These BBQ Little Smokies are a real crowd-pleaser! Cooked in a crock pot, they’re packed with a sweet and tangy sauce that makes each bite burst with flavor.
Perfect for parties or game days, these little sausages disappear fast. I love how easy they are to prepare—just mix the sauce, toss in the smokies, and let them bubble away!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are the star of the show! If you can’t find them, you can use any cocktail sausage or even diced kielbasa for a heartier option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite for this recipe. If you’re looking for something different, a honey mustard sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce can work well for a flavor twist.
Grape Jelly: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps the sauce stick. If you prefer, you can swap it out for apple jelly, raspberry jelly, or even a sugar-free jelly for a lighter option.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. A great alternative is soy sauce or even a little apple cider vinegar for tang.
How Do I Make Sure My BBQ Little Smokies Are Flavorful?
Getting the right flavor in your BBQ Little Smokies comes from ensuring you mix your sauce ingredients properly. The key is to blend well to incorporate the grape jelly, which helps balance the savory BBQ sauce.
- Start by mixing the barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a bowl. Whisk until no lumps remain.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and any spices. This adds layers of flavor.
- As you cook, stir the sausages occasionally to ensure they’re evenly coated in the sauce, allowing flavors to deepen.
Keep the crock pot covered while cooking to retain moisture and heat. Enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen as they cook! These little bites are sure to be a hit at your next get-together!
BBQ Little Smokies in the Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 3 to 4 hours of cooking in the crock pot. It’s super easy to throw together, and then you can relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Start by placing the Little Smokies sausages directly into your crock pot. They should fill the bottom evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you want that smoky flavor). Stir everything together until the grape jelly is well mixed into the sauce.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Pour your flavorful sauce mixture evenly over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir the sausages, making sure they are all coated with the sauce.
4. Cook the Little Smokies:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if you can, which helps all the flavors mix perfectly and ensures even heating.
5. Keep Warm and Serve:
Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is thick and bubbly, turn the crock pot to the warm setting to keep them cozy until it’s party time! You can serve them directly from the pot or transfer them to a serving dish.
6. Enjoy Your BBQ Treats:
Serve the BBQ Little Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or any occasion where delicious bites are the focus!
Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and tangy BBQ Little Smokies that everyone will love! They’re sure to disappear quickly!
Can I Use Different Sauces in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While barbecue sauce and grape jelly create a classic flavor, you can experiment with other sauces. Try using a spicy barbecue sauce or even a honey mustard sauce for a fun variation. Feel free to substitute the grape jelly with apple jelly or even apricot preserves for a different twist.
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make BBQ Little Smokies in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Little Smokies and sauce the night before. Simply combine them in the crock pot and refrigerate. In the morning, set the crock pot to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours for an easy, stress-free dish!
What Should I Serve with BBQ Little Smokies?
These tasty bites are great on their own, but they pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or even a veggie platter. For a complete meal, you can serve them with some slider buns for making mini sandwiches!