These BBQ Little Smokies are a fun and tasty treat! Made with mini sausages and coated in sweet barbecue sauce, they’re perfect for parties or game day snacks.
When I make these, they disappear fast! They are so easy to whip up in the slow cooker—just toss everything in and let it do the work. You’ll love the delicious smell! 🌭
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Little Smokies: These mini sausages are the star of the dish! You can find them in pork or turkey varieties. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey Smokies are a great alternative. For a vegetarian twist, consider using plant-based sausages.
BBQ Sauce: You can use any BBQ sauce that you love, whether it’s tangy, sweet, or spicy. If you want a homemade touch, mix ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a quick DIY sauce. Trying a mustard-based BBQ sauce adds a unique flavor!
Grape Jelly or Chili Sauce: Grape jelly is a classic for sweetness, but you can substitute it with apple jelly or even apricot preserves if needed. If you prefer a kick, swap it for chili sauce or add some hot sauce for heat!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor with BBQ Little Smokies?
The key to enhancing flavors in this recipe lies in the sauce. Mixing BBQ sauce with grape jelly or chili sauce creates a wonderful sweetness! Here’s how to do it:
- Blend all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – it adds depth!
- Coat the sausages well in the sauce, which helps them absorb all those delicious flavors while cooking.
- Cooking on low for longer lets the flavors meld beautifully, so try to resist the urge to rush it.
BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs Little Smokies sausages (mini smoked sausages)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly or chili sauce (optional, for sweetness and glaze)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
Time to Prepare:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then around 2 to 3 hours to cook on low, or 1 to 1.5 hours on high in the crock pot. So, you can have these tasty snacks ready in about 3 hours if you use low heat—perfect for making ahead of time for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausages:
Start by adding the Little Smokies sausages into your crock pot. Make sure they spread evenly across the bottom—this will help them cook through equally.
2. Make the Flavorful Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly (or chili sauce), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Coat the Smokies:
Pour the prepared sauce over the Little Smokies in the crock pot. Make sure all the sausages are well coated in the delicious sauce. Give it a gentle stir if needed to distribute the sauce evenly.
4. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 2 to 3 hours or high for 1 to 1.5 hours. If you can, give them a stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they are heated through and the sauce has thickened nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re ready, turn off the crock pot and serve the BBQ Little Smokies warm. Use toothpicks for easy serving! They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
These BBQ Little Smokies are not only delicious but also super easy to make, making them ideal for casual get-togethers or game day fun. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Sauces Besides BBQ?
Absolutely! While BBQ sauce is traditional, you can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or a spicy mustard sauce for a unique twist. Just adjust the sweetness by adding grape jelly or other sweeteners as needed.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Cook These on the Stove Instead of a Crock Pot?
Yes! You can cook these on the stovetop by adding the sausages and sauce to a large skillet. Cook on medium heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Are These Suitable for a Low-Carb Diet?
While the Little Smokies themselves may not be strictly low-carb, you can reduce carbs by using sugar-free BBQ sauce and opting for turkey or plant-based sausages. Just be mindful of the sauce’s ingredients!