Crock Pot Little Smokies are a delightful and convenient dish that many love for gatherings, parties, or even family dinners. This dish combines the irresistible flavor of Little Smokies sausages with a sweet and tangy sauce made from barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Perfect for those who appreciate simple, hearty comfort food, these tasty bites are sure to be a hit on any occasion.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe
The reason behind the love for Crock Pot Little Smokies is straightforward. This recipe is a hassle-free crowd-pleaser that takes minimal prep time yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you are hosting a game day gathering, a holiday party, or simply looking for a delicious treat to enjoy with family, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of ingredients creates a sweet-and-savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds, while the slow cooker ensures that the sausages remain juicy and tender. Plus, the ease of preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the good times with your loved ones rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Little Smokies
To make these tasty Crock Pot Little Smokies, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
These simple ingredients come together to create an unbeatable flavor profile that is both savory and sweet, making it a unique dish loved by many.
How to Make Crock Pot Little Smokies Directions
Making Crock Pot Little Smokies is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by grabbing your slow cooker. In it, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, yellow mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure to stir everything thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform sauce. The sweet grape jelly blends beautifully with the tangy barbecue sauce, creating an enticing glaze for your Little Smokies.
- Add the Little Smokies: Next, introduce the Little Smokies sausages into the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce to ensure each sausage is well-coated. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Set the Cooker: With everything in the slow cooker, cover it with its lid. Set the cooker on low and let it cook for about 4 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can set it on high and allow it to cook for 2 hours instead. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to help distribute the flavors evenly across the sausages.
- Ready to Serve: After the cooking time is complete, check the sausages. They should be heated through and infused with the rich, flavorful sauce. Serve them warm, allowing guests to help themselves. These tasty bites are perfect for dipping or enjoying straight off the plate.
How to Serve Crock Pot Little Smokies
Serving Crock Pot Little Smokies is as effortless as making them. Once your dish is finished cooking, ladle the saucy sausages into a serving bowl or platter. You can accompany them with a selection of toothpicks for easy eating, especially if you’re hosting a party.
Consider serving them with sides that complement their flavors, such as crunchy veggie sticks or crispy chips. You can also offer an array of dipping options, like additional barbecue sauce or mustard, to cater to different taste preferences. For a festive touch, garnish your serving platter with fresh herbs for added color and aroma.
This dish pairs wonderfully with drinks like soda, lemonade, or iced tea, making it an ideal choice for social events.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Little Smokies
When preparing Crock Pot Little Smokies, consider these expert tips to elevate your dish:
- Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality Little Smokies sausages. The better the sausage, the better the overall flavor will be.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of grape jelly or opt for a sugar-free version.
- Experiment with Spice: Feel free to customize the seasoning. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can introduce a delightful kick to your dish.
- Monitor Cooking Time: If you are cooking on high, keep an eye on your sausages after the first hour, as they can quickly become overcooked.
- Stir Occasionally: Stirring every so often during the cooking process helps evenly distribute the sauce over all sausages.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a flavorful and satisfying dish.
How to Store Crock Pot Little Smokies
If you happen to have any leftovers after enjoying your Crock Pot Little Smokies, storing them properly will ensure they stay delicious for your next meal. Once the dish has cooled down, transfer the leftover sausages and sauce into an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the microwave or slow cooker.
Variation of Crock Pot Little Smokies
While the traditional recipe for Crock Pot Little Smokies is undeniably delicious, you can also explore several variations to keep things exciting:
- Spicy Little Smokies: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy version that adds heat to every bite.
- Teriyaki Version: Swap out barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce and add some chopped pineapple for a tropical twist that will transport your taste buds to an island paradise.
- Honey Garlic Smokies: Substitute grape jelly with honey and add fresh minced garlic for a sticky-sweet alternative that’s equally pleasing.
- Maple Glazed Smokies: For a breakfast-inspired take, use pure maple syrup in place of grape jelly and add a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include chopped bell peppers or onions in the slow cooker to enhance the dish’s flavor and add some color.
Experimenting with these variations can lead to a new favorite dish that your family and friends will love just as much.
FAQ
What are Crock Pot Little Smokies?
Crock Pot Little Smokies are mini sausages cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with barbecue sauce and grape jelly, usually prepared in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to make Crock Pot Little Smokies?
Cooking Crock Pot Little Smokies takes about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, with minimal preparation time.
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, while Little Smokies are traditional, you can use other mini sausages or cocktail sausages if preferred.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Little Smokies?
These sausages pair well with a variety of sides, including veggie sticks, chips, and various sauces for dipping.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Little Smokies?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to a couple of months. Just be sure to thaw and reheat them properly before serving.
How can I make Crock Pot Little Smokies healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can use turkey or chicken sausages, reduce the amount of grape jelly, or opt for low-sugar barbecue sauce.
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound Little Smokies sausages High-quality sausages for best flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Your favorite brand.
- 1/2 cup grape jelly Can reduce for less sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Adds tanginess.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder For depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, yellow mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to create a smooth sauce.
- Add the Little Smokies sausages to the slow cooker and gently stir them to coat with the sauce.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serving
- Once cooked, check that the sausages are heated through. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.
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