CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES are my go to answer for those days when people are coming over and I have exactly zero time to be fancy. You know the situation, your place is not spotless, someone texts they are five minutes away, and you still want to put out something warm that smells amazing. This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you tried harder than you did. It is sweet, smoky, saucy, and basically disappears the second you set it down. If you have a crockpot and a bag of little sausages, you are already halfway there.
Ingredients you’ll need
I keep this recipe super simple on purpose. The whole charm is that it is easy to remember and easy to shop for. You can absolutely tweak things based on what you like, but here is the classic combo I use most often.
- Little Smokies (one 14 ounce package, or two if you are feeding a crowd)
- BBQ sauce (about 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups, use your favorite)
- Grape jelly (about 1 cup)
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
- Optional: a little hot sauce if you like some kick
That is it. The sauce sounds a little weird if you have never tried the BBQ sauce and jelly combo, but it just works. The jelly melts into the BBQ and turns it glossy, sweet, and sticky in the best way.
If you love easy crockpot snacks like this, you might also want to peek at this crockpot corn dip with Rotel and cream cheese sometime. It is another one of those “people hover around the slow cooker” recipes.
How to make Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies {video_youtube}
Alright, here is the part I love. You do not need to brown anything, you do not need to babysit a pan, and you do not need perfect timing. This is the definition of dump and go.
Step by step directions
- Spray your crockpot insert lightly with nonstick spray, or use a liner if you love easy cleanup.
- Add the Little Smokies right into the crockpot.
- Spoon in the grape jelly and pour in the BBQ sauce.
- Stir as best as you can. It will look lumpy at first because the jelly is doing its thing.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or HIGH for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours.
- Stir once or twice during cooking, especially when the jelly starts to melt.
- Switch to WARM when they are hot all the way through, and serve right from the crockpot.
The moment you lift the lid after an hour or so, it smells like a party. The sauce turns smooth and coats every little sausage. If you are serving these at a get together, I like to set out toothpicks and a small stack of napkins because it can get a little saucy.
Sometimes I make a second easy slow cooker dish so there is more than one option. This creamy and dreamy crockpot three cheese mashed potatoes is obviously more of a meal side than a snack, but for game day spreads it is honestly a hit.
Recipe tips
I have made CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES so many times that I have learned what matters and what really does not. Here are the little things that help them come out perfect every time.
My real life tips that make this recipe easier
Do not overcook them. They are already fully cooked, so you are really just heating them and letting the sauce melt together. Too long on HIGH can make them split and get a little wrinkly.
Stir once the jelly softens. If you can, give it a good stir around the 45 minute mark on HIGH or about 1 hour on LOW. Once the jelly melts, everything blends fast.
Keep it on WARM for parties. This is a big one. CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES are at their best when they stay hot and saucy, and the WARM setting keeps them ready for grazing without drying out.
Plan for the disappear factor. If you are hosting more than a few people, make two packages. I have never regretted doubling. I have regretted making one and watching the crockpot get scraped clean in twenty minutes.
“I brought these to my kid’s school potluck and people asked me for the recipe before they even finished their first plate. I thought I made enough, but they were gone fast.”
If you are new to slow cooker cooking and want more dinner style ideas too, this list of best 12 crockpot recipes for hearty family meals is a solid browse when you are in a planning mood.
Flavor Variations
Once you have the basic method down, it is easy to play around. I rotate these depending on who is coming over and what I have in the pantry.
Easy ways to switch up the flavor
Spicy BBQ: Add a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If your BBQ sauce is sweet, the heat balances it nicely.
Less sweet: Use a tangier BBQ sauce and cut the jelly down to 2/3 cup. You still get that glossy sauce, just not as candy sweet.
Grown up smoky: Add a tiny splash of liquid smoke or use a super smoky BBQ sauce. A little goes a long way.
Meaty and hearty: Mix in sliced kielbasa with the Little Smokies. It is a fun way to stretch the recipe for bigger groups.
Swap the jelly: Grape is classic, but I have tried apricot preserves and it was surprisingly good. It gives it more of a sweet and tangy vibe.
Also, if you ever want a different method for the same kind of bite sized snack, this Instant Pot little smokies post is great when you need them faster and you do not want to wait on the slow cooker.
More easy party food
When I am putting together a casual spread, I like a mix of creamy, crunchy, and something meaty. CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES cover the meaty part perfectly, and then I just add a couple more simple things so it feels like a full snack table.
Here are a few ideas that pair well:
Something cheesy: tortilla chips with a warm dip, or a simple cheese board if you do not want more cooking.
Something fresh: veggie tray, pickles, or fruit. It sounds boring but it balances the sweet sauce.
Something filling: if this is more of a meal situation, toss in sliders or a pasta dish.
If you want another cozy slow cooker option that feels like comfort food for a crowd, this comforting crockpot pasta e fagioli is one I make when friends are coming over and I want something warm and low effort.
Common Questions
Can I make CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them, cool them, and store in the fridge. Reheat on LOW in the crockpot or gently on the stove until hot. Add a splash of BBQ sauce if the sauce thickens too much.
Do I need to thaw them first?
If your Little Smokies are frozen, I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight for more even heating. If you are in a rush, you can cook from frozen but plan extra time and stir more often.
What size crockpot works best?
A 4 to 6 quart slow cooker is perfect for one to two packages. If you are doubling or tripling, go bigger so you can stir without sauce splashing everywhere.
How do I keep them warm during a party?
Once they are hot, switch to WARM and stir every so often. Keep the lid on between servings so the sauce stays smooth and the sausages stay juicy.
What can I use instead of grape jelly?
Apricot preserves, strawberry jam, or even cranberry sauce work. The flavor changes a bit, but the idea is the same: sweet plus BBQ equals party magic.
A cozy little recipe that always saves the day
Whenever I need an easy win, CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES are the first thing I think of because they are simple, warm, and people genuinely get excited about them. You only need a few ingredients, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you can keep them warm for hours. If you want to compare versions, the Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe – Allrecipes is a classic reference, and I also like the tips over at Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe – Savory Nothings. Try this the next time you have people coming over and you want something that feels fun without stressing you out.
Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces Little Smokies One package, or two for larger crowds
- 1 to 1.5 cups BBQ sauce Use your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 cup Grape jelly Can substitute with other sweet preserves
Optional Flavor Additions
- 1 pinch garlic powder Optional
- 1 pinch onion powder Optional
- to taste hot sauce For added kick
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the crockpot insert lightly with nonstick spray, or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Add the Little Smokies directly into the crockpot.
- Spoon in the grape jelly and pour the BBQ sauce over everything.
- Stir to combine, though it may appear lumpy at first.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 120 to 180 minutes or on HIGH for 60 to 90 minutes.
- Stir once or twice during cooking, especially when the jelly starts to melt.
- When heated through, switch to WARM and serve directly from the crockpot.
