to holiday parties, or even a simple family dinner.
• Make-Ahead: Prep it in the morning, set it to cook, and it’ll be ready when your guests arrive.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess to fit your taste or even try different sauces!

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories per serving (depends on sauce used)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbohydrates: 10g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package (14 oz) of Little Smokies sausages
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup grape jelly (yes, grape jelly! It adds that perfect sweet touch)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a little tang)
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Ingredient Highlights

• Little Smokies: These mini sausages are smoky, savory, and perfect for snacking.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds richness and depth with that sweet and smoky flavor that everyone loves.
• Grape Jelly: The unexpected star of the show! It brings sweetness and a slight fruity tang, which balances out the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of sharpness and complexity to the sauce, giving it a perfect tangy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Little Smokies is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Combine the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard. Stir well until everything is combined and the jelly is fully dissolved into the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!

2. Add the Little Smokies

Pour the Little Smokies sausages into your crockpot. You don’t need to thaw them if they’re frozen—just add them straight from the package!

3. Pour the Sauce Over the Smokies

Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together if needed.

4. Cook

Set your crockpot to cook on low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. Give it a stir once or twice during the cooking process to ensure the sausages are evenly coated with sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and delicious, you’re ready to serve! Set the crockpot to warm if you’re serving at a party, or just let everyone help themselves. These are perfect for dipping with toothpicks or just grabbing with your hands.

How to Serve

• Serve as an Appetizer: Place the Crockpot Little Smokies on a platter with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing. They’re great for party trays.
• Pair with Sides: If you want to serve these as a main course, pair them with some sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
• Use as a Topping: Try serving these little smokies as a topping for baked potatoes or even as part of a fun DIY slider bar!

Additional Tips

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

1. Add Extra Flavor: Want more complexity in your sauce? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
2. Make It Spicy: If you love heat, kick up the flavor with some hot sauce or jalapeños. You can even use spicy BBQ sauce for a nice heat infusion.
3. Double the Recipe: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger crockpot.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the crockpot cook with the lid off during the last 30 minutes to help the sauce reduce and thicken up.

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways you can customize this recipe:

• Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to give the dish a kick!
• Honey BBQ: Swap out the grape jelly for honey to create a sweeter, milder sauce.
• Mustard Lovers: Add a little more Dijon mustard for an extra tangy twist.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based sausages instead of Little Smokies for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage

Leftover Crockpot Little Smokies? No problem!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these sausages in their sauce! Just place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, defrost and reheat in the crockpot on low until warm.

Special Equipment

You’ll need just one special piece of equipment for this recipe:

• Crockpot: A 4-6 quart slow cooker works best, but any size will do! Make sure there’s enough space for the sausages and sauce to move around a little as they cook.

FAQ Section

If you have any questions about making these Crockpot Little Smokies, don’t worry! Here’s a handy FAQ section to help you out. Whether you’re looking for ways to tweak the recipe or wondering about storage options, I’ve got you covered.

Can I use regular sausages instead of Little Smokies?
You can! Just cut regular sausages into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot.

Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausages the night before, then cook them in the crockpot on the day of your event.

Can I make these spicier?
Absolutely! Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or chili flakes to make them as spicy as you like.

Can I make these spicier?
For sure! If you love a little heat, you can easily add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the level of spice to your liking. You can even use spicy BBQ sauce if you want to take the flavor up a notch.

Can I freeze these after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Simply transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the crockpot on low until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of jelly?
While grape jelly is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other fruit preserves or jellies like apricot or raspberry. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

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Conclusion

Crockpot Little Smokies are a total crowd-pleaser and the easiest appetizer to whip up! With just a few simple ingredients, like cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce, and a touch of sweetness, these savory little bites will disappear in no time. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just enjoying a cozy night in, these little smokies are the perfect snack to keep everyone satisfied.

The beauty of this recipe is how effortless it is—just toss everything in the crockpot, let it cook, and you’ve got a delicious, flavorful dish without any fuss. They’re also super versatile! You can serve them with toothpicks, over rice, or as a side to any main dish.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!