Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Crockpot Little Smokies

Sweet, tangy, glossy little smokies with a tiny kick, made in the slow cooker for the lowest-drama appetizer ever.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A white slow cooker filled with glossy little smokies in a sweet and tangy sauce, with toothpicks on the side on a warm kitchen counter

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Little smokies are the definition of party magic. You put a slow cooker on the counter, give it a stir now and then, and somehow everyone keeps circling back like it’s their job. This version hits my favorite balance: sweet enough to feel cozy, tangy enough to keep you reaching for one more, and just spicy enough to make the sauce taste like you actually tried.

Also, if you’ve got five minutes and a spoon, you can make these. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you do more important things, like setting out napkins or pretending you’re not guarding the last toothpick.

Little smokies, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce measured on a clean kitchen counter with a slow cooker nearby

Why It Works

Big flavor, tiny effort: the sauce goes glossy and clingy without any fussy reducing.
Balanced sweetness: grape jelly brings shine and body, while mustard and vinegar-based barbecue sauce keep it from tasting flat.
Flexible heat: make it mild for kids, or add a little hot sauce and red pepper flakes for grown-up snacking energy.
Party-proof: holds well on the warm setting for serving (see the timing and temperature note below).

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short bursts until hot. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of water or a spoonful of barbecue sauce.

Freeze: You can freeze them (up to 2 months for best quality), but the sauce texture can change slightly after thawing. Still tasty for game-day snacks, just not quite as glossy.

Common Questions

Do I really need grape jelly?

For this classic style, yes, it’s doing more than sweetness. The jelly melts into the sauce and gives it that glossy, cling-to-the-sausage finish. If you’re desperate, apricot preserves work well, and cranberry sauce is fun around the holidays.

Can I make little smokies on the stovetop?

Yep. Combine everything in a large skillet or saucepan and simmer on low for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is smooth and the smokies are bubbling and heated through. If you want a temperature check, aim for 165°F.

How do I keep them from getting watery in the slow cooker?

Use a thicker barbecue sauce, keep the lid on, and avoid adding extra liquids. The smokies release a little moisture, so the sauce naturally loosens as it heats, then thickens again as it continues to simmer.

Are these spicy?

As written, they’re mild with a tiny kick. If you want true heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. If you want zero heat, skip the hot sauce.

How many little smokies should I plan per person?

As an appetizer with other snacks, plan about 4 to 6 pieces per person. If this is the main snack situation, bump it closer to 8 to 10 because people absolutely will go back for seconds.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Slow cooker (3- to 6-quart)
Measuring cups and spoons
Silicone spatula or spoon for stirring
Serving spoon and toothpicks

I love cooking the big, ambitious stuff, but party food is where my “feed people fast and keep it fun” brain really shines. Little smokies are my go-to when I want something that feels nostalgic and low effort but still tastes like I cared. The trick is giving the sauce a little edge. Mustard, a hit of hot sauce, and a barbecue sauce with some tang keep the sweetness honest. Also, I’ve never once brought these somewhere and taken home leftovers. Not once.