Crock Pot Little Smokies are easy and super tasty! These mini sausages are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, making them perfect for parties or game days.
They disappear fast, so be ready for some friendly competition over who gets the last one! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These mini sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, you could use cocktail sausages or any similar small sausages as a substitute.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. If you prefer a kick, look for a spicy variant. You can also use homemade barbecue sauce if you have some on hand!
Grape Jelly: This adds sweetness to the dish. If you’d like to try something different, apricot or peach jelly works great too. Just ensure it’s a sweet jelly to balance the barbecue sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: This is optional but gives a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or add a dash of soy sauce for a similar effect.
How Do I Make Sure My Little Smokies Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking Little Smokies in a crock pot is super easy, but a few tips can help you get them just right. The key is to be patient and let the flavors meld together properly.
- Set your crock pot on low for a slower cook, which is better for flavor development. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high works too!
- Stir the mixture gently once or twice during cooking to ensure all sausages get coated with the sauce.
- Check that the sauce is bubbly and that the sausages are heated through, which usually takes 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
Enjoy your delicious Little Smokies at your next gathering! They are sure to be a hit!
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup grape jelly (or any sweet jelly like apricot or peach)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for added depth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time in the crock pot. You can cook them on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, making it a great option for gatherings or when you’re busy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Start by placing the Little Smokies sausages directly into your crock pot. Spread them out a bit for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together until they’re well combined. The sweet jelly will add a nice flavor when mixed with the tangy barbecue. If you like, toss in the Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor and mix again.
3. Combine it All:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. Make sure to coat all the sausages well.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook. Choose low for 2-3 hours if you have time, or high for 1-2 hours if you’re in a hurry. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce is bubbly and heated through.
5. Stir and Serve:
About halfway through cooking, give the sausages a gentle stir to coat them evenly. Once they’re done, serve them warm with toothpicks. They’re perfect for snacking!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Little Smokies—an ideal dish for any gathering!
Can I Use Any Type of Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you can’t find Little Smokies, feel free to use other small sausages like cocktail sausages or even cut-up hot dogs. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some hot sauce to the barbecue sauce and jelly mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce to give the dish an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the barbecue sauce and jelly together a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then just pour it over the sausages when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
