This BBQ Little Smokies recipe is super simple and perfect for gatherings. Juicy mini sausages simmer in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that makes every bite a treat!
These little guys are a hit at parties! I love to serve them with toothpicks so everyone can grab a handful. Trust me, they disappear quickly—like magic! 🎉
Using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it. Just let them cook while you enjoy the fun. They make for a tasty snack or party dish that everyone can enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: This is the star of the dish! You can use any brand of cocktail sausages, but turkey or pork options work well. For a healthier twist, look for reduced-fat or turkey sausages.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own if you prefer! If you’re short on time, a sweet, tangy sauce pairs best. If you’re out, try ketchup mixed with a bit of mustard and honey.
Grape Jelly: This adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors. If you’re not a fan of grape jelly, consider using apricot preserves or even a spicy peach jam for a different zest!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Coated Smokies?
To make sure your Little Smokies are well-coated in that delicious sauce, it’s important to mix the barbecue sauce and jelly thoroughly before adding the sausages. Here’s how:
- In your crock pot, combine the barbecue sauce and jelly, stirring until the jelly is mostly dissolved.
- Add the Little Smokies, then stir gently, ensuring all sausages are coated evenly.
- Cover the crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld as they cook. Stir occasionally to keep the sausages coated.
This will give you those juicy, flavorful little bites everyone loves! Enjoy the cooking process as much as the eating! 😊
How to Make BBQ Little Smokies in a Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly (or you can use apricot preserves)
- Optional: toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare. Then, let your Little Smokies cook in the crock pot for either 2 to 3 hours on low or about 1 hour on high. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by pouring the barbecue sauce into the crock pot. This will be the tangy base for your smokies.
2. Mix in the Jelly:
Add the grape jelly (or apricot preserves) into the crock pot with the barbecue sauce. Stir it well, mixing until the jelly is mostly dissolved and combined nicely with the sauce. This is where the sweetness comes from!
3. Add the Little Smokies:
Next, toss in the Little Smokies sausages. Stir gently to ensure each sausage is coated in that delicious sauce mixture. This is the magic moment when they get their flavor boost!
4. Cook the Smokies:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for about 1 hour. Give them a stir occasionally to keep them well-coated and help the flavors meld together.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re ready, give the smokies one last stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Serve them hot and set out some toothpicks for easy grabbing. Your guests will love these sweet and savory bites!
Enjoy your BBQ Little Smokies as an irresistible party appetizer or a fun game day snack. They’re sure to be a hit! 🎉
Can I Use Other Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are traditional, you can use any cocktail sausages, turkey sausage, or even beef links. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of sausage you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Little Smokies and sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate them. Just pop them into the crock pot when you’re ready to cook; the flavors will meld beautifully!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of grape jelly or use a sugar-free jelly option. You can also balance it out with some additional barbecue sauce for tanginess.
