These little smokies are such a fun treat! Made from tasty cocktail sausages and slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce, they cook up wonderfully in a crock pot.
Perfect for parties or game day, they disappear fast! I love just tossing everything in, letting it cook, and then enjoying while sitting back and watching the fun. Easy-peasy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Sausages: Little smokies are the star here. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausages can work well too.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for the best flavor! If you want to switch it up, try using a honey barbecue or a spicy variety for some kick.
Grape Jelly: This adds sweetness, but you can substitute it with apple jelly, peach preserves, or any mild-flavored jelly that you enjoy.
Worcestershire Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. Some might enjoy using soy sauce as a substitute if they prefer. Just adjust to taste!
Garlic Powder: If you like fresh garlic, you can use minced garlic instead. A clove or two should do, just sauté it for a minute before adding it to the sauce.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor and Texture Out of My Little Smokies?
The key to flavorful little smokies is all in the sauce! Mixing the barbecue sauce with grape jelly creates a delightful sweet and tangy taste. Here’s how to prep:
- Start by placing the little smokies in the crock pot first. This allows them to absorb the flavors better as they cook.
- Mix the barbecue sauce and jelly thoroughly to ensure even coverage over the sausages.
- Cook on low heat. This gentle cooking helps the smokies heat up beautifully without drying out.
- Stir halfway through to make sure they’re all coated evenly. You want that sticky sauce on each sausage!
These tips will help you create a dish that everyone will enjoy at your next gathering!
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (14 oz) packages of cocktail sausages (little smokies)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly (or any mild-flavored jelly)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and cooks in the crock pot for 2 to 3 hours. So, overall, you’re looking at a total of about 2 hours and 10 minutes to have these delicious little smokies ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Start by opening the packages of cocktail sausages and placing them directly into the crock pot. These little guys are the star of the dish!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir it well until everything is blended nicely. This sauce is going to make your smokies sweet and tangy!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the sauce mixture over the little smokies in the crock pot. Gently stir everything together to make sure the sausages are all coated in that delicious sauce.
4. Cook the Smokies:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. You want the sauce to become bubbly and the little smokies to heat through. The longer they cook, the more flavor they’ll soak up!
5. Stir Occasionally:
Give the mixture a gentle stir once or twice while they’re cooking. This ensures every sausage stays coated and gets to enjoy all that yummy flavor!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Once they’re cooked and hot, serve the little smokies in a bowl with toothpicks on the side for easy snacking. They’re perfect as an appetizer or during game day festivities!
Enjoy these sweet and tangy Crock Pot Little Smokies as a perfect appetizer or game day treat! Everyone will love them!
Can I Use Different Sauces for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While barbecue sauce and grape jelly create a classic flavor, you can experiment with different sauces. Try buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist! Just adjust the jelly accordingly to balance the flavors.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No worries! If you don’t have grape jelly on hand, you can substitute it with other mild-flavored jellies like apricot, apple jelly, or even cranberry sauce. Just make sure the flavor complements the barbecue sauce!
Can I Prepare Little Smokies in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the little smokies and sauce mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop the crock pot on the next day and cook as directed. It saves time and is great for parties!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Adding a splash of extra barbecue sauce while reheating can enhance the flavor!
