These BBQ Little Smokies are a crowd-pleaser! Made with juicy cocktail sausages and tangy barbecue sauce, they’re perfect for parties or game day. Just pop them in the crock pot and let them cook!
I love how easy they are to prepare. It’s just mix, heat, and enjoy! They’re so tasty that they disappear fast—like magic! 🪄 Try serving them with toothpicks for that extra fun touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These are essential for the recipe’s unique flavor. If you need a substitute, try using other cocktail sausages or even vegetarian/vegan sausage links for a different twist!
Barbecue Sauce: Use any store-bought sauce you love, but homemade is always a nice touch. If you want a spicier kick, opt for a spicy barbecue sauce. Can’t find your favorite? Try a mix of ketchup and hot sauce as an alternative.
Grape Jelly: This is the secret to that sweet taste. If you’re not a fan, use other fruit jams like apricot or even a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste!
Worcestershire Sauce: This is optional, but it adds depth. If you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce or liquid smoke can give a nice umami flavor as a substitute.
How Do I Keep the Smokies from Overcooking?
Keeping your Little Smokies perfectly cooked in the crock pot is essential! Here are some tips:
- Cook on low for a longer time (2-3 hours) for even heating. Cooking on high is quicker but can lead to overcooked sausages.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on the sauce; if it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it!
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly flavored and juicy Little Smokies every time!
BBQ Little Smokies in the Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages (cocktail sausages)
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly or red pepper jelly
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Toothpicks, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious BBQ Little Smokies recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks in the crock pot for 2 to 3 hours on low or 1 to 1.5 hours on high. It’s a great addition to any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausages:
Start by draining the packages of Little Smokies sausages if necessary. This will ensure that the sauce can coat them properly without excess liquid.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In your crock pot, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce (if you decide to use it). Stir the mixture well until the jelly is melted and completely blended with the barbecue sauce. You want a nice, smooth consistency!
3. Coat the Sausages:
Add the Little Smokies sausages to the crock pot. Gently stir them in the sauce to ensure that they are evenly coated. Every sausage should be dressed in that delicious barbecue goodness!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it on low for 2 to 3 hours, or high for 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally. This will help prevent any sticking and keep the sausages nicely coated with sauce.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened, you can switch the crock pot to warm to keep the sausages hot without overcooking them.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the BBQ Little Smokies to a serving bowl or keep them warm in the crock pot. Don’t forget to add toothpicks for easy serving! Get ready to enjoy these savory little bites that are perfect for any occasion—your guests are bound to love them!
Enjoy these sticky-sweet, savory little sausages that are perfect for parties or game day!
Can I Use Frozen Little Smokies for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first for the best results. You can do this overnight in the fridge or for a quicker method, place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
What if I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No worries! You can substitute grape jelly with red pepper jelly, apricot jam, or even sweet chili sauce. Each will add a unique twist to the flavor of your BBQ Little Smokies!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce nice and moist.
Can I Make These Smokies Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, try using a spicy barbecue sauce, or mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the barbecue sauce before cooking. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference!
