When you’re short on time but still want to bring a crowd-pleasing appetizer to the table, these slow cooker Little Smokies are a game-changer. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, game day, or casual weekend party, this recipe delivers flavor and ease with just three simple ingredients: cocktail sausages, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly. That’s it! You dump everything into the slow cooker, give it a quick stir, and let the heat do all the magic.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how effortless and flexible it is. You can set it and forget it, and it’ll be ready in a few hours without any need to babysit the stove. It’s also easy to double for larger groups or to adjust to taste by swapping in your favorite BBQ sauce or using hot pepper jelly for a spicy twist. These sweet and tangy bites are always a hit, disappearing faster than you’d expect, and they pair beautifully with chips, skewers, or simply served warm with toothpicks.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
20 ounces cocktail sausages (Lil’ Smokies)
1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
¾ cup grape jelly
Instructions
Add the cocktail sausages to the crockpot. Pour in the barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or until heated through. Give it a good stir before serving. Serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
These crockpot smokies are rich in flavor and offer a mix of protein from the sausages and carbohydrates from the sweet sauce. While they’re not low in sugar or sodium, they’re meant as a fun, occasional appetizer. For dietary concerns, note that most cocktail sausages contain meat and additives, making this unsuitable for vegetarians or those watching sodium or processed food intake. Gluten-free versions can be made by using certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and sausages.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Tried this quick appetizer and loved the results? We’d love to hear how you made it your own! Whether you added a spicy twist or kept it classic, sharing your feedback in the comments helps others enjoy it too. Your voice could inspire someone’s next party snack success!