These BBQ Little Smokies in a crock pot are the perfect party snack! They are easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that makes them irresistible!
It’s hard to resist these bite-sized treats! I love serving them at gatherings because they vanish quickly. Just pop them in the pot and let the magic happen while you enjoy time with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These tiny sausages are essential for this recipe. If you can’t find them, you can use cocktail sausages or any similar small sausage. They might have a different flavor but will still work great!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or make it homemade for a personal touch. You can also try a mustard-based sauce for a tangier kick. Just adjust to your taste.
Grape Jelly: This is the secret ingredient that adds sweetness and helps balance the BBQ sauce. If you prefer, swap it with raspberry or cherry preserves for a different fruity flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This is optional but enhances the umami flavor. You can leave it out or replace it with soy sauce if needed. Either way, the dish will still be tasty!
How Do I Ensure the Little Smokies Are Flavored Well?
To make sure the flavors develop nicely, there are a couple of tricks to follow. First, combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly well. The more you mix, the better the sauce will coat the sausages.
- After pouring the sauce over the Little Smokies, give them a gentle stir to make sure they’re all nicely coated.
- While cooking, stir them occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together even more as they simmer in the sauce.
Also, cooking on low heat for a longer time helps the flavors penetrate the sausages fully, so if you have the time, go for that setting!
BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup grape jelly
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time. You’ll have the Little Smokies cooking in the crock pot for 2-3 hours on low, or 1-2 hours on high. Perfect for parties or game days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Smokies:
Start by placing the Little Smokies sausages directly into your crock pot. Spread them out nicely so they can soak up all the sauce flavors!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and grape jelly until smooth and well combined. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, add them in now and give it another good stir.
3. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the sauce mixture over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. Be sure to stir gently, so all the sausages are well coated in that sweet and tangy sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. You’ll know they are ready when the sauce is hot and bubbly, and the sausages are heated through. Feel free to stir occasionally to ensure every sausage gets its fair share of flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done cooking, use toothpicks to serve the Smokies warm as a delicious appetizer. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Enjoy your sweet and tangy BBQ Little Smokies made easy in the crock pot!
Can I Use Different Sauces Instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! While BBQ sauce is classic, you can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, honey mustard, or even sriracha for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Little Smokies and sauce ahead of time. Simply combine them in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just heat them on low for a couple of hours until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if the mixture seems too thick.
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies?
Yes, you can use frozen Little Smokies straight from the freezer! Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time in the crock pot to ensure they heat through thoroughly.