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These mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies are a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. Lil’ Smokies, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce come together for an irresistible flavor.
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Pin ItSavor the Flavor: Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies – A Crowd-Pleasing Delight!
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate party pleaser, look no further than BBQ Smokies! These bite-sized, flavor-packed sausages are a hit at any gathering. Whether you call them slow cooker smokies, BBQ little smokies, or Lil’ Smokies with BBQ sauce, one thing remains consistent: their unbeatable taste and convenience.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Smokies
Slow cooker Lil Smokies have taken the appetizer world by storm. Why? Because they are incredibly easy to prepare and always leave your guests wanting more.
The combination of Lil’ Smokies and BBQ sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s both savory and sweet. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring your smokies are tender, juicy, and infused with that irresistible BBQ goodness.
BBQ Smokies: A Versatile Treat
One of the best things about BBQ smokies is their versatility. They can be served as a mouthwatering appetizer or even as a main course alongside your favorite sides.
Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, a holiday party, or a simple family dinner, slow cooker little smokies are the perfect addition to your menu.
A Flavor Explosion
Picture this: plump Lil’ Smokies drenched in a rich BBQ sauce, slowly simmering in your trusty slow cooker. The result? A flavor explosion that will have your guests raving. The combination of the sweet grape jelly and the tangy chili sauce or BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist.
BBQ smokies, whether you call them slow cooker smokies, BBQ little smokies, or Lil’ Smokies with BBQ sauce, are a must-try for any food enthusiast. Their simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering flavor make them a favorite at gatherings of all kinds.
You are going to want to make this recipe for your own crowd-pleasing batch of Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies at your next event. Get ready to become the star of the party!
Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make Slow Cooker Little Smokies, you will need …
Ingredients
- Lil’ Smokies smoked sausage – Instead of Lil’ Smokies smoked sausage, you can use other types of sausages like cocktail sausages, turkey sausages, or vegetarian sausages if you prefer a different flavor or dietary choice. I’ve even used meatballs for a no-fuss dinner idea!
- grape jelly – If you don’t have grape jelly or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves or jellies such as apricot, raspberry, or peach. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- chili sauce or BBQ sauce – The recipe allows for either chili sauce or BBQ sauce. Feel free to choose the one that suits your taste buds. If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for a hot BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Common Substitutions
- Custom Seasonings: You can enhance the flavor by adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Experiment with these to create a unique flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, consider using a sugar-free fruit spread or a sugar substitute in place of grape jelly. This can be especially useful for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions For Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies
- Toothpicks or Skewers: Provide toothpicks or small skewers alongside the Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies. This makes them easy to pick up and enjoy without getting messy, especially at parties.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even extra BBQ sauce. These sauces complement the smoky and sweet flavors of the smokies.
- Slider Buns: Turn your Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies into mini sliders by serving them in small slider buns. Add some coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A classic side dish to pair with BBQ smokies is coleslaw. Its creamy and tangy nature balances the sweetness of the smokies perfectly.
- Potato Salad: Another great side dish option is potato salad. The combination of creamy potatoes and a hint of mustard pairs well with the sausages.
- Mac and Cheese: Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies alongside a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese for a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Green Salad: For a healthier option, serve a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the smokies.
- Fruit Platter: Balance the flavors with a colorful fruit platter. Fresh fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky sausages.
- Pickles and Olives: A selection of pickles and olives adds a tangy and briny element to the spread, which can cut through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Cornbread: Consider baking a batch of cornbread to serve alongside the smokies. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the dish.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies: FAQs
Absolutely! You can use store-bought BBQ sauce or prepare your own homemade BBQ sauce to customize the flavor according to your liking. Homemade sauce allows you to adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your taste.
es, you can prepare them in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker or transfer them to a chafing dish for serving. They are a great make-ahead appetizer for parties and gatherings.
They pair well with a variety of side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad. Personally, my family loves them with Hash Brown Casserole and Southern-Style Green Beans. They also make a fantastic addition to a game-day spread.
If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, you can thaw and warm them in the slow cooker or microwave.
The spiciness of this recipe depends on the type of BBQ sauce or chili sauce you use. You can choose mild or spicy sauces to suit your preference for heat.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the dish largely depends on the type of BBQ sauce and grape jelly you use. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit more grape jelly. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce the amount of jelly.
- Sausage Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages. While Lil’ Smokies are traditional, you can use cocktail sausages, kielbasa, or any other sausage variety you like.
- Sauce Choice: The recipe mentions using chili sauce or BBQ sauce. Choose the sauce that aligns with your taste preferences. BBQ sauce adds a smoky and sweet flavor, while chili sauce provides a tangy kick.
- Slow Cooker Size: The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker’s size and heating efficiency. Be sure to monitor the smokies as they cook to avoid overcooking, especially if you have a smaller slow cooker.
- Stirring: Give the mixture a good stir after initially combining the ingredients and periodically throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the sausages are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prevent Burning: To prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the slow cooker, stir occasionally, and consider using a liner or non-stick cooking spray.
- Serve with Toothpicks: Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies are often served with toothpicks or cocktail sticks for easy handling at parties and gatherings.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding spices or seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor to your liking.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker or a chafing dish when serving at parties. It’s a convenient option for entertaining.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for longer storage.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Smokies
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies smoked sausage, 28 oz.
- 1 ¼ cups grape jelly, 12 oz.
- 1 ¼ cups chili sauce or BBQ sauce, 12 oz.
- toothpicks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the smokies, jelly, and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.
- Stir to coat all of the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or until the sausages are heated through.
- Stir again before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages. While Lil' Smokies are traditional, you can use cocktail sausages, kielbasa, or any other sausage variety you like.
- The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker's size and heating efficiency. Be sure to monitor the smokies as they cook to avoid overcooking, especially if you have a smaller slow cooker.
- If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for longer storage.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
