These BBQ Little Smokies are a fun and easy dish to whip up in your crock pot! Juicy little sausages coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce make for a perfect snack or party treat.
They disappear fast at gatherings—like magic! 🪄 I love to serve them with toothpicks for some bite-sized fun. Just toss everything in the crock pot, and let it do all the work for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: The star of the show! These bite-sized sausages bring the fun. If you can’t find Little Smokies, you can use cocktail sausages or even cut-up hot dogs as a substitute.
Barbecue Sauce: A key ingredient for flavor! Your favorite brand will work best, but don’t hesitate to try homemade BBQ sauce or even teriyaki for a twist.
Grape Jelly: This sweet element balances the BBQ sauce. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with apple jelly or even peach preserves for a fruity zing.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a complex flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce can work in a pinch, but the taste will change slightly.
How Do I Make Sure the Smokies are Well-Flavored?
The key to fully flavored Little Smokies is the sauce mixing! Make sure to blend all sauce ingredients before adding them to the sausages. This is how you ensure every bite is packed with flavor!
- Combine sauces and seasonings in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the sausages, then stir gently to coat thoroughly.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to re-coat the sausages as they heat up.
This method keeps the flavor consistent, making every little smokie delicious! It’s an easy way to impress friends at your next gathering.
BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs Little Smokies sausages
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then a lovely 2 to 3 hours of cooking on low in your crock pot. Perfect for setting things up before guests arrive and letting the magic happen while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Little Smokies:
Start by placing all the Little Smokies sausages directly into your crock pot. Make sure they are evenly distributed so that they cook nicely.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is thoroughly blended. This mix will create a sweet and tangy flavor that your guests will love!
3. Coat the Smokies:
Now, pour that tasty sauce mixture over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. Use a spoon or spatula to stir gently, ensuring that each sausage is coated in the delicious sauce.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crock pot and cook the sausages on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Remember to stir once or twice during cooking to recoat the sausages, ensuring even heating and flavor throughout.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After the cooking time is up, check to make sure everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn off the crock pot and carefully transfer the Little Smokies to a serving dish. If you’d like, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a nice touch.
6. Dig In!
Serve the Little Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy picking. They make a great appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy. Watch them disappear!
This recipe is simple and effortless—set it and forget it, then watch your guests come back for more!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Smokies Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken smokies work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may heat through a bit quicker than traditional pork sausages.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Sure! If you like some heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture or using a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before. Just combine the sausages and sauce mixture in the crock pot, cover, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, set the crock pot to cook and you’ll have a tasty dish ready by your event time.
How Do I Store Leftover Little Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop. They make a great snack for the next day!