Crock Pot Little Smokies are a fun and easy snack perfect for gatherings. Just pop those little sausages in the slow cooker with some sweet and tangy barbecue sauce to make a tasty treat!
These bites are always a hit at parties, and they disappear fast! I like to serve them with toothpicks so everyone can grab one (or two!) without any fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the dish! You can find them in beef, turkey, or pork varieties. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey little smokies.
Barbecue Sauce: A cheese sauce is classic, but feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce. Some like it smoky, while others prefer a sweeter flavor. You can even mix it up with a homemade BBQ sauce for a personal touch!
Grape Jelly: This brings a sweet touch to the smokies. If you can’t use grape jelly, any fruit jelly like raspberry or strawberry would work. Just ensure it’s not too tart!
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth of flavor, but is completely optional. If you’re looking for a savory kick without it, consider adding a bit of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Flavor in Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
The key to tasty little smokies lies in cooking time and gentle heat. Low and slow is the name of the game here for deep flavor. Here’s how to ensure a great result:
- Start with a clean, dry crock pot. This helps prevent any burning.
- Layer the sausages evenly at the bottom to ensure they heat uniformly.
- Mix barbecue sauce and jelly thoroughly before pouring over the sausages for even distribution.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to help the flavors blend nicely. Aim for a cooking time of 2-3 hours on low.
- Serve immediately after cooking to keep them warm and succulent.
With these tips, your Crock Pot Little Smokies will be a hit every time! Enjoy the delicious flavors and happy snacking!
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 other red jelly)
- Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and will need to cook for 2 to 3 hours on low or 1 to 1.5 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a gathering, as you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the Little Smokies:
Start by placing the little smokies sausages directly into the crock pot. Make sure to spread them out evenly to ensure they cook well.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and grape jelly using a whisk or spoon until it’s smooth and well-combined. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, stir that in as well to add extra flavor.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages in the crock pot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the little smokies are coated in that sweet and tangy goodness.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 1 to 1.5 hours. For a slower cook, use the low setting for 2 to 3 hours. Remember to give it a stir every now and then to keep those flavors mingling!
5. Final Touches:
Once they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbly, turn off the crock pot. Carefully transfer the little smokies to a serving bowl. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the little smokies warm, along with toothpicks for easy snacking. Watch them disappear as guests enjoy this tasty treat!
Enjoy this delicious, sweet, and tangy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings!
Can I Use Any Type of Sauce Instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! While barbecue sauce is traditional, you can experiment with honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or even sriracha for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change!
What If I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No worries! You can substitute grape jelly with any fruit jelly or preserves, like raspberry or apricot. These will still give you that sweet tangy taste the dish needs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stove before serving again.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything the night before, combining the sausages and sauce in the crock pot. Store it in the fridge overnight, then simply plug in the crock pot in the morning for easy cooking!
