What if you could make a crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes 5 minutes to prep, uses just 3 ingredients, and actually packs a protein punch?
That’s what these crockpot little smokies deliver.
Little smokies are a classic party food — bite-sized, savory, and always the first thing to disappear from the buffet table. They’re perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner when you need something easy.
This recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it appetizer. Just toss three ingredients in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to sweet, savory, sticky little smokies that everyone will love.
Each serving packs 12g of protein, making these more than just empty calories. They’re a protein-dense snack that actually satisfies.
If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that feeds a crowd with almost no effort, this crockpot little smokies recipe belongs in your rotation.
Let’s make this happen.
Why This Recipe Works
These crockpot little smokies are a crowd-pleaser for a few key reasons.
They’re ready in 2 hours. Just 5 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest. Perfect for party day when you have a million other things to do.
They use 3 ingredients. Little smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce. That’s it. No complicated shopping list.
They’re sweet and savory. The grape jelly melts into a sticky, sweet glaze that balances perfectly with the smoky, savory little smokies.
They feed a crowd. This recipe makes about 60 little smokies — enough for a party or potluck.
They’re high-protein. Each serving packs 12g of protein, making these a satisfying snack that’s more than just empty calories.
Crockpot Little Smokies
Sweet, savory, and sticky — these 3-ingredient crockpot little smokies are the easiest appetizer you'll ever make.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) packages little smokies sausages (about 40-60 smokies)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for extra tang)
Instructions
- Place the little smokies in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce until smooth. If using mustard, whisk it in as well.
- Pour the sauce over the little smokies and stir until they're evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the smokies are heated through.
- Give everything a final stir before serving. Keep the slow cooker on WARM to serve straight from the pot.
Notes
Quick Tip
Stir occasionally. Give the little smokies a gentle stir every 30-45 minutes to keep the sauce from sticking to the edges and ensure even coating.
Tips
Use a good barbecue sauce. Since this recipe uses only 3 ingredients, the quality of the barbecue sauce really matters. Use one you already love.
Don’t overcook. Little smokies are already fully cooked. You’re just heating them through and letting them absorb the sauce. 2 hours on HIGH is plenty.
Keep them warm. The slow cooker is the perfect serving vessel. Switch it to WARM once the smokies are done.
Add a kick. Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Double the batch. For larger crowds, double the recipe. Most 6-quart slow cookers can handle 4 packages of little smokies.
Serve with toothpicks. Provide toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Serving Suggestions
These little smokies are perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Holiday gatherings
- Potlucks
- Tailgates
- Appetizer buffets
- Quick weeknight dinner with a side salad
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits — add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Recipe Variations
Brown sugar smokies. Swap the grape jelly for ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of honey. The sauce becomes caramelized and sweet.
Sweet and sour smokies. Use 1 cup of sweet and sour sauce instead of barbecue sauce. Add chunks of pineapple for extra flavor.
Cranberry smokies. Swap the grape jelly for cranberry sauce. The tanginess of cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory sausages.
Dr Pepper smokies. Replace the barbecue sauce with 1 cup of Dr Pepper and use brown sugar instead of jelly. A southern classic.
Spicy smokies. Use spicy barbecue sauce and add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Apple butter smokies. Swap the grape jelly for apple butter. A fall favorite with warm, spiced flavors.
Apricot smokies. Swap the grape jelly for apricot preserves. The fruity tang is a crowd favorite.
Smokies and beans. Add 2 cans of baked beans to the slow cooker for a heartier dish that works as a main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are little smokies?
Little smokies are small, fully cooked smoked sausages made from beef, pork, or turkey. They’re also called cocktail sausages or li’l smokies. They come in 14 oz packages and are usually found near the hot dogs.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. You can use smoked sausage cut into bite-sized pieces, kielbasa, or even turkey kielbasa. Just cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use a different jelly or jam?
Absolutely! This recipe works with many fruit preserves. Try grape, apricot, cranberry, apple, or even orange marmalade. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile.
How long do little smokies take in the crockpot?
On HIGH, 2 hours is plenty. On LOW, 3-4 hours. They’re already fully cooked, so you’re just heating them through and letting the sauce thicken.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Most 6-quart slow cookers can easily handle 4 packages of little smokies. Double the sauce ingredients and cook for the same amount of time.
What should I serve with little smokies?
They’re great on their own with toothpicks. You can also serve them with extra dipping sauce, crackers, or crusty bread. For a meal, serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer the little smokies and sauce in a large saucepan over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. But the slow cooker keeps them warm throughout the party.
How much protein is in little smokies?
Each serving provides approximately 12g of protein from the sausages — making these a protein-dense appetizer that’s more than just empty calories.
Can I keep them warm in the crockpot?
Yes! Once they’re done, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. They’ll stay perfect for hours.
What’s the best sauce for little smokies?
The classic combination is grape jelly and barbecue sauce — it’s sweet, savory, and always a hit. But the variations above are also delicious.
The Easiest Appetizer You’ll Ever Make
This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a party hero — even though you barely did anything. The little smokies are sweet, savory, and sticky. The sauce is rich and flavorful. And the whole thing comes together in your slow cooker with almost no effort.
The best part? They’re always the first thing to disappear from the buffet table. Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday party, or a potluck, these crockpot little smokies will be the star of the spread.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that actually has protein, this little smokies crockpot recipe belongs in your rotation.
Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out. And if you’re craving more easy appetizer ideas, check out my other crockpot recipes for more crowd-pleasing inspiration.
