Slow Cooker Lil Smokies with Sweet and Tangy Sauce
These slow cooker Lil Smokies are an easy 5-ingredient appetizer that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, game days, holidays, and family gatherings. Made with cocktail sausages, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, this simple crockpot recipe delivers a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, savory, and smoky flavors.
The best part? These grape jelly Lil Smokies require very little preparation. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, let them heat until the sauce is hot and glossy, and keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.
Serve these easy cocktail sausages with toothpicks straight from the crockpot for a party appetizer that guests can grab and enjoy. They pair especially well with sliders, baked beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, chips and dip, or a fresh vegetable platter.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Lil Smokies
- Only 5 ingredients: You need just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Easy crockpot appetizer: The slow cooker handles most of the cooking.
- Perfect for parties: Great for cookouts, potlucks, holidays, and game-day gatherings.
- Sweet and tangy flavor: Grape jelly and barbecue sauce create a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the sauce ahead of time for easier party-day cooking.
- Easy to keep warm: Leave the sausages in the slow cooker on the warm setting.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer: Small cocktail sausages make an easy grab-and-go snack.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on LOW or 1–2 hours on HIGH
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 ounces each) Lil Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3/4 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Lil Smokies in the Slow Cooker
1. Add the sausages.
Place the Lil Smokies cocktail sausages directly into the slow cooker.
2. Make the sweet and tangy sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine everything.
Pour the sauce over the Lil Smokies. Stir gently until every sausage is evenly coated.
4. Slow cook.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or HIGH for 1 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. The sausages should be heated through and coated in a hot, glossy sauce.
5. Serve warm.
Set the slow cooker to WARM and serve the Lil Smokies directly from the crockpot. Add toothpicks for easy party serving.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lil Smokies
Add some heat
For spicy Lil Smokies, add a little hot sauce, chili sauce, or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Try another fruit spread
Grape jelly gives these cocktail sausages their classic sweet flavor, but you can also experiment with apple jelly or apricot preserves for a slightly different twist.
Make them ahead
Prepare the sauce the night before and refrigerate it in a covered container. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the sauce and sausages to the slow cooker.
Keep them warm for a party
After cooking, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. This makes these Lil Smokies especially convenient for buffets, parties, and potlucks.
Double the recipe
Feeding a large crowd? This recipe is easy to double. Use a sufficiently large slow cooker and stir occasionally to keep the sausages evenly coated.
What to Serve with Lil Smokies
These easy party appetizers are delicious alongside:
- Sliders and barbecue sandwiches
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Deviled eggs
- Chips and dip
- Vegetable trays
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lil Smokies in a slow cooker?
Yes. Slow cooking is one of the easiest ways to prepare Lil Smokies. Combine the sausages and sauce ingredients in the crockpot and cook until hot and bubbly.
Can I use a different jelly instead of grape jelly?
Yes. Apple jelly and apricot preserves are good alternatives. The flavor will change slightly, but the sauce will still have a sweet and sticky finish.
How long do Lil Smokies take in a crockpot?
Cook them for approximately 2 to 3 hours on LOW or 1 to 2 hours on HIGH, stirring once or twice.
Can I keep Lil Smokies warm in the slow cooker?
Yes. Once they’re fully heated, switch the slow cooker to WARM. This makes them convenient for parties and gatherings.
Are Lil Smokies good for potlucks?
Absolutely. These crockpot Lil Smokies are especially convenient for potlucks because they’re easy to transport, simple to serve, and can stay warm in the slow cooker.
