Crock Pot Little Smokies are a fun and tasty treat! These bite-sized sausages cook slowly with a sweet and tangy sauce, making them perfect for parties or game days.
They’re so easy to make; just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do its magic. I love serving them with toothpicks—you’ll be surprised how fast they disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These bite-sized sausages are the star of the dish! If you can’t find them, try using bite-size bratwurst or cocktail sausages as a substitute. Both have a similar flavor and work just as well.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for the base flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, choose a low-sugar version, or even try a homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup and spices!
Grape Jelly: Grape jelly adds sweetness and helps the sauce come together. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, or even honey for a different flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a little tang to balance the sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it or replace it with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
How Do You Get the Sauce to Coat the Smokies Perfectly?
To ensure all the Little Smokies are perfectly coated in sauce, start with mixing the barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a bowl before pouring it over the sausages. This way, the flavors meld together nicely.
- Mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly helps them combine, making it easier to coat the sausages evenly.
- Stir gently when combining the sausages and sauce in the Crock Pot to avoid breaking them apart.
- Cooking on low allows the flavors to deepen without overcooking the smokies, which helps maintain their texture.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure uniform heating and coating.
Your patience will be rewarded with a deliciously sticky, flavorful sauce that everyone will love!
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) cocktail size smoked sausages (Little Smokies)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3/4 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- Toothpicks, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation and then 2 to 3 hours of cooking time on low in the Crock Pot. It’s super simple—just mix, pour, and let the Crock Pot do all the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Open the packages of Little Smokies and place them directly into the bowl of your Crock Pot. No need to brown them first; they’ll cook nicely in the sauce!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until everything is mixed well and has a smooth consistency. This sauce is sweet and savory, perfect for these little sausages!
3. Combine Smokies and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the Little Smokies in the Crock Pot. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir everything together, making sure the sausages are coated well without breaking them.
4. Cook in the Crock Pot:
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, if you can, to help the flavors meld together and ensure even heating. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re heated through and the sauce has thickened a bit.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, serve the Little Smokies warm. Use toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch them disappear at your gathering! They’re fun, easy to eat, and packed with flavor!
This recipe creates a glossy, sweet, and tangy coating on the Little Smokies that is sure to be a hit for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Little Smokies, feel free to use other cocktail sausages, such as mini bratwursts or even kielbasa cut into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they are heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Little Smokies and sauce a day in advance. Just combine them in the Crock Pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, cook them straight from the fridge, allowing for an extra 30 minutes of cooking time on low.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the Crock Pot on low until warmed through, or heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to customize your dish! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper for some extra flavor. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the Crock Pot, as it may affect the cooking time and sauce consistency.
