Some appetizers are complicated. These little smokies in a crockpot are not.
Sweet, savory, and sticky — these bite-sized sausages are the easiest party food you’ll ever make. Just three ingredients, five minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest. By the time your guests arrive, you’ve got a warm, irresistible appetizer that will be the first thing to disappear.
The best part? Each serving packs 25g of protein, so this isn’t just empty party food. It’s a satisfying appetizer that actually fills people up.
If you’re looking for a crowd-ready appetizer that’s actually protein-dense, this little smokies crockpot recipe belongs in your rotation.
Let’s make this happen.
Why This Recipe Works
This little smokies crockpot recipe is a party game-changer for a few key reasons.
It’s made with 3 ingredients. Little smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce. That’s it—no complicated shopping list.
It’s set-it-and-forget-it. Toss everything in the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a warm, sticky appetizer.
It’s packed with protein. Each serving delivers 25g of protein from the sausages.
It keeps itself warm. The slow cooker keeps them perfect all party long. No reheating, no babysitting.
It’s budget-friendly. Little smokies are affordable, and a little goes a long way for a crowd.
Little Smokies Crockpot
Sweet, savory, and sticky — these 3-ingredient little smokies crockpot appetizers are the easiest party food you'll ever make.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) packages little smokies sausages (about 40-50 sausages)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Place the little smokies in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and mustard (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the sausages are heated through.
- Switch to WARM and serve with toothpicks.
Notes
Stir occasionally. Give the little smokies a gentle stir every 30-45 minutes to keep the sauce from sticking to the edges and ensure even coating.
Tips for the Best Little Smokies Crockpot
Use a good barbecue sauce. Since this recipe uses only 3 ingredients, the quality of the barbecue sauce really matters. Use one you already love.
Don’t overcook. Little smokies are already fully cooked. You’re just heating them through and letting them absorb the sauce. 2 hours on LOW is plenty.
Keep them warm. The slow cooker is the perfect serving vessel. Switch it to WARM once the smokies are done.
Add a kick. Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Double the batch. For larger crowds, double the recipe. Most 6-quart slow cookers can handle 4 packages of little smokies.
Serve with toothpicks. Provide toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Taste before serving. Different barbecue sauces have varying levels of sweetness. Taste and adjust with extra jelly or sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These little smokies crockpot are perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Holiday gatherings
- Potlucks
- Tailgates
- Appetizer buffets
- Quick weeknight dinner with a side salad
Storage and Meal Prep
Fridge: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits — add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Recipe Variations
Brown sugar smokies. Swap the grape jelly for ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of honey. The sauce becomes caramelized and sweet. This is a popular little smokies crockpot brown sugar variation.
Sweet and sour smokies. Use 1 cup of sweet and sour sauce instead of barbecue sauce. Add chunks of pineapple for extra flavor. This is a great little smokies crockpot sweet-and-sour variation.
Cranberry smokies. Swap the grape jelly for cranberry sauce. The tanginess of cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory sausages. This is a popular little smokies crockpot cranberry sauce variation.
Dr Pepper smokies. Replace the barbecue sauce with 1 cup of Dr Pepper and use brown sugar instead of jelly. A southern classic. This is one of the best little smokies crockpot Dr Pepper variations.
Spicy smokies. Use spicy barbecue sauce and add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Apple butter smokies. Swap the grape jelly for apple butter. A fall favorite with warm, spiced flavors. This is a great little smokies crockpot apple butter variation.
Apricot smokies. Swap the grape jelly for apricot preserves. The fruity tang is a crowd favorite. This is a popular little smokies crockpot apricot jelly variation.
Chili sauce smokies. Swap the barbecue sauce for chili sauce and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a tangy, slightly spicy version. This is a popular little smokies crockpot chili sauce variation.
Smokies and beans. Add 2 cans of baked beans to the slow cooker for a heartier dish that works as a main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are little smokies?
Little smokies are small, fully cooked smoked sausages made from beef, pork, or turkey. They’re also called cocktail sausages or li’l smokies. They come in 14 oz packages and are usually found near the hot dogs.
How long do little smokies take in the crockpot?
On LOW, 2 hours is plenty. They’re already fully cooked, so you’re just heating them through and letting the sauce thicken. Start checking at 1.5 hours.
Can I use a different jelly or jam?
Absolutely! This recipe works with many fruit preserves. Try grape, apricot, cranberry, apple, or even orange marmalade. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile. This is one of the most versatile little smokies crockpot recipes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Most 6-quart slow cookers can easily handle 4 packages of little smokies. Double the sauce ingredients and cook for the same amount of time.
What should I serve with little smokies?
They’re great on their own with toothpicks. You can also serve them with extra dipping sauce, crackers, or crusty bread. For a meal, serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer the little smokies and sauce in a large saucepan over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. But the slow cooker keeps them warm throughout the party.
How much protein is in little smokies?
Each serving provides approximately 25g of protein from the sausages — making these a protein-dense appetizer that’s more than just empty calories.
Can I keep them warm in the crockpot?
Yes! Once they’re done, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. They’ll stay perfect for hours.
What’s the best sauce for little smokies?
The classic combination is grape jelly and barbecue sauce — it’s sweet, savory, and always a hit. But the variations above are also delicious.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. You can use smoked sausage cut into bite-sized pieces, kielbasa, or even turkey kielbasa. Just cut it into 1-inch pieces.
More Party Recipes You’ll Love
- 7 Best Crockpot Appetizers Your Crowd Will Devour
- Rotel Dip with Ground Beef (5 Variations)
- Buffalo Chicken Wings
The Easiest Appetizer You’ll Ever Make
This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a party hero — even though you barely did anything. The little smokies are sweet, savory, and sticky. The sauce is rich and flavorful. And the whole thing comes together in your slow cooker with almost no effort.
The best part? They’re always the first thing to disappear from the buffet table. Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday party, or a potluck, these little smokies in a crockpot will be the star of the spread.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that actually has protein, this little smokies crockpot recipe belongs in your rotation.
Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out.
