Every party has that one dish people hover around, and these crockpot grape jelly lil smokies are it. I have brought them to game days, potlucks, and Christmas open houses, and the reaction is always the same.
Someone takes one, raises their eyebrows, asks what is in the sauce, and then goes back for four more. Three ingredients, a slow cooker, and about five minutes of effort. That is all it takes to be the person who brought the thing everyone remembers.
Why This Recipe Works
- The sauce sounds strange but it works. Grape jelly melts into BBQ sauce and turns into a sweet and tangy glaze that coats every sausage. It tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
- Three ingredients, no chopping. You open a pack of lil smokies, dump in the jelly and sauce, and stir. The crockpot handles everything else. You do not even have to be in the kitchen while it cooks.
- Perfect for a crowd. This recipe scales easily. Double it for a big party and it still fits in one slow cooker. Keep it on warm and let people serve themselves all afternoon.
- Always the first empty dish. I have never brought these home as leftovers. Not once. Even at parties with full spreads, the lil smokies disappear first.
If you need more game day food that basically makes itself, my hot taco dip is another slow cooker favorite that vanishes fast.
Ingredients in Grape Jelly Lil Smokies
Just three simple ingredients are needed to make this easy appetizer in the crock pot.
- Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
- bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce (we prefer Sweet Baby Ray)
- jar grape jelly
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
- Add lil smokies to the crockpot.
- Pour in the grape jelly and barbecue sauce.
- Stir to combine and coat the smokies evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish with cocktail picks.
These are even better next to something crunchy. I serve them with the same crackers I use for my baked spinach artichoke dip.
Quick Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with your favorite bbq sauce
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- If you need to make a bigger batch, simply double the ingredients. It's that easy!
- Use the warm setting during the party so the lil smokies stay hot and ready to serve throughout the party.
How to Store Lil Smokies
Store leftover cocktail weenies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, you can either warm them in the microwave or return them to the slow cooker on the low setting.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to two months. Store in a labeled and dated freezer-safe container. When you're ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Ways to Make Little Smokies
No matter the method, these cocktail weenies are an easy recipe and the perfect party appetizer. They are always a crowd pleaser.
I have made these lil smokies for Super Bowl parties, holiday buffets, and casual Saturday gatherings, and I have never once brought leftovers home. The grape jelly trick always gets a sideways look until someone tastes it, and then you spend the rest of the party giving out the recipe. If you try them, let me know how fast they disappeared.
Instant Pot Little Smokies
- Add lil smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot.
- Stir to coat the smokies evenly.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow a 10 minute natural release before removing the lid.
- Stir and serve warm.
Lil Smokies on the Stove Top
- Add lil smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce to a large saucepan or large pot over medium low heat.
- Stir frequently until the sauce is well combined and the smokies are heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let them simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
More Delicious Appetizers
For the ultimate game day spread, pair these lil smokies with other crowd favorites like my jalapeno popper dip or this simple Slow Cooker Rotel Dip. Whether you are hosting a party or just watching the game with friends, these recipes will not let you down.
📖 Recipe
Crockpot Grape Jelly Lil Smokies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 ounce package Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
- 12 ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce - we prefer Sweet Baby Ray
- 8 ounce jar grape jelly
Instructions
- Add lil smokies to the crockpot.
- Pour in the grape jelly and barbecue sauce.
- Stir to combine and coat the smokies evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish with cocktail picks.
Notes
Instant Pot Little Smokies
- Add lil smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot.
- Stir to coat the smokies evenly.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow a 10 minute natural release before removing the lid.
- Stir and serve warm.
Lil Smokies on the Stove Top
- Add lil smokies, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce to a large saucepan or large pot over medium low heat.
- Stir frequently until the sauce is well combined and the smokies are heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let them simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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