Crock Pot Little Smokies are bite-sized sausages that get super juicy and flavorful when cooked slowly. Just toss them in your Crock Pot with your favorite sauce, like BBQ, and let the magic happen!
These tasty little treats are perfect for parties or game days. I always keep some on hand for last-minute snacks—just set it and forget it! Everyone loves grabbing a few! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the show! They’re small, pre-cooked sausages that pack a ton of flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausages can substitute. They may be less fatty, but just as tasty!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. I love a tangy one for a nice kick, but feel free to try sweet or smoky varieties too. If you’re out of BBQ sauce, any tomato-based sauce can work, like ketchup with some spices added.
Grape Jelly or Chili Sauce: The grape jelly gives a sweet contrast to the BBQ sauce, making a delicious glaze. If you’re not a fan of grape jelly, use apple or raspberry jelly instead. Chili sauce adds a nice heat—you can skip it if you prefer milder flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, soy sauce can work as a substitute, but I recommend using less since it’s saltier.
How Do I Get the Sausages Perfectly Heated and Saucy?
Cooking Little Smokies in a Crock Pot makes them super juicy! Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by draining the sausages; this helps prevent the dish from getting watery.
- Mix your BBQ sauce and grape jelly (or chili sauce) well in the Crock Pot before adding the sausages. This ensures even coating.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to keep everything well combined. This little action will help the flavors meld beautifully!
- Cook on low for best results; it allows flavors to develop more than the high setting.
These tips will help you serve perfect Little Smokies overflowing with flavor! Enjoy your delicious appetizer! 🎉
How to Make Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly or chili sauce (optional for a sweet glaze)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to cook it in the Crock Pot for 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the heat setting you choose. So, you can easily make these as a last-minute snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Begin by opening the packages of Little Smokies. Drain any excess liquid from the sausages. This keeps the dish from getting too watery!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In your Crock Pot, combine the barbecue sauce with the grape jelly or chili sauce if you decide to use it. Stir everything together until well mixed! This will create a tasty glaze for your sausages.
3. Add Flavorings:
If you want to, you can enhance the flavor by adding Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Mix it in well to distribute all those yummy flavors!
4. Cook the Little Smokies:
Now it’s time to add the Little Smokies to the sauce in the Crock Pot. Stir gently to ensure all the sausages are coated in that delicious sauce! Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 2-3 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it on high for 1-1.5 hours.
5. Stir and Serve:
Every once in a while, give the sausages a gentle stir to keep them coated in the sauce. When they are heated through and the sauce is nice and thick, they’re ready to serve! Use toothpicks for easy snacking and enjoy these tasty bites!
Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing Crock Pot Little Smokies recipe that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them first by leaving them in the fridge overnight or using the microwave briefly. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual.
Can I Make These Spicy?
Absolutely! To spice things up, add some hot sauce to the barbecue sauce or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve with Little Smokies?
Little Smokies are great on their own but also pair well with cocktail snacks like pretzel bites, chips, or veggie trays. You could even serve them in sliders for a fun twist!
