Crockpot Lil Smokies

5 from 10 votes
18 Comments

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Make the perfect Crockpot Lil Smokies with just 3 simple ingredients! This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for game day, parties, and family get-togethers.

Lil Smokies in a white crockpot.
Crock Pot Lil Smokies
Featured with this recipe
  1. Perfect for Any Party or Game Day
  2. What are Lil Smokies?
  3. Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies
  4. How to Make Crockpot Lil Smokies
  5. Tips for the Best Crockpot Lil Smokies
  6. Reviews About these Smokies
  7. Questions About Lil Smokies
  8. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
  9. More Game Day or Party Snacks
  10. Crockpot Lil Smokies Recipe

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.

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.
Lil Smokies in a crock pot with bbq sauce and grape jelly.


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!
A bowl of lil smokies

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

What are little smokies made of?

Lil Smokies are small sausages made from a mix of porkturkey, and beef. They have a smoky flavor and are pre-cooked, so they just need to be warmed up.

Are lil smokies fully cooked?

Yes! Lil Smokies come fully cooked, which is why they heat up quickly. Just warm them up in the crockpot or stovetop to enjoy.

What goes with lil smokies?

These smoky little sausages go great with a variety of sides and snacks. Serve them with roasted veggies, pretzel bites, or potatoes. For a kid-friendly option, pair them with rice or mac and cheese.

Are lil smokies gluten-free?

Yes! Most brands of Lil Smokies are gluten-free, but always double-check the label to be sure.

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.

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!

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

Video

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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Rate and Review

These Crockpot Lil Smokies are sure to be the star of your next party. With their perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, they’re a great choice for game day, holidays, or any casual get-together. And because they’re so easy to make, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for all kinds of events. Let me know in the comments if you try any variations!



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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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Southern Utah University and Ricks College

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Co-Author of Favorite Family Recipes 3 Cookbooks:
Favorite Family Recipes
A Year of Favorites
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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!