If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s effortlessly delicious, the Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine smoky, juicy little sausages bathed in a finger-licking sweet and tangy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a magic trick: minimal effort, maximum payoff, and guaranteed smiles at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving something tasty, this dish will quickly become a staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create that signature balance of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. Each component plays a role in building the perfect texture and vibrant taste that makes these little smokies irresistible.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite bold and tangy BBQ sauce to add depth and smokiness.
- ½ cup grape jelly: Adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the barbecue tang.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a note of acidity for brightness and balance.
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
- 28 ounces little smokies sausages (2 packages): These bite-sized sausages are the star of the show, offering juicy, smoky goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce
Begin by stirring together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Mixing them before adding the sausages ensures every bite will be coated in that perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Step 2: Prepare Your Little Smokies
Place the little smokies sausages into your crockpot, creating a cozy bed for them to soak up all the incredible sauce you made. It’s an easy step with a big impact on the final taste.
Step 3: Coat and Combine
Pour the sauce mixture over the little smokies, then give everything a good stir to make sure each sausage is thoroughly covered. This ensures every bite bursts with that amazing sauce you just created.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking warms the sausages perfectly and melds all the flavors together into a luscious, sticky glaze that clings to every smoky morsel.
How to Serve Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
While these little smokies are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions brings a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
They pair wonderfully with crunchy veggie trays, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some buttery cornbread for a Southern-inspired touch. Their rich, sweet flavor is the perfect complement to simple, hearty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them in a festive slow cooker right on the table to keep them warm and inviting. For parties, you can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. Presenting them in mini bread bowls or inside slider buns also takes them to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the little smokies and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious snack or quick meal later on.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just pop the cooled little smokies with sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly sealed, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps preserve the juicy texture and keeps the sauce nice and glossy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While little smokies are traditional and convenient, you can also try mini bratwursts or cocktail sausages. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version has just a gentle kick from the cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Add more for extra heat or omit it altogether for a milder version.
Can I make this recipe without grape jelly?
The grape jelly adds a unique sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce, but if you don’t have it on hand, apricot or peach preserves can be a nice substitute.
How long can I leave this in the crockpot on warm?
Your little smokies can stay on the warm setting for up to 2 hours after cooking without drying out. Beyond that, their texture may start to suffer, so it’s best to serve them within that window.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Definitely! The Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe is a classic party appetizer that’s easy to prepare, serves a crowd, and always disappears quickly. It’s a guaranteed hit.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting about the sweet and smoky harmony in the Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that invites people to relax, chat, and indulge in simple, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is an absolute winner and one you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
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Crockpot Little Smokies with Barbecue Sauce and Grape Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Little Smokies recipe combines sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with grape jelly and a hint of cayenne pepper to create a flavorful and easy appetizer. Perfect for parties or game day, these little smokies are slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection in a crockpot.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Sausages
- 28 ounces little smokies sausages (2 (14-ounce) packages)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended and the grape jelly is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Add Little Smokies to Crockpot: Place the little smokies sausages into the crockpot evenly.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the little smokies. Stir gently to ensure that every sausage is thoroughly coated with the sauce, helping to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the little smokies are warmed through and tender. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For spicier smokies, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Can be kept warm in the crockpot on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 2 hours after cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
