You know the appetizer. The one that’s always the first thing gone at every party. The one people hover around, toothpicks at the ready, hoping to snag one more before the tray empties. The one someone inevitably asks, “Who made these? I need the recipe.”
BBQ Little Smokies.
And here’s the beautiful secret: they couldn’t be easier. Three ingredients. Five minutes of prep. A slow cooker that does all the work. That’s it.
Whether it’s game day, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a Tuesday when you need something delicious, these little sausages in a sweet, tangy, irresistible sauce are always the right answer.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Three ingredients – That’s it. Nothing complicated.
✅ Five minutes of prep – Open, dump, stir, walk away.
✅ Slow cooker convenience – Set it and forget it until party time.
✅ Crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves them, from kids to grandparents.
✅ Budget-friendly – Inexpensive ingredients, impressive results.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Hold on WARM for hours.
✅ Endlessly customizable – Easy to tweak the sauce to your taste.
The 3 Ingredients
That’s it. No complicated sauce. No simmering. No fuss.
The Method: Dump, Stir, Heat, Serve
Step 1: Combine
Add all ingredients to your slow cooker:
- Little Smokies
- BBQ sauce
- Grape jelly
Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Cook
Cover and cook on:
- HIGH for 2 hours
- LOW for 3-4 hours
Step 3: Stir and Serve
Stir well before serving. The jelly will have completely melted into the sauce, creating a thick, glossy, sweet-and-tangy coating.
Serve directly from the slow cooker on WARM, with toothpicks nearby.
Why Grape Jelly Works
If you’ve never tried this combination, you might be skeptical. Grape jelly? With BBQ sauce? On little sausages?
Here’s the magic: the jelly melts into the sauce, adding:
- Sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ
- Body and gloss that clings to each sausage
- Depth that you can’t get from BBQ sauce alone
It doesn’t taste like grape. It just tastes like the perfect party appetizer.
Pro-Tips for Little Smokies Perfection
1. Use Full-Sized Smokies
The regular-sized Little Smokies work best. The “mini” versions can get lost in the sauce.
2. Don’t Skimp on Jelly
The full cup is important for the right sauce consistency. Don’t reduce it.
3. Stir Before Serving
The sauce can settle. A quick stir redistributes that glossy coating.
4. Keep on WARM
These are meant to be served warm. The slow cooker on WARM will hold them perfectly for hours.
5. Double the Recipe
For parties, double everything. These go fast.
Endless Variations
Spicy BBQ Smokies:
Use spicy BBQ sauce. Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Bourbon BBQ Smokies:
Add ¼ cup bourbon with the sauce. Cook as directed—the alcohol will cook off, leaving incredible flavor.
Cherry Cola Smokies:
Use cherry preserves instead of grape jelly. Add ¼ cup cola for extra depth.
Honey Garlic Smokies:
Use honey instead of jelly (reduce to ¾ cup). Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies:
Wrap each smokie in half a bacon strip, secure with toothpick, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, then toss in BBQ sauce. (Different method, equally delicious.)
Sweet Chili Smokies:
Use sweet chili sauce instead of BBQ. Add ¼ cup apricot preserves.
Dr Pepper Smokies:
Add ½ cup Dr Pepper to the sauce. The soda adds incredible depth.
What to Serve Alongside
- Toothpicks – Essential for self-service
- Small plates or napkins – These can get saucy
- Other appetizers – Meatballs, veggie tray, chips and dip
- Cold beer – The perfect beverage pairing
- Soft rolls – For making little sandwiches with leftovers
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken.
Reheating:
- Slow cooker: Reheat on LOW for 1-2 hours.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Microwave: Individual portions, 1-2 minutes.
Freezer:
These freeze reasonably well. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat gently.
Your Little Smokies Questions, Answered
Can I use a different jelly?
Absolutely! Apricot, apple, currant, or even orange marmalade all work beautifully.
Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes! Combine ingredients in a saucepan, simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! Combine in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 325°F for 45-60 minutes.
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use your favorite homemade sauce.
My sauce is too thin. What went wrong?
Either too much liquid or not enough cooking time. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Can I add other meats?
Yes! Meatballs work beautifully with the same sauce. Use frozen fully cooked meatballs and adjust cooking time.