Introduction
Lil Smokies in the crock pot are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, blending the savory bite of mini sausages with a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for game days, holiday parties, or casual gatherings. This easy, hands-off recipe, popular in American comfort food culture, delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for hosts of all skill levels. The slow cooker does the work, infusing the smokies with a sticky, irresistible glaze. This dish brings homestyle warmth to any event, ensuring guests keep coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) packages Lil Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of a 3-4 quart slow cooker for easy cleanup.
- Combine Sauce: In the crock pot, whisk together barbecue sauce, grape jelly, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add Smokies: Place Lil Smokies in the crock pot, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir and Check: Stir occasionally to ensure even coating. Check consistency; cook an additional 30 minutes if a thicker sauce is desired.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with optional parsley, and serve warm with toothpicks or small forks.
Tips for a Better Lil Smokies Crock Pot Dish
- Use a high-quality barbecue sauce for better flavor depth.
- Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
- Taste sauce before cooking to adjust sweetness or spice levels.
- Keep the crock pot on the warm setting during serving to maintain temperature.
- Use a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup.
- Drain excess grease from smokies before adding to reduce oiliness.
- Serve with a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce on plates.
- Double the recipe for larger crowds, adjusting cook time slightly.
Variations and Customization
- Spicy Lil Smokies: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp or add 1 tbsp hot sauce.
- Apple Butter Smokies: Replace grape jelly with apple butter for a fall-inspired twist.
- Mississippi Smokies: Use 1/4 cup peperoncini juice, 1 oz au jus gravy mix, and 1 oz ranch seasoning for a tangy, savory version.
- Beer-Infused Smokies: Add 1/4 cup beer to the sauce for a malty depth.
- Low-Sugar Smokies: Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and omit brown sugar.
- Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: Wrap each smokie in bacon before cooking for extra richness.
- Sweet and Sour Smokies: Swap barbecue sauce for a mix of 1/2 cup apricot jam, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp vinegar.
- Vegetarian Smokies: Use plant-based cocktail sausages with the same sauce.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Serve with sliders, cheese platters, or veggie sticks for a balanced spread.
- Use leftovers as a topping for nachos or a filling for sliders.
- Keep warm in the crock pot on the warm setting for up to 2 hours during parties.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Pair with cold beer or iced tea for a refreshing complement.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (about 6 smokies each):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on sausage brand and sauce ingredients. This dish is high in fat and sodium due to sausages and barbecue sauce, with significant sugar from jelly and brown sugar. For dietary needs, try low-sugar or vegetarian variations. Its small portion size makes it a suitable appetizer when balanced with lighter sides.
Conclusion
This Lil Smokies crock pot recipe delivers a sweet, tangy, and savory appetizer that’s effortless to prepare and universally loved, perfect for any gathering from tailgates to holiday feasts. Its slow-cooker simplicity and customizable sauce make it a go-to for busy hosts. The sticky glaze and tender sausages create a comforting, crowd-pleasing bite. This recipe is sure to become a staple, cherished for its homestyle ease and irresistible flavor.
Lil Smokies Crock Pot Recipe: Sweet Tangy Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 14 oz packages Lil Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Grease a 3-4 quart crock pot.
- Whisk barbecue sauce, grape jelly, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and optional red pepper flakes in the crock pot.
- Add Lil Smokies, stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours.
- Stir occasionally; cook longer if thicker sauce desired.
- Garnish with parsley; serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
- Use quality barbecue sauce for flavor.
- Stir to prevent sticking.
- Keep warm during serving.
- Serve with sliders or veggie sticks.
