Crock Pot Little Smokies: Amazing Party Appetizer

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Crock Pot Little Smokies have been the undisputed champion of my party spread for years. I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering; the aroma of sweet barbecue sauce and savory cocktail sausages filled my kitchen, and I just knew they’d be a hit. They are such an easy appetizer, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Watching my guests flock to the slow cooker, eager to snag a few of these warm, glazed bites, always makes me smile. These crock pot appetizer smokies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Little Smokies

The taste is an irresistible blend of sweet and tangy, with savory cocktail sausages perfectly coated in a rich glaze.
Prep time is incredibly fast – seriously, just 5 minutes to get everything into the slow cooker!
It’s a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
These are a guaranteed family favorite; even picky eaters gobble them up.
As an easy crock pot smokies recipe, it frees you up to mingle with guests instead of slaving in the kitchen.
They are surprisingly versatile, fitting in perfectly whether it’s a casual game day or a more formal holiday party.
This easy crock pot smokies recipe makes cleanup a breeze, with most of the work handled by your slow cooker.
It’s a beloved appetizer that always disappears first from the buffet table.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Little Smokies

Gathering your ingredients for this classic appetizer is super simple. You’ll need the star of the show, 2 (14 oz) packages cocktail sausages (little smokies), which are the perfect bite-sized morsels. For the magical sauce, grab 1 cup barbecue sauce for that smoky, tangy base. Then comes the sweet secret: 1/2 cup grape jelly. I know it sounds unusual, but trust me, this is what makes the grape jelly little smokies crock pot so special – it creates an amazing sweet and savory glaze. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for a depth of umami flavor, plus 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder for aromatic goodness. A pinch of 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper gives it just a touch of warmth. It’s all you need for a truly irresistible dish!

How to Make Little Smokies in Slow Cooker

Step 1: Get your slow cooker ready! Combine the 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup grape jelly, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper right into the slow cooker insert. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. This sauce mixture is the heart of our delicious slow cooker little smokies recipe.
Step 2: Now, add the stars of the show: 2 (14 oz) packages cocktail sausages (little smokies). Pour them into the slow cooker, and gently stir everything together. Make sure each little sausage is coated in that glorious sweet and tangy sauce – you want them all to get that yummy glaze.
Step 3: Cover your slow cooker tightly. Set it to cook on the LOW setting for 2–3 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can use the HIGH setting for 1–2 hours. Either way, you’re aiming to get them heated all the way through. The kitchen will start to smell amazing as this slow cooker little smokies recipe works its magic!
Step 4: During the cooking time, give the sausages a stir every so often. This helps ensure they stay nicely coated in the sauce and heat evenly. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final texture and flavor of your crock pot little smokies.
Step 5: Once they’re perfectly heated and the sauce is bubbly and thick, your Crock Pot Little Smokies are ready to serve! You can serve them right from the slow cooker to keep them warm, or carefully transfer them to a pretty serving dish for your guests. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying appetizer!

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Little Smokies

Want to elevate your appetizer game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make these crock pot appetizer smokies truly unforgettable. These simple tips ensure fantastic flavor and perfect texture every time.

Always use good quality cocktail sausages. The better the sausage, the better the final dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces! A spicier or mesquite-flavored sauce can add a whole new dimension.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Keep your slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting once they’re done cooking if you’re serving them at a party to keep them perfectly heated.

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Little Smokies?

The magic is in the sauce combination! The sweet grape jelly balances the tangy barbecue sauce, creating a glaze that’s irresistible. It’s a simple trick that makes this the best crock pot little smokies recipe for any gathering.

Can I make Crock Pot Little Smokies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and cook as directed, adding a little extra time since it’s starting cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Little Smokies?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which can make the sausages tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times. Also, ensure you stir them occasionally to keep them evenly coated in the delicious glaze.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Little Smokies

These savory little bites are incredibly versatile and always a hit! One of my favorite ways to serve them is right from the slow cooker, keeping them warm and gooey for guests. I often set out small bowls of party picks so people can easily grab them. For a heartier option, especially for game day, you can place them in mini slider buns to create delicious little smokies sandwiches. Wondering what to serve with crock pot little smokies? They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides like a creamy coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or even some cheesy potato skins for a full appetizer spread. For more appetizer inspiration, check out these delicious Mississippi Lil Smokies.

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Little Smokies

When enjoying these delightful little bites, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving, which typically includes about 10 sausages.

Calories: 210 kcal
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and cocktail sausages you use. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the National Library of Medicine’s Nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Little Smokies

Once your delicious Crock Pot Little Smokies have cooled slightly after serving, proper storage is key to keeping them tasting great. Make sure to let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. These little flavor bombs can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you find yourself with more leftovers than you can enjoy in a few days, don’t worry! They freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring they are well-sealed. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best reheating method is to simply pop them back into your slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting for about 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions in the microwave. This storage-related secondary keyword ensures you can savor these easy appetizers anytime! For other great appetizer ideas, consider these salted caramel cracker bites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Little Smokies

What are the best cocktail sausages to use for Crock Pot Little Smokies?

For the most authentic flavor and texture, I always recommend using standard cocktail sausages, often labeled as “Little Smokies.” They’re already bite-sized and perfect for this recipe. Brands like Ball Park or Hillshire Farm work wonderfully and are easy to find.

Can I make Crock Pot Little Smokies spicy?

Absolutely! To add some heat, you can incorporate a jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture. This is a great way to customize them for guests who enjoy a little kick, making them even more appealing for occasions like game day crock pot little smokies.

How do I keep the Crock Pot Little Smokies warm at a party?

The beauty of this recipe is that your slow cooker does the work! Once the sausages are heated through, simply switch the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting. This keeps them at the perfect serving temperature for hours, ensuring everyone can enjoy them hot throughout the event.

What can I serve alongside these Crock Pot Little Smokies?

These little wonders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other appetizers. Consider serving them with a cheese ball, a veggie platter with dip, or some mini quiches to offer a wider selection for your guests. You might also enjoy these homemade McDonald’s hash browns.

Variations of Crock Pot Little Smokies You Can Try

While the classic sweet and savory version is amazing, I love getting creative with these little guys! Thinking outside the box can really transform them for different tastes and occasions. For a smoky, slightly spicy twist, try using a chipotle-infused barbecue sauce in place of the regular one – it’s fantastic for a BBQ little smokies crock pot variation. If you’re feeling adventurous, an Asian-inspired version using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil is a real winner. For a holiday gathering, swap the grape jelly for cranberry sauce and add a cinnamon stick for a festive flavor. You can even make them vegetarian by using plant-based cocktail sausages! For another festive appetizer, try these cherry pie bites.

For a delightful dessert option, consider trying these deliciously easy strawberry shortcake truffles.