Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe

It’s incredibly easy: dump in three ingredients, stir and cook.
It’s ready in just a few hours—hands‑off and stress‑free.
The flavor hits: the sweetness of grape jelly melds with the tang of chili sauce and savory little smokies for a crowd‑pleasing bite.
Great for parties or potlucks: everyone can help themselves and it keeps warm in the crock pot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

grape jelly
chili sauce
little smokies (cocktail sausages)

Directions

Add the grape jelly and chili sauce to your crock pot and stir until they are blended well.
Stir in the little smokies so that all of them are coated with the sauce mixture.
Cover and cook on high for approximately 2½ to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours. During cooking, stir about halfway through to ensure even coating and heating.
Once hot and bubbly, switch the crock pot to “warm” if the event continues and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe uses 2 14‑oz packages of little smokies, plus the jelly and chili sauce. The number of servings will depend on portion size (often sized as appetizer portions, e.g., 30–40 bites).
Timing: Prepare in about 5 minutes of active work, then cook for 2½–3 hours on high or 4–6 hours on low.

Variations

Swap the grape jelly for apricot or peach jam for a different sweet profile.
Use BBQ sauce mixed with a little honey instead of chili sauce for a smoky‑sweet version.
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Mix in some chopped onions or peppers at the start for extra texture and flavor.
Serve with a dipping sauce on the side (e.g., mustard‑honey, ranch, or a spicy mayo).

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep for up to 3‑4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, or return to the crock pot on “warm” for 30–60 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 30‑45 seconds until piping hot. Stir before serving to redistribute the sauce.

FAQs

What size crock pot should I use?

A 4‑ to 6‑quart crock pot works well for this recipe so the little smokies and sauce have enough space without overcrowding.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?

Yes—combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for about 30‑40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is thickened slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the sauce and little smokies and refrigerate until ready to cook. Then dump into the crock pot and cook as directed. You can also fully cook and then reheat before serving.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute regular hot dog slices, vegetarian sausages, or even meatballs for a similar effect. Adjust cooking time if needed depending on size and type.

How do I keep them warm during a party?

After cooking, switch your crock pot to the “warm” setting. Stir occasionally and cover with the lid to retain heat and moisture. This helps keep the sauce luscious and the sausages hot for guests.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

It depends on the brands you use. Check that the chili sauce and sausages are labelled gluten‑free. The jelly and plain sausages typically are, but always confirm to be safe.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can scale up. Use more packages of little smokies and increase the grape jelly and chili sauce accordingly. Make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

Will the sauce get too thick if kept warm for a long time?

Possibly. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of water, broth or extra chili sauce to loosen it up and maintain the right consistency.

What is “little smokies”?

“Little smokies” are cocktail‑sized smoked sausages (usually pork or beef) often sold pre‑cooked and ready to heat. They’re small, bite‑sized and ideal for appetizers.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the cooked little smokies, but the texture of the sauce and sausages may change slightly after thawing. Place in a freezer‑safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This three‑ingredient crock pot little smokies recipe is a go‑to for any gathering—minimal prep, maximum flavor and loads of guest‑friendly appeal. It hits the sweet‑savory note just right and lets you mingle while the crock pot does the work. Ready in no time and disappearing fast on the buffet table, it’s one of those simple crowd‑pleasers you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.