Your 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Little Smokies Will Wow

September 21, 2025

Slow Cooker Little Smokies have been the undisputed champion of my party appetizer spread for years. I vividly remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering; the sweet, tangy aroma filled my kitchen, and guests were practically lining up at the slow cooker before the party even officially started! It’s so simple, I still can’t believe how impressive they turn out. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Little Smokies in slow cooker, you’re in for a treat because this method is foolproof. These little bites of savory goodness are guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Little Smokies

The taste is addictively sweet and tangy, a perfect balance that always gets rave reviews.
Prep time is practically non-existent – just a few minutes to combine everything, making it an easy slow cooker kielbasa appetizer.
They’re surprisingly budget-friendly, especially when feeding a crowd.
The slow cooker does all the work, keeping them warm and ready for hours.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages, making it a go-to for family gatherings.
This recipe is so simple, it’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a low-effort dish.
You can easily adapt the flavors to create your own signature easy slow cooker kielbasa appetizer.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Whipping up these delightful little bites couldn’t be easier, and you only need three simple ingredients to create these amazing grape jelly little smokies. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, which means less fuss for you and more time to enjoy your guests.

24 ounces cocktail sausages (Little Smokies) – these are the star, so grab your favorite brand!
1.5 cups BBQ sauce – use your go-to sauce for that classic tangy flavor.
1 cup grape jelly – this is the secret ingredient that makes them wonderfully sweet and glossy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Learning how to cook little smokies in crock pot is one of those kitchen skills that will save you time and impress everyone. It’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them this way sooner. Forget the oven for this one; the slow cooker is where the magic happens, keeping them perfectly warm and saucy for hours.

Step 1: Combine Everything
Grab your slow cooker, whether it’s a big one or a smaller one. Open your package of cocktail sausages, often called Little Smokies, and pour them right into the slow cooker. Next, measure out your BBQ sauce and pour that over the sausages. Finally, add the grape jelly. It might seem like an unusual combination, but trust me, it creates the most amazing glaze!
Step 2: Stir It Up
Now, grab a spoon or a spatula and give everything a really good stir. You want to make sure those little sausages are completely coated in that glorious BBQ sauce and sweet grape jelly mixture. Gently toss them around so they’re all nestled in there, ready to soak up all that delicious flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Once everything is nicely coated, place the lid securely on your slow cooker. You have a couple of options here for cooking time. For a lower and slower approach, cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours. If you’re in a bit more of a rush, you can use the HIGH setting for 1-2 hours. Either way, you’re looking for the sausages to be heated through and the sauce to be bubbly and wonderfully thick. This is the easiest way how to make Little Smokies in slow cooker.
Step 4: Stir Occasionally
While your slow cooker does its thing, it’s a good idea to give the Little Smokies a stir every 30-60 minutes. This helps ensure they heat evenly and prevents any of the sausages or sauce from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Plus, it just gives you a chance to check on that bubbling goodness!
Step 5: Serve
Once they’re perfectly heated through and the sauce is glossy, your Slow Cooker Little Smokies are ready to be devoured! Carefully transfer them into a serving bowl if you like, or just serve them right out of the slow cooker. Add a bowl of toothpicks nearby so your guests can easily grab a sausage and dip it into that rich sauce. They are fantastic served warm.

Slow Cooker Little Smokies - close up of cocktail sausages in a glossy sauce

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Little Smokies

I’ve made these countless times, and a few tricks really elevate them from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the perfect batch of Slow Cooker Little Smokies every single time!

Don’t skip the stir! Even though it’s a slow cooker, giving them a gentle stir every hour helps ensure all the sausages get coated in that delicious sauce.
For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder along with the BBQ sauce and jelly.
If you don’t have grape jelly, apricot preserves or even orange marmalade can work in a pinch for a slightly different sweet and tangy profile.
Always use good quality cocktail sausages; they make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Little Smokies?

The magic is really in the combination of the sweet grape jelly and tangy BBQ sauce creating a perfectly balanced glaze. For the absolute best slow cooker little smokies recipe, ensure you use a good quality BBQ sauce that you already love. You can find more amazing appetizer ideas on our recipes page.

Can I make Slow Cooker Little Smokies ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the mixture ahead of time. Combine the sausages, BBQ sauce, and jelly in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it overnight. You’ll just need to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Little Smokies?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which can make the sausages tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times, and stir occasionally. Also, don’t be tempted to add extra liquid; the jelly and BBQ sauce create the perfect consistency. For more tips on slow cooking, check out this guide on slow cooker tips.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Little Smokies

These little flavor bombs are incredibly versatile! They are fantastic served piping hot right from the slow cooker, with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a classic party vibe, I love setting them out alongside a platter of cheese and crackers. If you’re looking for a heartier option, consider serving these BBQ Little Smokies as a side dish with pulled pork or sliders. They also make a great addition to a holiday charcuterie board. For other party favorites, check out our Rotel Ranch Dip or our Korean BBQ Meatballs.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Little Smokies

When you’re serving up these irresistible appetizers, it’s helpful to know what you’re dishing out. These estimates are based on a single serving, usually a few of those delicious little sausages.

Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of BBQ sauce and jelly.

Slow Cooker Little Smokies - serving bowl filled with cocktail sausages and sauce

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Once your delicious batch of Slow Cooker Little Smokies has been devoured (or you’ve saved some for later!), proper storage is key to keeping them tasty. Let them cool down slightly before transferring them into an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. These are such a versatile part of many slow cooker appetizer recipes little smokies, so having leftovers is fantastic! For more delicious recipes, consider our Turkey Meatloaf.

If you want to keep them even longer, they actually freeze beautifully. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them back into your slow cooker on low for about 30-60 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Little Smokies

What are Slow Cooker Little Smokies?

Slow Cooker Little Smokies are a super simple appetizer made by cooking cocktail sausages (often called Little Smokies) in a flavorful sauce, typically a mix of BBQ sauce and grape jelly, right in a slow cooker. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and always a hit at parties and gatherings because they stay warm and ready to eat for hours.

Can I use different types of sausages?

While the classic recipe uses cocktail sausages, you can absolutely experiment! Some people like to use mini kielbasa or even regular-sized kielbasa cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different sausages might require slight adjustments to ensure they’re heated through.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! You can use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or tangy variety, it will work. Some people even like to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder to their BBQ sauce for a little kick. For a different sweet treat, try our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.

How do I make spicy slow cooker little smokies?

To add some heat to your Slow Cooker Little Smokies, simply add a bit of spice to the sauce mixture. You could stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference!

Variations of Slow Cooker Little Smokies You Can Try

While the classic combo of BBQ sauce and grape jelly is a winner, I love getting creative with these! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried that are always a hit.

Spicy Slow Cooker Little Smokies: Craving a little heat? Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce and jelly mixture. This gives you those delicious spicy slow cooker little smokies everyone loves.
Sweet and Sour Smokies: For a different flavor profile, swap the grape jelly for apricot preserves and add a splash of soy sauce and a tablespoon of rice vinegar. This creates a wonderful sweet and sour glaze that’s perfect for parties.
Slow Cooker Chili Little Smokies: If you’re a fan of chili, try mixing a can of chili beans (drained) with your BBQ sauce and a little brown sugar. It gives the smokies a hearty, savory twist.
Low-Sugar Option: For a lighter version, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and sugar-free jelly. The flavor might be slightly different, but they still turn out wonderfully tender and saucy.