Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it requires only a few simple ingredients and almost no hands-on cooking. I simply combine everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The sauce becomes thick and flavorful, and the little smokies stay juicy throughout the cooking time. I also appreciate how easy it is to double the recipe for a larger crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Little Smokies cocktail sausages
• Barbecue sauce
• Grape jelly
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
2. I add the Little Smokies to the slow cooker.
3. I combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar if I want a sweeter sauce.
4. I pour the sauce over the sausages and stir until they are evenly coated.
5. I cover the slow cooker with the lid.
6. I cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
7. I switch the slow cooker to the “Warm” setting to keep the sausages hot while serving.
8. I garnish with chopped parsley if I am using it and serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

These timings are consistent with similar Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies recipes.

Variations

• I use chili sauce instead of some of the barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• I stir in honey instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• I use a smoky barbecue sauce to give the sausages even more depth of flavor.
• I add pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and savory variation.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in their sauce for up to 3 months.

To reheat, I warm the sausages in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. I can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals or return them to the slow cooker on the LOW or Warm setting until hot.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies ahead of time?

Yes. I prepare the sauce and combine it with the sausages in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate it overnight, and start cooking the next day.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes. I use sliced smoked sausage, kielbasa, or mini smoked sausages if Little Smokies are unavailable.

What barbecue sauce works best?

I choose my favorite barbecue sauce, whether it is sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey-flavored, depending on the flavor I want.

Can I keep the Little Smokies warm during a party?

Yes. I leave them in the slow cooker on the Warm setting so they stay hot and ready to serve throughout the event.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes. I let the sausages cool completely, then freeze them in their sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

I keep making these Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies because they are effortless, flavorful, and always a hit at gatherings. The combination of smoky sausages and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce creates a delicious appetizer that everyone loves. Whether I serve them at a holiday party, potluck, or game-day celebration, they are always one of the first dishes to disappear.

Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies

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These Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies are an effortless appetizer featuring smoky cocktail sausages simmered in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, and holiday gatherings, they stay warm and flavorful right in the slow cooker.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 (14-ounce) packages Little Smokies cocktail sausages
• 2 cups barbecue sauce
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
2. Add the Little Smokies to the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar if using.
4. Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir until evenly coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
6. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
7. Switch the slow cooker to the Warm setting to keep the sausages hot for serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks.

Notes

• Use your favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy barbecue sauce to customize the flavor.
• Add pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and savory variation.
• Stir in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in the sauce for up to 3 months.
• Keep the slow cooker on the Warm setting during parties for easy serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg