Easy 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Little Smokies

You can make a crowd-pleasing party snack with almost no effort by tossing little smokies, BBQ sauce, and a sweetener into your crock pot and letting it do the work. 

If you enjoy easy crock pot appetizers like this, you might also love Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip, Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip, or Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs for another crowd-pleasing snack.

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For more hands-off meals and party foods, browse my full collection of Crock Pot Recipes including dips, soups, and easy dinners.

This simple combo gives you warm, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail sausages ready to serve in about 2–3 hours.

If you want easy prep, hands-off cooking, and flexible serving ideas—from toothpick appetizers to sliders—this recipe delivers.

Keep reading to learn the exact steps, quick variations, and fun ways to serve your little smokies so every gathering feels effortless and tasty.

Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies are one of the easiest party appetizers you can make.

With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, the slow cooker transforms simple cocktail sausages into a sweet and tangy snack that stays warm for serving.

They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or game day spreads.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Little Smokies

• 2 packages (12–14 oz each) cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup grape jelly
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra depth

To make this recipe, you’ll want a 6-quart slow cooker and I also recommend using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.

Now let’s break it down step by step…

How to Make Crock Pot Little Smokies

Place the cocktail sausages into the basin of your slow cooker. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and the grape jelly until they are well combined.

Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and stir until every sausage is evenly coated.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours, until the sausages are hot and the sauce is bubbling.

Give the mixture a final stir before serving directly from the pot on the “warm” setting. Provide toothpicks on the side for easy snacking.

Slow Cooker Tips

For a silkier sauce, melt the jelly in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds before mixing with the chili Whisk the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together before adding it to the slow cooker so the sauce blends smoothly.

If the sauce seems thin at the end of cooking, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes to let it thicken slightly.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting during parties so the sausages stay hot and flavorful without overcooking.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Crock pot little smokies are best served warm straight from the slow cooker. Provide toothpicks or small skewers so guests can easily grab them as bite-size appetizers.

They’re perfect for game day snacks, holiday parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings. You can also serve them as mini sliders on small rolls or alongside other party appetizers for a full snack spread.

Best Sides to Pair With

Offer 3–5 sauce choices so guests can mix flavors. Classic BBQ, honey mustard, and spicy sriracha mayo Little smokies pair well with other easy party foods.

Serve them with buffalo chicken dip, spinach artichoke dip, loaded nachos, or mozzarella sticks for a fun appetizer spread.

Fresh sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a crisp coleslaw can help balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftover little smokies can easily be turned into new meals. Add them to scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast, slice them into mac and cheese, or use them in crescent roll pigs-in-a-blanket for another easy snack.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store cooled little smokies in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Separate sauce from sausages if possible to keep texture firm.

For longer storage, freeze in single layers on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–12 minutes if frozen or 5–8 minutes if refrigerated, covered with foil to retain moisture.

For quick reheats, microwave single servings for 30–60 seconds covered with a damp paper towel. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce to refresh flavor.

If you enjoy easy slow cooker appetizers like these little smokies, be sure to try Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip, Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip, or Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs next.

Follow my Best Appetizers board on Pinterest.