Crock Pot Little Smokies are a fun and easy party snack! These tasty little sausages cook perfectly in a slow cooker with a sweet and tangy sauce that everyone loves.
Honestly, they’re pure comfort food! I love serving them with toothpicks, and they disappear in no time. Who doesn’t enjoy a good little smoky moment? 😄
Making them is a breeze! Just toss the sausages and sauce in your Crock Pot and let them cook. You can relax while they get all yummy and flavorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These tiny sausages are the star of the dish! You can use beef, pork, or turkey versions, depending on your preference. If you want a healthier option, look for chicken or turkey smokies!
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce, or try making your own for a more personalized flavor. Use sweeter sauces for a kid-friendly taste, or go for a tangy one if you prefer more depth. Make sure to check for gluten-free options if needed!
Grape Jelly: The grape jelly adds sweetness and a unique twist. If you’re not a fan of grape, you can swap it out for raspberry or peach jelly. Honey or maple syrup are great alternatives for a different flavor, too!
How Do You Ensure the Sausages Are Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
Coating the sausages evenly with the sauce helps them soak up all the delicious flavors! Here’s a simple method:
- Add the sausages to the slow cooker first for even cooking.
- Mix barbecue sauce and jelly in a bowl until smooth, then pour it over the sausages.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir, ensuring all the sausages are covered.
- Cover the Crock Pot before cooking, as a tight seal helps keep moisture in. Stir occasionally during cooking to redistribute the sauce.
Following these steps will guarantee flavorful, well-coated Little Smokies every time! Enjoy your snack!
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup grape jelly (or any sweet jelly/jam like raspberry or apricot)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and a cooking time of 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high in the Crock Pot. Perfect for getting ready for a party or game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Get those Little Smokies ready! No need to thaw if they’re frozen; they go straight into the Crock Pot.
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Stir the mixture until the jelly is nearly melted and everything is well blended. If you like, add Worcestershire sauce and garlic or onion powder for an extra kick! Mix it well.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Now, toss the Little Smokies sausages into the Crock Pot. Pour the smooth sauce mixture over them. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together so that each sausage gets a nice coating of that delicious sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low heat for 2-3 hours or high heat for 1-2 hours until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. If you’re around, stir them occasionally to make sure they don’t stick.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, serve your delightful Little Smokies hot. Stick a few toothpicks in them for easy eating. Everyone will love snacking on them while catching up or watching the game!
Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Little Smokies — they’re perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Little Smokies directly in the Crock Pot! Just remember that you might need to extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure they are heated through. No need to thaw them first!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, try reducing the amount of grape jelly to ½ cup or adding a splash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) for a tangy balance. You can also use a spicier barbecue sauce to offset the sweetness!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and mix it with the sausages up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it in the Crock Pot insert. On the day you plan to serve, simply plug it in and cook according to the instructions.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
