If you're a fan of easy and delicious appetizers that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in, you're in for a treat! Learn how to make Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sauce, a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the savory goodness of little smokies sausages with a mouthwatering sauce.
Why You'll Love This Simple Appetizer
- Effortless and Time-Saving. Thanks to the Crock Pot, you can enjoy the delectable flavor of little smokies without the need for constant monitoring. Let them simmer away while you focus on other preparations.
- Versatile and Customizable. You can adapt this recipe to your liking by choosing your favorite sauce, whether it's sweet and tangy, spicy, or smoky. The possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for Entertaining. Whether you're hosting a party, a game day gathering, or a movie night, Crock Pot Little Smokies are a hit with guests of all ages. They make for a delightful finger food option.
- Addictively Tasty. These little sausages swimming in a flavorful sauce are known to disappear quickly. They're irresistibly delicious.
Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sauce is a hassle-free way to create a mouthwatering appetizer that's guaranteed to please a crowd. With the convenience of the Crock Pot, you can have these tasty bites ready with minimal effort.
What Kind Of Meat Are Little Smokies?
Little Smokies, often referred to as "cocktail smokies" or simply "smokies," are small, bite-sized sausages. They are typically made from a mixture of ground pork and beef. These sausages are seasoned with various spices, giving them a savory and mildly smoky flavor.
Are Lil Smokies Ready To Eat?
Yes, Lil' Smokies, also known as cocktail smokies, are typically fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package. These small sausages are pre-cooked during the manufacturing process, making them safe to consume without any additional cooking.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Little Smokies Sausages- These small cocktail sausages are the star of the show. You can find them in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store.
- Sauce- The sauce is where you can get creative. The classic choice is a mixture of grape jelly and chili sauce, but you can also use barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or a combination of ketchup and brown sugar.
- Salt and Pepper- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Toothpicks- These are useful for serving your Little Smokies and make for easy, no-fuss eating.
- To Garnish- Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions can be used for garnish to add a pop of color.
How To Make Crock Pot Little Smokies
- Prepare the Sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together grape jelly and chili sauce until well combined.
- Layer in the Crock Pot. Place the little smokies sausages in the Crock Pot. If you're adding optional ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or pineapple, you can layer them with the sausages.
- Pour the Sauce. Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and optional ingredients, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook on Low. Set your Crock Pot to the low setting and let it cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is hot and well blended. You can stir the sausages occasionally to make sure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve. Using toothpicks, skewer the little smokies and serve them in a serving dish. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a touch of freshness.
Tips And Tricks
Making Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sauce is a breeze, but here are some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Experiment with Sauces. Don't hesitate to get creative with your sauce choices. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky and tangy twist, while buffalo sauce brings the heat. Feel free to tailor the sauce to your guests' taste preferences.
- Optional Ingredients. The sausages are delicious on their own, but adding optional ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or pineapple chunks can elevate the dish and add variety to the flavors and textures.
- Keep Warm. If you're serving the Little Smokies for an extended period, you can set your Crock Pot to the "warm" setting to keep them at a pleasant serving temperature.
- Adjust Seasoning. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the sausages, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Some sauces might require a dash of salt or pepper.
Variations
Crock Pot Little Smokies are highly adaptable, and you can customize them to your liking. Here are some variations to consider:
- Hawaiian Little Smokies- Add pineapple chunks to your sauce for a tropical twist that balances sweet and savory flavors.
- Spicy Little Smokies- Use a spicy barbecue or buffalo sauce for a fiery kick. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Asian-Inspired Little Smokies- Create an Asian-inspired sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
What To Serve With Little Smokies
Crock Pot Little Smokies are perfect on their own, but if you'd like to serve them with some complementary dishes, consider:
- Dipping Sauces- Provide a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard for your guests to enjoy.
- Crudité Platter- A platter of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips makes a great accompaniment.
- Cheese Platter- A selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits pairs well with the sausages.
- Chips and Salsa- A bowl of tortilla chips and fresh salsa is a classic snack to serve alongside the Little Smokies.
How Long Do They Last?
Leftover Crock Pot Little Smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the Crock Pot on the "warm" setting or microwave them until heated through.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze Crock Pot Little Smokies for future enjoyment. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
More Easy Appetizers
- Low Carb Queso Fundido
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot Recipe
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Paneer Tikka
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Pin It!
If you like this Crock Pot Little Smokies with sauce recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make them again soon.
Ingredients
- 14 oz Little Smokies
- 1/2 cup Grape Jelly
- 1/2 cup Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Worchestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, and spice until well combined.
- Layer in the Crock Pot. Place the little smokies sausages in the Crock Pot. If you're adding optional ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or pineapple, you can layer them with the sausages.
- Pour the Sauce. Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and optional ingredients, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook on Low. Set your Crock Pot to the low setting and let it cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is hot and well blended. You can stir the sausages occasionally to make sure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve. Using toothpicks, skewer the little smokies and serve them in a serving dish. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a touch of freshness.
Leave a Reply