Crockpot Lil Smokies

5 from 10 votes
18 Comments

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Crockpot Lil Smokies are a unique cocktail snack perfect for game days and parties. Only 3 simple ingredients using lil smokies, BBQ sauce, and our secret ingredient!

Lil Smokies in a white crockpot.
Crock Pot Lil Smokies
Featured with this recipe
  1. What are Lil Smokies?
  2. Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies
  3. Steps for Making Crockpot Lil Smokies
  4. Tips for Making the Crockpot Lil Smokies
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
  7. More Game Day or Game Night Snacks
  8. How to Make Crockpot Lil Smokies
  9. Crockpot Lil Smokies Recipe

When it comes to an easy appetizer recipe, this little smokies recipe is perfect! You just throw everything in the crockpot and let the flavors sink in. In addition, they are a great way to add some protein to an appetizer buffet.

At first glance, they may seem similar to the Lil smokies you have had in the past, but don’t skip our secret ingredient, the grape jelly! It adds a sweetness that compliments the smokey flavor of the BBQ sauce so well. One reader suggested trying chili sauce instead of barbecue sauce. This is one of those great recipes with a little room to wiggle and try some new things.

What are Lil Smokies?

Lil Smokies are basically mini hot dogs, also known as cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies. They are generally made with pork, turkey, or beef. You can find them in the refrigerated meat section of most grocery stores. Because they are fully cooked, you can eat them cold, but most of the time you see them simmering in a sauce like this little smokies recipe. I have also seen them wrapped in pastry dough to make tiny pigs in a blanket.

Lil Smokies are a fun, sweet, and savory appetizer. If you haven’t seen these little beauties sitting on the buffet line at a family or friend get-together, you have been missing out! These crockpot lil’ smokies are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone loves to snack on.

Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3! The ingredients to this appetizer are so simple to combine and give the smokies the perfect flavoring. Combine these ingredients together and let the slow cooker do all the work!

  1. Lil smokies – These are also known as Lit’l Smokies and Little Smokies. Hillshire Farms is our recommended brand. They also make an all-beef Lit’l Smokies. They can be found next to the hot dogs and sausages at your local grocery store.
  2. Barbecue sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s and Bullseye are two of our favorite barbecue sauce brands. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add a little hot sauce. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce too!
  3. Grape jelly – This is our secret ingredient! Any brand will do. The jelly adds sweetness and flavor as well as thickening to the sauce.
Lil Smokies in a crock pot with bbq sauce and grape jelly.


Steps for Making Crockpot Lil Smokies

Our crockpot lil smokies recipe is simple and requires little preparation. The crockpot does all the work!

  1. Combine – Place all ingredients in a large crockpot.
  2. Slow cook – Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours.
  3. Serve – Remove the lid from the crockpot and stir well before serving.

Tips for Making the Crockpot Lil Smokies

Try these helpful tips to make your lil smokies even better!

  • Stovetop – To give the smokies a boost, cook them on the stovetop in a pan and sear them before adding them to the crockpot.
  • Serving – You can serve them straight out of the slow cooker or place each lil smokie on a tray with toothpicks in them for an individual appetizer.
  • Spicy – Make them spicy with a dash of red pepper flakes.
  • BBQ sauce – Substitute the BBQ sauce with a sweet and spicy or a mild and smokey flavor.
  • Meatballs – This recipe also works well with meatballs.
  • Freezing – Place in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in the crockpot. Same great flavor!
A bowl of lil smokies

“I would give this recipe for Little Smokies 5 stars. I have been making them for years with Chili Sauce and Grape jelly, but I have never tried barbecue sauce. I will be making them with barbecue sauce for Super Bowl Sunday! Yum!”

-Barbara

Frequently Asked Questions

What are little smokies made of?

Little smokies are a type of sausage that is made from a variety of meats. It has beef, pork, and turkey combined. They have a smoky flavor to them and have a lot of flavor and usually precooked to warm up quickly.

Are lil smokies fully cooked?

Yes! Most types of sausages are already cooked and need to be warmed up. These little smokies warm up quickly and taste best when served hot.

What goes with lil smokies?

We love this combination of BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and brown sugar. You can always use other variations to go with the smokies. Some like to add in ketchup too! These also pair well with roasted veggies or pretzel bites if served as an appetizer. For a kid-approved dinner potatoes or rice are great with these crockpot lil smokies.

Are lil smokies gluten-free?

Yes! Most if not all the Little Smokies brand and packaging includes gluten-free products. To be sure, read the back of the label and make sure it is a gluten-free product.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow lil smokies to cool and then place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheating is easy! Place them in a microwave-safe container and reheat in the microwave or reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat.

More Game Day or Game Night Snacks

In addition to this crockpot lil smokies recipe, we have more snack recipes that will satisfy all your cravings! The first step to having a great party is having great food! Whether you are getting together for the Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, or just a family game night, we have all your favorite appetizers and finger foods.

How to Make Crockpot Lil Smokies

Crock Pot Lil Smokies being scooped up with a spoon

Crockpot Lil Smokies

5 from 10 votes
This Crockpot Lil Smokies recipe is great for game days and parties. Only 3 ingredients – lil smokies, BBQ sauce, and our secret ingredient!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Crockpot Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 3 packages Lil' Smokies
  • 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
  • 3 tablespoons grape jelly (heaping spoonfuls)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large crockpot.
    Lil Smokies in a crock pot with bbq sauce and grape jelly
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours.
    Lil smokies in sweet bbq sauce in a crock pot
  • Remove lid from crock pot and stir well before serving.
    Crock Pot Lil Smokies being scooped up with a spoon

Nutrition Information

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 392mgPotassium: 91mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 85IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I would give this recipe for Little Smokies 5 stars. I have been making them for years with Chili Sauce and Grape jelly, but I have never tried barbecue sauce. I will be making them with barbecue sauce for Super Bowl Sunday! Yum!

  2. 5 stars
    Love these Lil Smokies….have them on all special occasions and never have leftovers. 5 stars are just not enough.

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe is a must have for hubby and friends. We don’t just make them at game time, but on all holidays! I have 2 crock pots going. One is your recipe, with BBQ sauce, but the other is with sweet hot chili sauce. (I like a little kick)The grape jelly is a must, in either! Good to the last bite, if you’re lucky enough to get one! lol

    1. If you use 3 packages of Lil’ Smokies you can serve up to 24 people. The serving size being 5 Lil’ Smokies per person. Everyone will love them! Good luck!