Enjoyable Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Little smokies are loved by many for many reasons but some of them are the ease of preparation and the rich, flavorful sauce they’re cooked in. Usually, the sausages are placed in a slow cooker and covered with a mixture of barbecue sauce and grape jelly, this combination might sound unusual but it creates a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the sausages. Some other variations of this recipe involve ingredients like Dijon mustard for a hint of sharpness or smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth.
Cooking in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together slowly over a few hours, ensuring that each bite of the Little Smokies is infused with the delicious sauce. This method also keeps the sausages tender and juicy, ready to be enjoyed straight from the pot or served with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Little smokies have a versatile use case, they fit into various cuisines and occasions. They can be served as a hearty appetizer alongside other finger foods or as part of a larger spread. Their small size makes them convenient for guests to enjoy without needing utensils, adding to their appeal at casual gatherings.
Whatever use case you have for your little smokies doesn’t matter much to me, what’s important is getting you to know how to easily make your crockpot little smokies at home and get the best flavors. That is what the following recipe is meant to achieve.
Delicious Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for combining the sauce)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb 16 oz Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite brand
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard optional, for tangy flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional, for added smokiness
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
Add to Crockpot
- Place the Little Smokies sausages in the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages, ensuring they're evenly coated.
Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and coating.
Serve
- Once the Little Smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbling, serve them warm directly from the crockpot or transfer to a serving dish.
Optional Garnish
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.