Simply Crockpot • Appetizers
These Crockpot Little Smokies are the classic 3-ingredient party appetizer: sweet, tangy, and totally addictive. They take minutes to prep and stay warm in the slow cooker until the last bite.
Ingredients Instructions Tips Storage FAQ
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2½ hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 3 ingredients and almost zero effort.
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and game day.
- Sweet + savory sauce everyone loves.
- Stays warm and ready to serve in the crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¾ cup grape jelly
Ingredient notes:
• Any BBQ sauce works—sweet, smoky, or spicy.
• Grape jelly sounds odd, but it creates the perfect sticky glaze.
• Add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Instructions
- Add little smokies to the crockpot.
- Pour BBQ sauce and grape jelly over the top.
- Stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours (or HIGH for 1–1½ hours), stirring once or twice.
- Once hot and glossy, switch to WARM for serving.
Tip: Stir after the first 30–45 minutes so the jelly melts evenly into the sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy version: Use spicy BBQ sauce or add 1–2 tsp sriracha.
- Different jelly: Apricot preserves also work great.
- Serving: Toothpicks for parties, or pile into slider buns for mini sandwiches.
- Keep warm: WARM setting + occasional stir keeps the glaze perfect.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on LOW or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
- Make ahead: Cook earlier in the day and keep on WARM for serving.
FAQ
Does it really taste like grape?
Not really—once heated, it turns into a sweet glaze that tastes like a tangy BBQ sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and stir a little more often so everything heats evenly.
What should I serve with little smokies?
Toothpicks, mini buns, or a party tray with chips, veggies, and dips all work well.
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