These BBQ Little Smokies are a hit for any gathering! Just toss those tasty sausages in your slow cooker with sweet barbecue sauce, and let them cook low and slow.
I mean, who doesn’t love some easy party food? 😄 You just set it and forget it, then enjoy the delicious smells filling your home. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These small sausages are the star of the dish! If you can’t find them, you could use bite-sized kielbasa or any other small sausage link. Cooked or pre-cooked varieties work best for this recipe.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you have a family recipe. For a little kick, try a spicy barbecue sauce or mix in some hot sauce to create the perfect blend.
Grape Jelly: This adds a sweet touch, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out. You can also substitute it with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor twist.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth, but it’s optional. Soy sauce or liquid smoke can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My BBQ Little Smokies?
The key to making these BBQ Little Smokies really flavorful lies in the sauce! Make sure to mix it thoroughly before pouring it over the sausages. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Start with a good quality barbecue sauce as your base.
- Mix in grape jelly for sweetness; it really enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the tangy notes from the sauce.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to deepen the taste. Adjust these ingredients to your liking for a more personalized flavor!
- Make sure to give the crock pot a stir every once in a while. This helps the sausages soak up all that yummy sauce!
BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds Little Smokies sausages
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup grape jelly (optional, for a sweet glaze)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Toothpicks (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then 2 to 3 hours to cook on LOW, or 1 to 1.5 hours on HIGH in your crock pot. Just set it up and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the Little Smokies:
Begin by placing the Little Smokies sausages directly into your crock pot. There’s no need to cut them; they’ll heat up perfectly as they are!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is nice and smooth. This sauce is what makes everything sweet and tangy!
3. Coat the Smokies:
Pour the sauce mixture over the Little Smokies in the crock pot, making sure they are all well coated. Use a spoon to gently stir if needed, so every sausage gets some of that delicious sauce.
4. Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat to LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally if you think about it, to help ensure the sausages are evenly coated and heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sausages are heated well and covered in the sticky sauce, they’re ready to serve! Use toothpicks for easy snacking and enjoy these tasty bites at your next gathering!
These BBQ Little Smokies are a crowd-pleaser—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are ideal, you can substitute them with bite-sized kielbasa or any other small sausage that you enjoy. Just make sure it’s cooked or pre-cooked for the best results.
How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The flavors may even get better the next day!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead! Just cook the Little Smokies as directed, then let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in your crock pot until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Little Smokies?
These sausages are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or fresh veggies for dipping. You can even use them as a topping for baked potatoes or in sliders! Enjoy mixing and matching to suit your guests’ tastes!