Name: Easy Crockpot Beef Smokies Appetizer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: Approximately 30 servings
Ingredients: (3) 10oz packages of little beef smokies (around 30 oz total, but feel free to add more if you like them extra meaty!); 1 cup BBQ sauce; 3/4 cup grape jelly; Toothpicks for serving; Crackers, for serving (optional); Mini slider buns, for serving (optional)

Crockpot Little Smokies are more than just an appetizer; they’re a gateway to effortless entertaining and pure, unadulterated comfort. If you’ve ever hosted a party, game day gathering, or even just a casual weeknight get-together, you’ve likely encountered the sheer delight of these miniature, smoky sausages bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce. What is it about Crockpot Little Smokies that makes them so universally loved? Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of savory meat and that irresistible glaze that coats every single bite. Or maybe it’s the sheer simplicity of it all – tossing a few ingredients into a slow cooker and letting magic happen. We adore them because they disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” What truly elevates this classic recipe is the subtle complexity of flavors we’ve managed to infuse, transforming them from simply delicious to truly unforgettable. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this foolproof, crowd-pleasing rendition.

Ingredients:

(3) 10oz packages of little smokies (around 30 oz total, but feel free to add more if you like them extra meaty!)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind will work perfectly)
¾ cup grape jelly

Get Your Crockpot Ready

First things first, let’s prepare our trusty slow cooker for the magical transformation of these simple ingredients. You don’t need to grease your crockpot for this recipe, as the smokies and sauce will provide plenty of moisture. Simply place your slow cooker insert on its base, ready to receive its delicious contents. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the assembly process a breeze, ensuring you can get these Crockpot Little Smokies simmering in no time.

Combining the Flavor Base

Now comes the exciting part – creating the irresistible sauce that will coat our little smokies. In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and the grape jelly. Stir these two ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended. The grape jelly might seem a little unusual, but trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that adds a wonderful sweetness and helps create a beautifully glossy glaze that perfectly complements the savory smokies. It’s a classic combination for a reason, delivering a delightful sweet and tangy profile that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Make sure there are no large lumps of jelly remaining; a smooth mixture is key to even coating.

Adding the Stars of the Show

Once your sauce mixture is smooth and ready, it’s time to introduce the Crockpot Little Smokies. Open your packages of little smokies and drain off any excess liquid if present. Carefully add the drained little smokies directly into the slow cooker insert. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly; they’ll settle into place as they cook. The quantity of smokies can be adjusted based on your preference and the size of your crockpot. If you have a larger slow cooker or are making a big batch for a party, feel free to toss in an extra package or two. The sauce ratio will still be sufficient to coat them beautifully.

Coating Everything in Deliciousness

Now, pour the combined BBQ sauce and grape jelly mixture over the little smokies in the crockpot. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that each and every little smokie is coated with the luscious sauce. You want to make sure there are no dry spots! This step is crucial for flavor distribution. The sauce will cling to the smokies as they heat up, creating a perfectly glazed appetizer. Take your time with this step to ensure an even coating, which will result in consistent flavor in every bite.

The Slow Cooker Symphony

Place the lid securely on your crockpot. We’re going to let the magic happen on a low setting for a few hours. Set your crockpot to cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. This low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the smokies to become incredibly tender and infused with the sauce. While you can cook them on HIGH for about 1 to 1.5 hours, I find that cooking on LOW yields a superior texture and depth of flavor for these Crockpot Little Smokies. During this time, the jelly will melt and meld with the BBQ sauce, creating a thick, syrupy glaze that is absolutely irresistible. You can give it a gentle stir about halfway through the cooking time if you wish, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Serving Your Delectable Delights

Once the cooking time is complete, your Crockpot Little Smokies are ready to be devoured! The sauce should be bubbly and slightly thickened. You can serve them directly from the crockpot, keeping them warm for your guests, or transfer them to a serving dish. These are perfect for game days, parties, holidays, or just a simple weeknight appetizer. They are delicious served with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Many people enjoy them on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with crackers, mini slider buns, or even as a topping for a cheese and charcuterie board. The aroma alone is enough to entice everyone to gather around for a taste of these irresistible Crockpot Little Smokies. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory goodness!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the ultimate guide to making delicious Crockpot Little Smokies! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or just a simple weeknight appetizer. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; minimal effort yields maximum flavor. The sweet and tangy sauce perfectly complements the savory smoked sausage, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless! These Crockpot Little Smokies are fantastic served warm directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, from a fresh green salad to a hearty potato salad. For an elevated appetizer experience, consider serving them alongside a cheese board or as part of a larger spread of dips and finger foods. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations; adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat can transform the flavor profile.

I encourage you to try this recipe and see for yourself how easy and rewarding it is to make these flavorful Little Smokies. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crockpot Little Smokies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and then simply start the cooking process when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time if starting from a cold state.

What are some good vegetarian or vegan alternatives for Little Smokies?

While this recipe specifically calls for traditional Little Smokies, you can find vegetarian or vegan sausage alternatives at most grocery stores. Look for plant-based cocktail sausages or smokey tofu/tempeh links. Adjust cooking times as needed, as these alternatives can sometimes cook faster than meat-based sausages.

How long do Crockpot Little Smokies typically take to cook?

The cooking time for Crockpot Little Smokies will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the temperature setting. Generally, they cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. The goal is for the sauce to thicken and the smokies to be heated through and coated.