Crockpot Lil Smokies

Perfect for Any Party or Game Day

If you’re looking for an easy, fun appetizer for your next party or game day, you have to try these Crockpot Lil Smokies. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and the best part? You only need 3 simple ingredients! With Lil Smokies, BBQ sauce, and our secret ingredient—grape jelly—you’ll have a snack that everyone will love in no time. One of our easiest Crock Pot Recipes.

I seriously can’t get enough of this recipe because it’s so simple! You just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. As it cooks, the flavors really come together, making these the perfect treat for family get-togethers, holiday parties, or any game day celebration!

What are Lil Smokies?

In case you’re new to Lil Smokies, these little gems are mini sausages (also called cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies). They’re typically made from a blend of pork, turkey, or beef, and they’re fully cooked, so you can eat them straight out of the package. But trust me—when you cook them in a delicious sauce like this, they’re a whole different experience!

You’ll find Lil Smokies in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, next to hot dogs and sausages. They’re great on their own, but when simmered in BBQ sauce and grape jelly, they become irresistible. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can wrap them in pastry dough to make little pigs in a blanket—another classic snack!

Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies

Making these Crockpot Lil Smokies is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Combine these ingredients together and let the slow cooker do all the work! Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Lil Smokies – I like Hillshire Farms for their tasty, tender sausages, but any brand works. You can even try all-beef Lil Smokies for a different twist.
2. BBQ Sauce – We love Sweet Baby Ray’s and Bullseye, but feel free to experiment with other flavors. Want some heat? Add a bit of hot sauce to kick it up a notch!
3. Grape Jelly – Here’s the secret ingredient! The grape jelly adds a touch of sweetness and thickness that perfectly complements the smoky BBQ sauce. Any brand will do.

How to Make Crockpot Lil Smokies

This recipe couldn’t be easier to make! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Combine – Place all the ingredients (Lil Smokies, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly) into your crockpot.
2. Slow Cook – Cover the crockpot and cook on low for at least 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will blend.
3. Serve – Once everything is ready, stir the smokies well, and they’re ready to serve! You can serve them straight from the crockpot or skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Lil Smokies

Want to make these even better? Here are a few tips to perfect your Crockpot Lil Smokies:

• Sear them first! – For extra flavor, you can sear the Lil Smokies in a pan before adding them to the crockpot. It adds a nice caramelized touch.
• Spicy Twist – Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute the BBQ sauce with a spicy chili sauce.
• Switch the Sauce – Try a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce or a smoky version for different flavor profiles. It’s an easy way to customize!
• Meatballs Work Too – If you’re not in the mood for Lil Smokies, this recipe works just as well with meatballs!
• Freeze for Later – Made too much? Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge and reheat in the crockpot!

Reviews About these 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

Questions About Lil Smokies

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), allow the Lil Smokies to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them up on the stovetop. You can even toss them back in the crockpot to get them nice and hot again!

More Game Day or Party 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.

• Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
• Chex Mix
• Oven Nachos
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates
• Loaded Potato Skins
• Winger’s Sticky Fingers
• White Castle Sliders
• Kielbasa Appetizer Bites
• Red Lobster Sausage Balls

The key to a great party is having delicious, easy-to-make food that everyone will love. And these Crockpot Lil Smokies are perfect for any occasion!