If you are looking for a fuss-free appetizer that bursts with flavor and always disappears fast at parties, the 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe is your new best friend. This delightfully simple dish takes just minutes to prepare but delivers hours of slow-cooked savory sweetness, marrying smoky cocktail sausages with a luscious blend of BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the little smokies bring that irresistible smoky meaty base, the BBQ sauce adds tangy sweetness and a hint of spice, while the grape jelly contributes a smooth, fruity glaze that balances everything perfectly. Together, they create a harmonious flavor explosion with zero stress.
- 20 ounces Lil’ Smokies: The star of the show, these bite-sized sausages are perfectly smoky and juicy, making them ideal for slow cooking.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite variety—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy—as it forms the savory backbone for the dish.
- 3/4 cup grape jelly: This might seem unusual, but it adds a beautiful layer of sweetness and a glossy finish that brings all the flavors together.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by placing your 20 ounces of little smokies right into the crockpot. There’s no need for any extra prep here—keeping it simple ensures those smoky sausages remain juicy and tender after cooking.
Step 2: Add the BBQ Sauce
Measure out one cup of BBQ sauce and pour it evenly over the little smokies. This sauce infuses the sausages with tangy depth and a comforting BBQ flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 3: Mix in the Grape Jelly
Next, add 3/4 cup of grape jelly. As it melts during cooking, it thickens and sweetens the sauce, perfectly balancing the savory notes with a subtle fruity sweetness.
Step 4: Combine and Cover
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients well, making sure every little smokie is coated in that flavorful sauce. Then, cover the crockpot with its lid to lock in the heat and moisture.
Step 5: Slow Cook on Low
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, the sausages to plump up, and the sauce to thicken into a sticky, tantalizing glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, give the mixture one last stir and your 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe is ready to wow your guests or satisfy your snack cravings.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the rich, glossy sausages.
Side Dishes
While these little smokies are fantastic on their own, pairing them with crunchy crackers, soft dinner rolls, or even a crisp green salad can make for a more complete appetizer spread. Their bold flavor pairs beautifully with something mild and crunchy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the little smokies in mini skewers or decorative toothpicks, ideal for easy grabbing at parties. You can also try placing them in a bread bowl lined with melted cheese or stuffing them into puff pastry for a bite-sized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover little smokies and sauce in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers just as good—if not better—than freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish long-term, freeze the cooled little smokies in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the leftovers on low heat in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays silky and the sausages heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different jelly if I don’t have grape jelly?
Absolutely! While grape jelly is classic, you can swap it for apricot or even cranberry jelly for a new twist. Each will add a unique fruity sweetness that complements the smokies beautifully.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this on the stove?
You certainly can! Combine all ingredients in a large skillet or saucepan over low heat. Simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens and the smokies are heated through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most Lil’ Smokies and many BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the labels to confirm. This way, you can enjoy the recipe worry-free if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before cooking or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This simple addition brings just the right amount of kick while keeping all the original flavors intact.
How do I keep the smokies from drying out?
Cooking on low heat for the recommended time keeps the sausages moist and tender. Also, stirring halfway through cooking helps the sauce coat the smokies evenly, preventing any dryness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the 3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe. It’s one of those easy, no-fuss dishes that always brings people together and satisfies hungry crowds with minimal effort. Next time you want a tasty, effortless appetizer that feels homemade and special, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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3-Ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious 3-ingredient Crockpot Little Smokies recipe that combines cocktail sausages with sweet grape jelly and tangy BBQ sauce for an easy appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 ounces Lil’ Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3/4 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the 20 ounces of Lil’ Smokies (cocktail sausages) into the crockpot evenly.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over the sausages to coat them well.
- Add Grape Jelly: Add 3/4 cup of grape jelly on top of the BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Mix Ingredients: Gently stir the sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to combine all ingredients together.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked, give it a final stir and serve the Little Smokies warm as a tasty appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker; check for warming and bubbling.
- These Little Smokies can also be kept on warm setting for serving at parties.
- For a thicker sauce, you can cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
