If you’re looking for a snack that’s insanely easy to throw together and always a hit at parties or family gatherings, you’ve just found your new go-to. This Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe is one of those magical dishes where just three ingredients come together to create something wildly tasty and irresistibly sticky-sweet. Trust me, once you try this, you’re going to want to keep it in your slow cooker rotation forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need three basics that you probably already have on hand.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Just mix and let it cook while you get other things done—minimal fuss for maximum flavor.
- Perfect Party Food: Always disappears fast at get-togethers, and everyone asks for the recipe.
- Sweet & Savory Magic: The combo of grape jelly and BBQ sauce creates a finger-licking glaze you won’t stop eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe is how well these three simple ingredients come together. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit smoky. I always make sure to pick a good quality BBQ sauce because it makes a noticeable difference.
- Cocktail Sausages: Mini smokies work best here, but you can swap these for any small smoked sausages you love.
- BBQ Sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade—something with a balance of tangy and sweet.
- Grape Jelly: This is the secret hero that adds sweetness and helps create that amazing glaze.
Variations
I love that this Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe is so versatile—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few twists and they all work great, so don’t be afraid to play around!
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the mix if you like things with a little heat—my friends always beg me to add this!
- Diet-Friendly: Use sugar-free or low-sugar grape jelly and BBQ sauce for a lower sugar option without losing that classic flavor.
- Smoky Depth: Stir in a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to turn up the smoky factor if you want a more intense taste.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute smokies for vegetarian sausages—just be mindful of cooking times and textures.
How to Make Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Start by tossing your cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly right into the slow cooker. I usually dump the jelly in last and then stir everything well so the smokies get fully coated—this is key for that luscious sticky glaze everyone raves about.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. The smokies will simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours. I’ve found that this slow, steady heat lets all those flavors meld perfectly. Don’t rush it by turning the heat up, or you might end up with a sauce that burns or dries out.
Step 3: Stir and Serve Warm
Once the time’s up, give everything a good stir to make sure the grape jelly and BBQ sauce are beautifully blended and every smokie is coated. Serve it warm right out of the crockpot—this recipe shines best served with toothpicks so your guests can snack with ease.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe
- Use Quality BBQ Sauce: I learned this the hard way—cheap BBQ sauce can make the dish too sweet or bland, so pick one with bold flavor for best results.
- Don’t Skip the Stir: Mixing ingredients well before cooking ensures every smokie has that perfect glaze, and stirring halfway through can boost flavor distribution.
- Low and Slow Wins: Cooking on low heat keeps the texture tender and the sauce from burning—plus, it fills your kitchen with the best aromas.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the clock—going much beyond 3 hours can dry out the smokies and thicken the sauce beyond delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with this recipe—sometimes just fresh chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. For a party, sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed or finely chopped green onions for extra texture and brightness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with classic sides like crispy potato chips or crunchy veggie sticks. I often serve it alongside soft rolls or slider buns so folks can make mini sandwiches with the smokies—always a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
Creative Ways to Present
When I bring these to holiday parties, I like lining them up in a pretty crockpot with a little chalkboard sign explaining what they are. For more casual gatherings, serving the smokies on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks nearby invites everyone to dig in and mingle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the party, I store the leftover smokies in an airtight container in the fridge, and they typically keep well for up to five days. It’s great to have these ready for a quick snack or to reheat for an easy lunch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe many times. Just let them cool completely, pop them into a freezer-safe container, and store them for up to three months. When thawed, the flavors are just as good as fresh!
Reheating
I usually reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or back in the slow cooker on warm. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but stirring halfway through helps keep that perfect glaze texture without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use different kinds of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mini cocktail sausages are traditional and cook quickly and evenly, you can use any bite-sized smoked sausages you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if they’re larger or fresh sausages to ensure they’re cooked through.
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What if I don’t have grape jelly, can I substitute it?
If you don’t have grape jelly, you can try other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, but keep in mind this will change the flavor profile a bit. The classic grape jelly adds that familiar sweet contrast to the tangy BBQ sauce that makes the dish special.
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How long can I leave the Slow Cooker Smokies on warm?
To keep the smokies juicy and delicious, I wouldn’t recommend leaving them on warm for more than an hour or so. Beyond that, the sauce can thicken too much and the sausages may dry out, so plan to serve shortly after cooking.
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Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?
You can! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the additional ingredients and cook evenly. Cooking time might increase slightly, but keep the heat on low and check for warmth throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe has become a total lifesaver for me when hosting casual get-togethers. It’s effortless, crowd-pleasing, and that sweet-savory sauce is downright addictive. If you want a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious—and one that’ll definitely earn you party host points—I can’t recommend this enough. Grab your slow cooker, toss the ingredients together, and watch smiles appear. You’re going to love it!
Print
Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy slow cooker recipe combines juicy cocktail sausages with a sweet and tangy sauce made from BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Perfect as a party appetizer or a quick snack, these Little Smokies are flavorful and require minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cocktail sausages
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add the cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to the crockpot and mix well to evenly coat the sausages.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and well combined.
- Serve: Stir well before serving the Little Smokies warm, ensuring they are fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
- The cocktail sausages can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Let them cool completely before freezing.
- Allow frozen sausages to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the crockpot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces (approximately 6 sausages with sauce)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
