Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 125 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce; 1 (8 ounce) jar grape jelly; 2 (14 ounce) packages miniature smoked sausage links

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Start the party off right with this classic Little Smokies recipe! Its incredibly easy to make using just three simple ingredients in a slow cooker. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

1 (12 oz) bottle of barbecue sauce
1 (8 oz) jar of grape jelly
2 (14 oz) packages of miniature smoked sausage links

Directions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. You'll need a slow cooker to make this recipe.

Step 2: In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the miniature smoked sausage links to the slow cooker and stir them into the sauce mixture.

Step 4: Cook on High for 2 to 3 hours, or until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 5: Once the little smokies are ready, they are all set to serve. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer!

Can You Make Little Smokies Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can easily prepare these little smokies in advance. Store them in an airtight in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat them either on the stove or back in the Crock-Pot.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

Delicious! I make it exactly as written, says Tommi. My kids request it several times a year and I also make it automatically for every big sporting event.

This is a very easy recipe to make, according to TJ. Great for when I need something to feed many people and not much prep is involved.

Im old school and have made these smokies from scratch for years, but this recipe has made my permanent recipe file box, says DJ. I used beef smokies with Polander grape jelly and my homemade BBQ sauce. Excellent!

Cooks Note

These little smokies are perfect bite-sized appetizers for any party! Simply skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving. You can also transfer them to a serving bowl with a ladle for guests to help themselves.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	364
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	48mg
Sodium	1013mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	24g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	22mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	475mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe

Origin of the Dish

The tradition of cooking small sausages with sweet and tangy sauces has deep roots in American party food culture. Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies, made with tiny smoked sausages, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly, is a beloved classic appetizer. This dish likely gained popularity in the 1950s, when slow cookers (or crockpots) became household staples in American kitchens. As parties and family gatherings grew in size, people began to appreciate easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers like this one. It has since become a go-to comfort food for various occasions, from holidays to game days.

Regional Variations

While the basic ingredients remain the same, there are regional differences in how Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies are prepared. In the South, it's common to add a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. On the West Coast, variations may include a blend of fruit preserves, such as apricot or raspberry jelly, instead of grape jelly. These tweaks reflect the diverse culinary influences of different regions, allowing the dish to evolve while keeping the same comforting base.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though there are other "cocktail sausage" recipes out there, what makes Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies stand out is the use of grape jelly mixed with barbecue sauce. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. In comparison, other similar dishes might use just one sauce or might not include the sweet touch of jelly. This pairing of grape jelly with BBQ sauce is a hallmark of the dish, setting it apart from typical savory cocktail sausages or meatballs that dont rely on such a distinctive sauce blend.

Where It Is Typically Served

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies are most commonly served at casual events such as barbecues, holiday parties, and football games. Their easy preparation and ability to feed a crowd make them a favorite for gatherings where finger foods are key. These mini sausages are often served on toothpicks, making them the perfect bite-sized treat for guests to enjoy while mingling. Additionally, their versatility makes them a great appetizer at potlucks or as a snack for watching TV, particularly during major sporting events.

Fun Facts

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies are known for their simplicity. You only need three ingredients to make them: miniature smoked sausages, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly.
They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four days, making them a convenient choice for meal prep or last-minute party planning.
The combination of sweet grape jelly and smoky sausage might sound unusual, but its surprisingly delicious, with fans swearing by the mix for its balance of flavors.
While often associated with American comfort food, variations of cocktail sausages can be found across different cultures, including the British pigs in blankets and Swedish prinskorv, although these are generally served with different seasonings and sauces.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe

Leftover cocktail smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a slow cooker or on the stove before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the cocktail smokies ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them before serving, either in the slow cooker or on the stove.

Cocktail smokies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Yes, you can freeze cocktail smokies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a slow cooker or on the stove.

The best way to reheat cocktail smokies is in a slow cooker on the 'low' setting for 1-2 hours or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave if you're short on time, but slow heating ensures the flavors stay well-mixed.

Yes, you can experiment with different sauces! Some variations include chili sauce, honey mustard, or even a homemade sauce. Just adjust the quantities according to your taste.

Cocktail smokies are great on their own, but you can serve them with toothpicks as appetizers. They pair well with party sides like chips, dips, or even sliders. You can also serve them as part of a larger spread for a buffet-style meal.

If you find the cocktail smokies too sweet, reduce the amount of grape jelly or substitute it with a less sweet fruit jelly like currant or even apricot. You can also balance the sweetness by using a spicier BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce.

Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe. If you double it, make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. If halving, reduce the cooking time slightly, but still cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours.

Yes, you can use other types of sausages, such as regular-sized smoked sausages or even mini hot dogs. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure they are heated through before serving.

Comments

catlover1952

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I have been making these for years. The only thing I do differently is mix equal parts grape jelly, BBQ sauce and ketchup. This also works just as well with cut up beef hot dogs. Adults and kids alike love these. I love them especially because they're fast, easy and can be prepared in advance.

John Kelley

09/11/2010 07:25:53 AM

Great and simple. A word of warning: Do NOT use a smokey BBQ sauce with lil smokeys. Use a sweet bbq sauce.

Greg Smith

02/07/2016 11:49:52 AM

I have made these many times. I use only Hillshire Farms Beef Lil Smokes. I use 6 packages in a 6 quart crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hrs, then switch to warm if needed. I use the 8 oz. jar of grape jelly, and one bottle of Chili Sauce. Add about 1 cup of Sweet Baby Rays Sweet and Spicy BBQ sauce, and 2 Tbsp. of Jalapeno Salsa. It will cook up. Adjust the BBQ sauce if it needs a little more. It all will make a difference, and everyone loves the way I make them.

GentleRoll7926

11/25/2023 11:33:00 AM

These tasted just like the classic recipe of ketchup and brown sugar. I used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and just a generic grape jelly. Instead of slow cooking I let the smokies simmer in the sauce on the stove for about 20 minutes until the sauce was nice and thick and the smokies well coated. I served them as an appetizer on Thanksgiving and everyone thought they were delicious, even the kids. Will be making this recipe again!

ldysugrlpz

11/24/2018 10:24:40 PM

I used 2 packs of cocktail smokies, 1 big bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, and half a jar of Welch's grape jelly. I cooked it for 2 hours on low. There were only 2 smokies left when the company pot luck was over. I call it a win!

CraftySpam7051

12/22/2022 05:52:52 PM

I have used this for years except a lil less jelly and add 1/2 cup Wild Turkey 101 bourbon

Bruce

10/22/2023 05:31:46 PM

Instead of bbq sauce, we use chili sauce with grape jelly

darby

12/31/2017 10:43:26 PM

L O V E this recipe! This is an old timerecipe my family has been using for YEARS! Word to the wise- use a sweet bbq sauce (sweet baby rays is always a winner!) I use an entire 18oz BBQ bottle with a 12oz grape jelly. Love it!

Tamarra

08/07/2024 10:23:52 PM

This is a super easy crowd pleaser. A variant to use to change things up when you want to is to add package of brown gravy mix instead of the BBQ sauce. Also red or black currant jelly works instead of grape jelly. It gives a slightly less sweet and more tangy taste.

NewBride

10/16/2018 12:41:56 AM

We liked this, but it was a little too sweet for my taste. I might brown the sausage next time because I prefer that texture and may cut back a little on the jelly to reduce the sweetness. Would be good with chopped onion added as well. Very easy to make, and my husband enjoyed it.

Slow Cooking with K

11/12/2020 06:50:25 PM

This recipe is point on and can be used for meatballs and hotdogs! I changed it up just a little by giving it more of a spark by adding banana peppers. Yummy!

Perry Colon

05/03/2025 12:13:52 AM

Mixed in Small meatballs, each meat has it's own flavor.... DELICIOUS

Anthony Cruz

04/20/2025 12:59:38 AM

Perfect for family dinners.

CADSykes

02/03/2025 10:34:18 PM

I usually make this sort of smokies dish with the addition of whiskey.

Anthony Gonzalez

12/22/2024 06:51:43 PM

Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

czickafoos

11/19/2024 11:40:20 PM

I followed it as instructions said to, besides I decided to use 2 bottles of BBQ. It's better with 1. Turned out great! Kids at home loved it.

LushTofu2681

11/11/2024 12:25:10 PM

I made this recipe for a 4-H event and followed it exactly. I made 6X the original recipe and halfway through the event, my crockpot was empty! It was definitely a crowd-pleaser. I will add this to my cookbook and make it again.

anmiller

11/09/2024 05:55:40 PM

Brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcester Sauce... will always be my good to. This is just okay to me.

JazzyOat9898

10/09/2024 04:36:25 PM

Ive been using this recipe for 40 years. Love this! My grandmother would have this and orange salad with jello when visited because she knew i loved both.

MirthFries6344

09/14/2024 08:06:17 PM

Great recipe!! I make these a lot in the fall for football games!

Cook Time: 5 minutes