Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies

Easy Instapot Recipes
Posted on December 8, 2025 by Serile

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies

Description

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies

Ingredients

2 lbs cocktail smokies (mini sausages)
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
1/2 cup grape jelly
2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
Directions

Add cocktail smokies to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard (if using). Pour the mixture over the smokies.
Stir to coat the smokies evenly with the sauce.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm directly from the slow cooker, or transfer to a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving

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Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies every time.

  1. Prepare the Smokies: If your cocktail smokies are packaged in liquid, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the sauce adhere better.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of grape jelly, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk vigorously until the jelly is fully melted into the sauce and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the drained smokies into the slow cooker insert. Pour the prepared sauce over them.
  4. Coat Evenly: Using a silicone spatula or a large spoon, gently stir the smokies until they are all evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Cook: Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Choose your setting: For deeper flavor melding, cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. For a quicker option, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Stir the smokies gently once or twice during cooking if possible.
  6. Serve: Once the smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbly, they are ready. Switch the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting to keep them perfect for your party’s duration.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile smokies are a crowd-pleaser in many settings. For classic party service, keep them in the slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting with a bowl of toothpicks nearby. For a heartier appetizer, serve them in small slider buns as mini-sausage sandwiches. They also make a fantastic topping for a loaded potato bar or a sweet-and-savory addition to a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs.

How-to Summary

Drain and dry cocktail smokies. Whisk together BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and optional Dijon mustard. Combine smokies and sauce in a slow cooker, stir to coat, and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cocktail smokies ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and combine it with the smokies in the slow cooker insert up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready, simply place the insert in the base and start cooking, adding an extra 30 minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of grape jelly? Apricot preserves, peach jam, or red currant jelly are excellent substitutes that provide a similar sweet-and-tangy profile. For a less sweet option, try a 1/2 cup of apple juice or cider.

Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes. Lit’l Smokies are traditional, but you can use full-sized smoked sausages sliced into 1-inch rounds. Cooking times may vary slightly.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it? If the sauce is too runny after cooking, you can thicken it. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot smokies and sauce, then cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Are these gluten-free? This depends on your specific ingredients. Many cocktail smokies and BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but you must check the labels to be certain, especially if serving guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not Draining the Smokies: Adding them straight from the package with liquid will water down your delicious sauce, making it bland and thin.
  • Overcooking: Cooking for excessively long periods (e.g., 8+ hours on LOW) can cause the smokies to split and the sauce to become overly reduced and sticky.
  • Skipping the Stir: While the slow cooker does the work, giving the smokies one or two gentle stirs during cooking ensures even coating and prevents any from drying out on top.
  • Using a BBQ Sauce You Don’t Like: The flavor of your BBQ sauce is the star. If you don’t enjoy it straight from the bottle, you won’t love it in the final dish.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies are the quintessential easy, hands-off party appetizer. With just three main ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that is universally loved for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. By following this enhanced guide—paying attention to the simple steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and exploring the serving suggestions—you’re guaranteed a foolproof and delicious addition to any gathering. Keep this recipe in your back pocket; it will become your most requested party staple.

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