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Crockpot Lil Smokies are a unique cocktail snack perfect for game days and parties. Only 3 simple ingredients using lil smokies, BBQ sauce, and our secret ingredient!
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When it comes to an easy appetizer recipe, this little smokies recipe is perfect! You just throw everything in the crockpot and let the flavors sink in. In addition, they are a great way to add some protein to an appetizer buffet.
At first glance, they may seem similar to the Lil smokies you have had in the past, but don’t skip our secret ingredient, the grape jelly! It adds a sweetness that compliments the smokey flavor of the BBQ sauce so well. One reader suggested trying chili sauce instead of barbecue sauce. This is one of those great recipes with a little room to wiggle and try some new things.
What are Lil Smokies?
Lil Smokies are basically mini hot dogs, also known as cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies. They are generally made with pork, turkey, or beef. You can find them in the refrigerated meat section of most grocery stores. Because they are fully cooked, you can eat them cold, but most of the time you see them simmering in a sauce like this little smokies recipe. I have also seen them wrapped in pastry dough to make tiny pigs in a blanket.
Lil Smokies are a fun, sweet, and savory appetizer. If you haven’t seen these little beauties sitting on the buffet line at a family or friend get-together, you have been missing out! These crockpot lil’ smokies are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone loves to snack on.
Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies
It is as easy as 1, 2, 3! The ingredients to this appetizer are so simple to combine and give the smokies the perfect flavoring. Combine these ingredients together and let the slow cooker do all the work!
- Lil smokies – These are also known as Lit’l Smokies and Little Smokies. Hillshire Farms is our recommended brand. They also make an all-beef Lit’l Smokies. They can be found next to the hot dogs and sausages at your local grocery store.
- Barbecue sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s and Bullseye are two of our favorite barbecue sauce brands. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add a little hot sauce. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce too!
- Grape jelly – This is our secret ingredient! Any brand will do. The jelly adds sweetness and flavor as well as thickening to the sauce.
Steps for Making Crockpot Lil Smokies
Our crockpot lil smokies recipe is simple and requires little preparation. The crockpot does all the work!
- Combine – Place all ingredients in a large crockpot.
- Slow cook – Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours.
- Serve – Remove the lid from the crockpot and stir well before serving.
Tips for Making the Crockpot Lil Smokies
Try these helpful tips to make your lil smokies even better!
- Stovetop – To give the smokies a boost, cook them on the stovetop in a pan and sear them before adding them to the crockpot.
- Serving – You can serve them straight out of the slow cooker or place each lil smokie on a tray with toothpicks in them for an individual appetizer.
- Spicy – Make them spicy with a dash of red pepper flakes.
- BBQ sauce – Substitute the BBQ sauce with a sweet and spicy or a mild and smokey flavor.
- Meatballs – This recipe also works well with meatballs.
- Freezing – Place in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in the crockpot. Same great flavor!
“I would give this recipe for Little Smokies 5 stars. I have been making them for years with Chili Sauce and Grape jelly, but I have never tried barbecue sauce. I will be making them with barbecue sauce for Super Bowl Sunday! Yum!”
-Barbara
Frequently Asked Questions
Little smokies are a type of sausage that is made from a variety of meats. It has beef, pork, and turkey combined. They have a smoky flavor to them and have a lot of flavor and usually precooked to warm up quickly.
Yes! Most types of sausages are already cooked and need to be warmed up. These little smokies warm up quickly and taste best when served hot.
We love this combination of BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and brown sugar. You can always use other variations to go with the smokies. Some like to add in ketchup too! These also pair well with roasted veggies or pretzel bites if served as an appetizer. For a kid-approved dinner potatoes or rice are great with these crockpot lil smokies.
Yes! Most if not all the Little Smokies brand and packaging includes gluten-free products. To be sure, read the back of the label and make sure it is a gluten-free product.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow lil smokies to cool and then place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheating is easy! Place them in a microwave-safe container and reheat in the microwave or reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat.
More Game Day or Game Night Snacks
In addition to this crockpot lil smokies recipe, we have more snack recipes that will satisfy all your cravings! The first step to having a great party is having great food! Whether you are getting together for the Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, or just a family game night, we have all your favorite appetizers and finger foods.
Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies
Chex Mix
Oven Nachos
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Loaded Potato Skins
Winger’s Sticky Fingers
White Castle Sliders
Kielbasa Appetizer Bites
Crockpot Lil Smokies
Video
Equipment
- Crockpot Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 packages Lil' Smokies
- 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons grape jelly (heaping spoonfuls)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large crockpot.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours.
- Remove lid from crock pot and stir well before serving.
I would give this recipe for Little Smokies 5 stars. I have been making them for years with Chili Sauce and Grape jelly, but I have never tried barbecue sauce. I will be making them with barbecue sauce for Super Bowl Sunday! Yum!
This is one of our favorite recipes to eat. So Yummy!
Love these Lil Smokies….have them on all special occasions and never have leftovers. 5 stars are just not enough.
This recipe is a must have for hubby and friends. We don’t just make them at game time, but on all holidays! I have 2 crock pots going. One is your recipe, with BBQ sauce, but the other is with sweet hot chili sauce. (I like a little kick)The grape jelly is a must, in either! Good to the last bite, if you’re lucky enough to get one! lol
I want to make this in a turkey roaster for a large reunion. What would the ratio be?
You should be able to keep the ratios the same as you scale upwards!
You say you use 3 packages.. what is the ounces?
A typical package of little smokies is about 14 oz.
We made this for a family party and it was huge hit! I wish I doubled the recipe!
One of my favorite (EASY) snacks to serve at parties!
Such an easy recipe to make and always a hit with friends and family!
Gotta agree with everyone that this is one of those dishes everyone loves at a party.
Who doesn’t love a little smokie? These are so delicious, and perfect for any get-togethers.
how many servings is this recipe for ? I need 20 servings ….
If you use 3 packages of Lil’ Smokies you can serve up to 24 people. The serving size being 5 Lil’ Smokies per person. Everyone will love them! Good luck!
I have served this receipe before but not with bbq sauce. Will have to try that.
instead of bbq sauce use chili sauce. one of our families demands for every get together
Great idea!!! Yum!