Slow cooker little smokies in glossy sauce with toothpicks.
These Little Smokies are the easiest party bite: dump, stir, and let them simmer.
The sauce turns glossy and clingy, so every bite tastes sweet and savory.
Keep them on WARM and they’re perfect all night.
Why You’ll Love This Little Smokies
Table of Contents
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- Slow cooker easy: Hands-off cooking.
- Party-friendly: Toothpick bites.
- Sweet and tangy: Classic flavor combo.
- Make-ahead: Reheats great.
- Feeds a crowd: Easy to double.
Ingredients for Little Smokies
Image Prompt:
- Little smokies (2 pounds) – any cocktail franks work.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup) – choose your favorite.
- Grape jelly (3/4 cup) – shine and sweetness; apricot preserves swap.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon optional) – balances sweetness.
- Hot sauce optional – extra kick.
How to Make Little Smokies
Image Prompt:
- 1. Add sausages to slow cooker.
- 2. Stir BBQ sauce + jelly (and mustard) and pour over.
- 3. Cook LOW 2–3 hours or HIGH 1–2 hours, stirring once.
- 4. Switch to WARM and serve with toothpicks.
Tips for Perfect Little Smokies
- LOW gives the glossiest sauce.
- Stir so edges don’t caramelize too much.
- Add mustard if your BBQ sauce is very sweet.
- Keep extra toothpicks nearby.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
- Fruit swap: Apricot preserves.
- Less sweet: Use less jelly, more mustard.
- Stovetop: Simmer 20 minutes on low.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Fridge: 4 days. Freeze: 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Party buffet with nachos and wings.
- Veggie tray for balance.
- Spoon leftovers over rice.
Recipe Card
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (check sauces)
Reader Review: Kept these on WARM and the slow cooker was empty by the end.
Leave a rating if you make them. Do you add heat or keep it classic sweet?