These BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot made in the crock pot are a sweet, tangy, and smoky party favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can set them and forget them—perfect for game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering. The grape jelly and barbecue sauce combination creates a bold flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies sausages
1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (I use my favorite brand or homemade)
½ cup grape jelly
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
I add the Little Smokies directly to the bottom of my slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
I pour the sauce mixture over the sausages in the crock pot.
Then I stir to coat everything evenly.
I cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, giving it a stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking.
Once ready, I keep them warm in the slow cooker’s “warm” setting for easy serving during the event.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 10 people.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–4 hours (depending on heat setting)
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the grape jelly with apricot preserves or cranberry sauce for a unique twist.
For a spicy kick, I add a dash of hot sauce or increase the red pepper flakes.
If I’m out of Little Smokies, chopped smoked sausage or cocktail franks work just as well.
I occasionally mix in chopped bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I use the microwave or warm them up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. I also reheat them in the slow cooker if I’m serving them again at another event.
FAQs
How do I keep Little Smokies warm during a party?
I keep the slow cooker on the "warm" setting to maintain the perfect serving temperature throughout the event.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the crock pot before guests arrive.
Can I freeze leftover BBQ Little Smokies?
Absolutely. I let them cool, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
I use my favorite brand or go homemade if I have time. A sweet and smoky variety works best for this recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, I double everything and use a larger crock pot. The cooking time remains about the same—just make sure everything is well coated and stirred.
Conclusion
These BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot are the definition of easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Whether I’m hosting a football party or bringing a dish to a potluck, they always disappear fast. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, I can make a flavorful, hearty appetizer that everyone will rave about.
📖 Recipe:
BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These BBQ Little Smokies made in the crock pot are a sweet, tangy, and smoky party favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies sausages
1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
½ cup grape jelly
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Add the Little Smokies directly to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages in the crock pot.
- Stir to coat the sausages evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once ready, switch to the slow cooker’s “warm” setting for serving.
Notes
Swap grape jelly with apricot preserves or cranberry sauce for variation.
Add hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Chopped smoked sausage or cocktail franks can be used instead of Little Smokies.
Mix in chopped bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat using microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
