Okay, this one’s crazy simple and always a crowd favorite. You’ve probably seen these at parties or potlucks—sweet, smoky, a little tangy, and gone in like 5 minutes.
I’ve made these for game nights, birthday snack tables, and even lazy movie nights. It takes almost zero effort and just three ingredients.
Dump everything in the crockpot, let it simmer, and boom—you’ve got one of the easiest appetizers ever.
Why I Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I had these was at a friend’s holiday party. I thought, “There’s no way these tiny hot dogs taste as good as everyone’s acting.” But then I tried one… then like five more. The combo of sweet grape jelly and smoky BBQ is weird but perfect.
- Just 3 ingredients you can grab last-minute
- Only one pot to clean
- Makes a bunch, fast
- Everyone grabs seconds (or thirds)
What You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz) package of Little Smokies
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip stirring once it heats up—helps everything coat evenly
- Use a thicker BBQ sauce for the best stickiness
- Want extra flavor? Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes
- If doubling the recipe, cook it for an extra 30–45 minutes
- Keep on warm setting if serving at a party—just stir occasionally
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cup (1 cup)
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Substitutions and Variations
- No grape jelly? Use apricot jam or cranberry sauce for a twist
- Little Smokies not available? Use sliced hot dogs or cocktail franks
- Want it spicy? Add 1 tsp sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper
- BBQ too sweet? Use a tangy vinegar-based one instead
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the jelly and BBQ sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge
- You can even add the smokies, cover the crockpot insert, and refrigerate overnight—just set and cook the next day
Full Recipe
Servings: 10–12 as an appetizer
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours on LOW, or 1 to 1.5 hours on HIGH
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package of Little Smokies
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Step 1: Add the Little Smokies
Open the 14 oz package of Little Smokies and pour them straight into the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Grape Jelly
Measure 1 cup of grape jelly and spoon it on top of the sausages in the crockpot.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce
Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the grape jelly and sausages.
Step 4: Stir It All Together
Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir the sausages, jelly, and BBQ sauce together until coated.
Step 5: Cook on Low for 2–3 Hours
Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice during.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon into a round bowl for serving, making sure every sausage is coated in sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat
- These freeze well too—cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Grape jelly = sugar that caramelizes as it cooks, helping the sauce thicken and coat the sausages
- BBQ sauce = acidity and depth from tomatoes and spices
- Little smokies = pre-cooked, so all you’re really doing is heating and flavoring them
- Slow cooking blends and intensifies the sweet + smoky flavors
Common Mistakes
- Not stirring mid-cook: You’ll get uneven coating
- Using too thin of a BBQ sauce: Won’t stick well
- Cooking too long on HIGH: Can dry out the sausages
- Skipping the jelly: Trust me, the sweetness is the magic
What to Serve With
- Toothpicks or mini forks (essential!)
- Cheese cubes or a small charcuterie board
- Chips and dip
- Deviled eggs
- Rolls or mini buns if you want to make sliders
FAQ
Can I make these without a crockpot?
Yep! Use a saucepan and simmer everything over low heat for about 20–30 minutes, stirring often.
Do I need to pre-cook the smokies?
Nope! They’re fully cooked out of the package. You’re just heating and flavoring.
Can I double this recipe?
Totally—just use a larger crockpot and cook for a little longer.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
Something thick and sweet works best—like hickory or honey BBQ.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this might be the easiest recipe on the planet—and somehow it still tastes like you did something special. I always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when you’ll need a last-minute snack that people won’t stop talking about. Give these a try, and let me know how they turned out for you in the comments!