If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly sweet, smoky, and finger-licking good, this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Picture miniature smoked sausages bathed in a luscious blend of tangy BBQ sauce and smooth grape jelly, slowly simmered to perfection in your crockpot. This magical combination creates a sauce that’s sticky, savory, and just the right amount of sweet, making these little bites perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever a quick comfort food fix calls your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a flavor-packed dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing sweetness, spice, or that smoky depth that makes these sausages sing.
- BBQ sauce: The heart of the dish, adding tanginess and smoky flavor that clings to every little smokie.
- Grape jelly: Adds a natural sweetness and smooth texture that balances the savory BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch introduces a gentle kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Miniature smoked sausages: The star protein—bite-sized, smoky, and perfectly juicy, making them perfect for dipping and sharing.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Mixture
Start by combining the BBQ sauce and grape jelly in your slow cooker. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, glossy sauce that’s ready to embrace those little sausages.
Step 2: Add the Little Smokies
Next, pour in the miniature smoked sausages and give everything a good stir so that each one is well-coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor later on.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the magic happen over the next 3 to 4 hours as the sausages simmer gently, soaking up that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
To up the presentation game and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair these saucy little sausages with crunchy vegetable sticks or a tangy coleslaw to add some freshness and crunch. They also go great alongside classic party sides like baked beans or cornbread for a hearty spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe in a festive slow cooker right at the party table, paired with toothpicks for easy snacking. For a unique twist, glaze some pretzel bites with the sauce or wrap each smokie in puff pastry for delightful mini pigs in a blanket.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your guests have enjoyed the feast, store any leftover Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, ready for a quick reheat or snack.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for later, these little smokies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep the lid on or cover loosely to retain moisture, stirring occasionally until warm all the way through. The sauce thickens as it cools, so a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce can help lighten it up if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jelly instead of grape jelly?
Absolutely! While grape jelly is classic and offers a perfect balance of sweetness, you can try other fruit jellies like apricot or pineapple to give a unique twist to the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for parties with lots of guests?
Definitely! This Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is fantastic for gatherings because it’s easy to scale up, keeps warm in the crockpot, and requires minimal hands-on time, so you can enjoy the party too.
Can I make this dish without a crockpot?
Yes, if you don’t have a crockpot, you can simmer the sauce and little smokies on low heat in a covered pan on the stove for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t like spicy food—should I add the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are completely optional. If you prefer mild flavors, just leave them out, and you’ll still get a deliciously sweet and savory dish.
How do I keep the little smokies from drying out?
The slow cooking in the saucy mixture keeps the little smokies juicy and tender. Just be sure to cook them on low and avoid extending cooking time much beyond 4 hours so they don’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely love how effortlessly this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that’s full of flavor and fun. Whether for game day, holiday parties, or a casual get-together, it’s the perfect dish to share and enjoy with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, it will be requested again and again!
Print
Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies recipe is a simple and delicious appetizer that combines smoky miniature sausages with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce enhanced by grape jelly and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these little smokies cook slowly in a crockpot to develop rich flavors and a sticky glaze.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (15 to 18-oz) bottle BBQ sauce
- 1 (8-oz) jar grape jelly
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
Sausages
- 1 (14-oz) package miniature smoked sausages
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a 2-3 quart slow cooker until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the sausages: Pour the miniature smoked sausages into the slow cooker with the sauce and stir well to coat all the sausages evenly with the mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Allow the sausages to cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The sausages will become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can serve these little smokies directly from the crockpot to keep them warm during parties.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if you prefer firmer or softer sausages.
- Grape jelly provides sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze; do not omit for the best flavor.
