Little Smokies with Grape Jelly – Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

These little smokies with grape jelly are an easy yet delicious appetizer. Made in the slow cooker with just three simple ingredients, these cocktail weenies are always a crowd pleaser.

I can’t get enough of the simplicity this little smokies recipe offers. Just toss the cocktail weenies, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce into the crockpot and let it work its magic for a few hours. It’s the kind of easy-peasy cooking I love, giving me more time to enjoy with my guests when entertaining. Whether it’s cheering on our favorite teams during game day parties, ringing in the New Year with friends, or firing up the grill for a summer BBQ, these little smokies are my go-to easy recipe for simple and delicious entertaining.

Ingredients for the Little Smokies with Grape Jelly

• Cocktail sausages – The show’s star provides a savory base to absorb the flavors during slow cooking.
• Barbecue sauce – Adds a smoky depth and tangy glaze, enhancing the overall taste of the little smokies. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor the flavor to your preference.
• Grape jelly – The sweet secret ingredient that balances the savory sausages and robust BBQ sauce.

Making the Slow Cooker Little Smokies

1. Combine ingredients – Place all ingredients in the crockpot and mix well to combine.
2. Cook – Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until smokies are heated through.
3. Mix and serve – Give everything a good stir to coat the sausages before serving. Serve warm and enjoy.

Variations and substitutions

Hotdog swap – If you don’t have cocktail weenies, you can substitute with cut hot dogs. Cut the hotdogs into 1-inch pieces before you add them to the crock pot.

Spice it up – Introduce a kick by incorporating 1/4 cup of chili sauce or hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

Mustard infusion – Add a tangy element by blending a tablespoon of mustard into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Vegetarian option – Consider using vegetarian cocktail sausages or substituting with plant-based alternatives for a meatless version.

Tips for success

• Crockpot liners – Consider using a crockpot liner before adding the ingredients to simplify cleanup. This not only aids in easy cleanup but also prevents any stubborn residue from sticking to the pot.
• Check for doneness – Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the little smokies. The goal is to heat them through without compromising their texture.
• Scale the recipe – Easily adjust the quantities to accommodate the size of your gathering. Whether you’re hosting a large party or an intimate gathering, scale the ingredients accordingly to match your crowd size.
• Serve with toothpicks – Serve with toothpicks to make diving into these tasty Little Smokies easier and less messy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

The cocktail sausages can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Ensure the sausages cool completely before freezing. Allow the sausages to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating them in the crockpot.

Little Smokies with Grape Jelly FAQs

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