Crockpot Little Smokies

Savory and sweet crockpot little smokies are a deliciously easy set-it-and-forget-it appetizer! All you need to get started are three simple ingredients and a slow cooker!

When it comes to making easy appetizers, the crockpot is your best friend!

Some of my favorite warm and savory snacks are given that rich and addictive cooked-all-day flavor simply by making them in the crockpot. Take my buffalo chicken dip, grape jelly meatballs, spinach artichoke dip, and these bbq little smokies for example! These hearty and tasty appetizers are always huge hits at get-togethers and potlucks.

Sometimes when I’m in a pinch, I’ll even make these lil smokies in the crockpot for dinner. I simply pair them with pasta or a veggie side dish and call it a day.

You can even store any leftover crockpot lil smokies in the fridge and use them to add a bit of protein to your kid’s favorite meals like boxed macaroni and cheese, grilled sandwiches, or cheese pizza.

Naturally gluten- and dairy-free, these sweet and savory crockpot smokies make the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal for virtually any crowd. I am sure that you will agree that this easy recipe really does make the best little smokies sauce!

Slow Cooker Little Smokies Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Little Smokies—Small, pre-cooked, and packaged sausages that are typically served in barbeque sauce or wrapped in croissant dough or bacon. 
• Barbeque Sauce—A homemade sauce or your favorite store bought brand will add tons of flavor and just a hint of smokiness.
• Grape Jelly—Adds an addictive tangy sweetness to this otherwise meaty and savory appetizer.

Equipment You’ll Need It really doesn’t take much in the way of kitchen equipment to make these savory slow cooker little smokies. All you’ll need is a crockpot, some measuring cups, a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, and a handful of toothpicks for serving.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Little Smokies

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

This three-ingredient recipe is one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make! In just 3 simple steps, you’ll have enough sweet and smoky sausages to feed a hungry crowd.

Step 1: Open up the package of little smokies and drain them thoroughly before adding to your crockpot. Top with bbq sauce and grape jelly. Stir until each sausage is coated in the sauces.

Step 2: Cook on low for 2 ½ – 3 hours or until the little sausages are thoroughly warmed through.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy!

Storage

Place any leftover crockpot little smokies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the sausages in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Like your little smokies on the sweeter side? Try adding more jelly or use a honey barbeque sauce instead of regular.
• If your sauce seems a little thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
• These sausages come pre-cooked, so no need to cook them to a specific temperature. Just make sure they’re warmed through before serving. 

How to Make Little Smokies on the Stovetop

In a rush? These easy little smokies can be made in just 10 minutes on the stovetop:

1. Place the drained little smokies, barbeque sauce, and grape jelly into a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the sausages are heated through. 

Recipe Variations

Not a huge fan of the sweet and smoky flavor combination? There are lots of different ways you can customize these crockpot little smokies! Below are a few of my favorite flavor combinations.

• Swap out the grape jelly for maple syrup and add some chopped bacon to create maple bacon little smokies.
• Create Asian-inspired little smokies by coating them in a sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sriracha.
• Make super spicy little smokies by swapping out the regular barbeque for a spicy version and add tabasco, crushed red chili peppers, chili powder, or all three! 
• Omit the grape jelly and add canned pineapple and chili paste to create tangy and spicy little smokies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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