Juicy Crockpot Lil Smokies

Hey y'all! Get ready to wow your friends and family with these Juicy Crockpot Lil Smokies. They're sweet, tangy, and irresistibly savory—perfect for game days, parties, potlucks, or just an easy snack. This recipe guarantees plump, juicy sausages swimming in a flavor-packed sauce that'll have everyone coming back for seconds. Let's get cooking!

Save

Why You'll Love This

• Super simple prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker!
• Mouthwateringly juicy with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• Always a crowd favorite at parties, tailgates, and holiday gatherings.
• Easy to double or halve for any group size.
• Stays warm and tasty for hours—perfect for grazing!

Ingredients

• 2 (14 oz) packages of Lil’ Smokies cocktail sausages
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¾ cup grape jelly
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the crockpot

Spray your crockpot insert lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce

In the crockpot, mix together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Add the Lil’ Smokies

Add the Lil' Smokies to the crockpot, giving everything a gentle stir so the sausages are well coated in sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Juiciness

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. The Lil’ Smokies should be plump and the sauce thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Switch the crockpot to the WARM setting to keep them hot for serving. Stir before enjoying!

Notes

• If you like your sauce extra thick, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• You can prep the sauce ahead of time—just combine, refrigerate, and cook when ready.
• Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Lil’ Smokies: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• BBQ Bacon Smokies: Wrap each sausage with a half-slice of bacon before slow cooking for smoky bacon goodness.
• Sweet & Sour Style: Swap barbecue sauce for chili sauce and add a splash of pineapple juice.

Required Equipment

• Crockpot/slow cooker (4 quarts or larger)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover Lil' Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or back in the crockpot on LOW until warmed through.
• Not recommended for freezing as sauce texture may change.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve with toothpicks for easy finger food at parties.
• Pair with creamy mac and cheese, potato salad, or crispy tater tots for a hearty spread.
• Turn them into a meal by serving over steamed rice or with fresh dinner rolls.

Pro Tips

• Stir halfway through cooking for even coating and maximum juiciness.
• Use high-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor punch.
• Keep the lid on while cooking to lock in moisture and flavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use another jelly besides grape?

Absolutely! Try cranberry or apricot jelly for delicious twists on the classic flavor.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook and refrigerate them, then reheat in the crockpot on LOW when ready to serve.

3. Can I use turkey or beef Lil’ Smokies?

Definitely—any variety of Lil' Smokies will work perfectly in this recipe!

★★★★★ 4.40 from 20 ratings

Juicy Crockpot Lil Smokies

yield: 10 servings

prep: 10 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 50 mins

An easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer made in the crockpot with cocktail sausages simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce blend. Perfect for parties and gatherings!

Save

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (14 oz) packages of Lil’ Smokies cocktail sausages
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¾ cup grape jelly
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. 1
   Spray your crockpot insert lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. 2
   In the crockpot, mix together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. 3
   Add the Lil' Smokies to the crockpot, giving everything a gentle stir so the sausages are well coated in sauce.
4. 4
   Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. The Lil’ Smokies should be plump and the sauce thickened and glossy.
5. 5
   Switch the crockpot to the WARM setting to keep them hot for serving. Stir before enjoying!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 260 caloriescal

Protein: 8 gg

Fat: 17 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 18 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please consider Pinning it!