Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Little Smokies recipe is a perfect party appetizer or easy snack that requires minimal effort. Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, these bite-sized sausages simmer in a delicious sauce that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 28 ounces little smokies sausages (2 (14-ounce) packages)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir well until the jelly is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 2: Place the little smokies sausages into the crockpot.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the little smokies and stir to coat them evenly. Make sure all the sausages are well covered with the sauce.
- Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the little smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the mixture uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and little smokies in a skillet over medium heat. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Can I use regular sausages instead of little smokies?
Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Regular sausages may need to be sliced into bite-sized pieces and cooked longer to ensure they are heated through and flavors meld well.
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Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Little Smokies recipe offers a perfect blend of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet grape jelly, enhanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper for a balanced kick. These little smokies are slow-cooked until perfectly warm and tender, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Sausages
- 28 ounces little smokies sausages (2 packages of 14 ounces each)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Add the sausages to the crockpot: Place the little smokies sausages evenly in the crockpot to prepare for sauce coating and cooking.
- Combine sausages and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the little smokies in the crockpot. Stir gently to ensure that all sausages are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook the sausages: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the cooker to low heat. Let the little smokies cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally if desired, until they are heated through and the flavors meld.
Notes
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps the sausages absorb the sauce better but is optional.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- This recipe can be made ahead and kept warm in the crockpot for serving at parties.
- Little smokies can be substituted with cocktail sausages if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot Little Smokies, slow cooker sausage appetizer, barbecue little smokies, grape jelly smokies, party appetizer
