Introduction
The Little Smokies, or Cocktail Sausages, are the unsung heroes of nearly every American potluck, holiday gathering, and game-day spread. Originating likely in the mid-20th century as an economical and easy appetizer, this recipe is beloved for its incredible simplicity and irresistible sweet-and-savory glaze. Requiring just three main ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, this dish transforms simple smoked sausages into sticky, flavorful bites that disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.” It’s the ultimate comfort food appetizer—effortless to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) Little Smokies / Cocktail Sausages (fully cooked)
- 18 oz (510g) Bottle of BBQ Sauce (Hickory or Sweet & Smoky preferred)
- 10 oz (285g) Jar of Grape Jelly or Apricot Preserves
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire Sauce (Optional, for depth of flavor)
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, for heat)
Step-by-step Preparation
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the basin of a 3-4 quart slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, grape jelly (or preserves), and the optional Worcestershire sauce. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the jelly is completely incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Tip: If the jelly is very cold and stiff, microwave the sauce mixture for 30 seconds before whisking to help it dissolve easily.
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Add the Sausages: Open the packages of Little Smokies. There is no need to drain or rinse them. Gently pour the sausages into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated by the sauce mixture.
Tip: Do not overload your slow cooker. The sausages should be submerged in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir the contents once or twice during the cooking process to ensure all sausages are glazed evenly.
Tip: Cooking on LOW is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld deeply without scorching the sugary sauce. The sausages are already cooked, so this step is purely for heating and flavor infusion.
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Serve Warm: Once heated through and the sauce is thick and bubbly, turn the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting. Serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks nearby.
Tip: If the sauce seems too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate and the glaze to thicken slightly.
Nutritional Information
Due to the combination of cured meat and a sugary glaze, Little Smokies are an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation. A standard serving (approximately 4-5 sausages with sauce) typically contains around 200–250 calories. They are high in protein and provide quick energy, but are also high in sodium and saturated fat. This recipe offers minimal dietary fiber. For a slightly healthier take, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce and serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks to balance the richness.
Storage
Leftover Little Smokies must be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, place the sausages and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until steaming, or reheat gently on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Avoid reheating in the slow cooker, as the prolonged heating time can dry out the meat.
Conclusion
This classic Little Smokies recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, proving that the most memorable appetizers are often the simplest. For serving, ensure you have plenty of small appetizer forks or toothpicks. If you enjoy experimenting, try swapping the grape jelly for chili sauce (like Sriracha or sweet Thai chili sauce) for a spicy kick, or add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist. No matter how you glaze them, these sticky, savory bites remain the quintessential party snack.