Slow cooker little smokies have been my absolute go-to for any gathering, and honestly, for those nights when I just want a super simple, satisfying appetizer. I still remember the first time I made them for a holiday party; the smell of the sweet, tangy glaze bubbling away in the slow cooker filled my entire house, and people couldn’t stop raving about them! This recipe transforms humble slow cooker cocktail sausages into an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone devours. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a kitchen hero with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking and make your next get-together amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Little Smokies
This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy hosts. Here’s why you’ll be making this appetizer again and again:
- Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, it takes just minutes to get everything into the slow cooker.
- Set It and Forget It: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up for other party prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze is universally loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a casual get-together, these smokies are a hit.
- Incredibly Easy Little Smokies Slow Cooker: This recipe proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps for a delicious appetizer.
- Versatile Serving: They’re fantastic on their own or can be dressed up with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Kid-Friendly Slow Cooker Smokies: Even the pickiest eaters will devour these sweet and savory bites.
- An Easy Little Smokies Slow Cooker Delight: You’ll find yourself reaching for this simple slow cooker smokies recipe whenever you need a quick appetizer.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Gathering the ingredients for this simple slow cooker recipe is a breeze! You only need a few pantry staples to create these irresistible appetizer little smokies. The magic happens with just three components working together in harmony.
- 24 ounces cocktail sausages (Little Smokies) – These are the stars of the show, small smoked sausages that are perfect for snacking.
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand! It provides the savory, smoky base for our glaze.
- 1 cup grape jelly – This might sound unusual, but trust me, the grape jelly is key to the sweet and tangy flavor profile that makes this grape jelly little smokies slow cooker recipe so addictive and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Little Smokies in Slow Cooker
Making the best slow cooker little smokies is incredibly straightforward. You truly just need to combine a few things and let the magic happen. This crock pot little smokies recipe is perfect for any gathering, and the minimal effort means you can actually enjoy your party!
- Step 1: Get your slow cooker ready. Pour the 24 ounces cocktail sausages (Little Smokies) directly into the slow cooker insert.
- Step 2: Add the glaze ingredients. Pour the 1.5 cups BBQ sauce over the sausages, followed by the 1 cup grape jelly.
- Step 3: Stir everything together until the sausages are evenly coated in the sweet and tangy mixture. The aroma starts to build even at this stage, promising a delicious appetizer.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours. The goal is to heat everything through until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir occasionally for even cooking. This simple step ensures all the little smokies get perfectly glazed. You’ll know they’re ready when they are plump and the sauce is irresistible.
- Step 6: Serve warm. Once heated through, keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting for serving. This crock pot little smokies recipe is best enjoyed hot!
This fuss-free method for how to make little smokies in slow cooker means you can focus on other party preparations. The combination of BBQ sauce and grape jelly creates a wonderfully sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that clings perfectly to each sausage. It’s a truly simple slow cooker smokies recipe that always gets rave reviews.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Elevating your appetizer game is easy with these simple tricks for the ultimate slow cooker little smokies. I’ve learned a few things over the years that make this simple slow cooker smokies recipe even better.
- Use good quality BBQ sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce really impacts the final flavor, so pick one you love!
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there’s enough room for the sauce to bubble and coat everything evenly.
- Stir gently: While stirring is important, do it gently to avoid breaking the sausages.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, give the sauce a quick taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a splash of vinegar for tang if needed.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
The secret to perfect best slow cooker little smokies lies in the balance of sweet and savory from the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Letting them cook low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that irresistible glaze. For more information on slow cooking, check out this guide to slow cookers.
Can I make Slow Cooker Little Smokies ahead of time?
Yes! For a true stress-free party, you can combine the ingredients in the slow cooker up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just turn it on about an hour before you need them to reheat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
A common pitfall is overcooking, which can make the sausages tough. Stick to the recommended cook times. Also, ensure your slow cooker isn’t too full, as this prevents the sauce from thickening and coating the smokies properly.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Little Smokies
These little flavor bombs are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic party appetizer slow cooker smokies option. For a casual get-together, simply serve them warm directly from the slow cooker with plenty of toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair wonderfully with a platter of assorted cheeses, crackers, and maybe some fresh fruit for a balanced spread. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, consider serving them alongside mini sliders or a fresh green salad. They’re also a hit at game day parties when placed in a large bowl with a side of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. For a similar appetizer vibe, try these bruschetta with beef tartare.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Little Smokies
While this recipe is incredibly simple, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re serving. These are estimates per serving, assuming the recipe yields about 8-10 servings depending on how many little smokies each person enjoys.
- Calories: Approximately 180-200
- Fat: Around 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: About 4-5g
- Protein: Roughly 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-18g
- Fiber: Less than 1g
- Sugar: Around 12-15g (mostly from the BBQ sauce and jelly)
- Sodium: Varies greatly by BBQ sauce and sausages, but typically 400-600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. For more on understanding nutrition labels, you can visit the FDA website.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Little Smokies
One of the best things about this simple slow cooker smokies recipe is how well it keeps. Once the little smokies have cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them even longer, you can freeze them! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should be good for up to 3 months. For reheating, you can gently warm them back up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them back into the slow cooker on the WARM setting for about 30 minutes until heated through. If you’re looking for other make-ahead appetizers, consider these roasted carrot soup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Little Smokies
What exactly are little smokies in a slow cooker?
Little smokies are small, pre-cooked, smoked sausages, often made from pork and beef. When you make what are little smokies in a slow cooker, you’re essentially heating them up in a delicious glaze, turning them into a warm, savory, and slightly sweet appetizer. They’re a staple for parties because they’re so easy and always a hit!
Can I use different types of sausages?
Absolutely! While the classic is cocktail sausages (Little Smokies), you can certainly experiment. Kielbasa cut into bite-sized pieces works wonderfully for a heartier flavor, and many people enjoy a crock pot kielbasa bites recipe variation. Mini breakfast sausages can also be used, though they might offer a slightly different flavor profile. For a different sausage dish, check out this pappardelle with beef ragu.
How do I make this a sweet and sour flavor?
To achieve a sweet and sour profile, you can adjust the BBQ sauce and jelly. I’ve found that adding a tablespoon or two of soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar to the BBQ sauce and jelly mixture before cooking helps create that tangy sweetness. This variation is fantastic for those who love a bit more zest in their appetizers.
What are the best dipping sauces for these smokies?
While the glaze is delicious on its own, offering a few dipping sauces can elevate the experience! Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a spicy mustard are great options. They provide a creamy or zesty contrast to the sweet and smoky glaze, making them perfect for a **game day slow cooker little smokies** spread. For a refreshing drink to accompany your appetizers, try this moscow mule cocktail.
Variations of Slow Cooker Little Smokies You Can Try
While the classic grape jelly and BBQ sauce combination is amazing, I love to play around with flavors. Here are a few variations you can try for your next gathering, ensuring your BBQ little smokies slow cooker appetizer is always a hit!
- Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce and jelly mixture. This gives a nice warmth that’s perfect for those who like a little heat.
- Sweet and Tangy Twist: Swap out the grape jelly for apricot preserves and use a honey BBQ sauce for a different sweet profile. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites Recipe: Instead of cocktail sausages, use kielbasa sliced into bite-sized pieces. The kielbasa has a heartier flavor that’s wonderful in the slow cooker.
- Teriyaki Glaze: For an Asian-inspired flavor, combine your little smokies with teriyaki sauce and a bit of brown sugar. It’s a delicious departure from the usual, offering a savory and sweet glaze.
Scrumptious Slow Cooker Little Smokies: 2 Hours
- Total Time: 3-5 hours
- Yield: N/A
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly simple and crowd-pleasing appetizer recipe that uses a slow cooker to prepare little smokies in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for holidays and parties.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Combine Everything: Pour cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly into your slow cooker.
- Stir It Up: Stir everything well to coat the sausages in the BBQ and jelly mixture.
- Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until heated through and bubbly.
- Stir Occasionally: Give the mixture a stir every so often to ensure even heating.
- Serve: Serve the slow cooker little smokies warm with toothpicks.
Notes
- Can be made on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-3 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: N/A
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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