Do you remember the warmth and joy of grandma’s house during the holidays? The smell of sausages filled the air, making you hungry. Crockpot little smokies bring back memories and create new ones. Imagine the smiles when your guests taste these savory bites.
Little smokies recipes are a favorite at parties in America. These sausages in a rich sauce are loved by all. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a dish everyone wants the recipe for.
Easy crockpot little smokies are simple to make. Just mix the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and wait. In a few hours, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. They’re perfect for game day, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
What Are Little Smokies and Why They’re Perfect for Parties
Little smokies are small, fully-cooked smoked sausages. They are a favorite at parties and game days. Their small size and tasty flavor make them a crowd-pleaser.
History of Little Smokies
Little smokies became popular in the mid-20th century. They are loved for their ease of use and taste. Brands like Hillshire Farms made them a staple in American parties.
Benefits for Party Hosting
Need a party winner? Little smokies are it. They need just 10 minutes to prepare. Cook them for 12 minutes and serve up to 30 mini wieners fast.
They’re great for snacking all night. Your guests will love them.
Popular Brands and Options
Many brands offer little smokies, including Hillshire Farms. You can find them in many flavors and meats. Try wrapping them in crescent roll dough for a tasty appetizer.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 63 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
Little smokies add flavor and convenience to any party. They’re perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Your guests will love them.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Little Smokies
Crockpot little smokies with grape jelly are a hit at parties. You can also make them without BBQ sauce. Let’s look at the key ingredients for a tasty batch of these appetizers.
Base Ingredients
The base of any little smokies recipe is the sausages. You’ll need:
- 12 ounces of “Lil” Smokies cocktail sausages
- 12 ounces of bacon, cut into 3 pieces per slice
Sauce Components
For a classic little smokies recipe with jelly, you’ll want:
- 1 ¾ cups brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 packet each of au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning
If you’re looking for a little smokies recipe without BBQ sauce, try using:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini juice
Optional Flavor Enhancers
To add more flavor, consider adding:
- 5-6 whole pepperoncinis
- Additional spices to taste
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Little Smokies | 12 oz | Main protein |
| Bacon | 12 oz | Adds smoky flavor |
| Brown Sugar | 1 ¾ cups | Sweetness |
| Pepperoncini Juice | ½ cup | Tangy kick |
| Au Jus Mix | 1 packet | Savory depth |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
The Classic BBQ Brown Sugar Beer Recipe
Looking for the best little smokies recipe? You’ve found it! This crockpot little smokies brown sugar recipe is a hit at parties. It mixes BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and beer for a delicious treat.
- 4 packages (14 oz each) of Little Smokies
- 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 8 oz light beer
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne
Put all ingredients in your crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4 hours. This recipe feeds 15-20 people, great for game day or holiday gatherings.
This recipe is simple yet flavorful. The beer adds depth, and the brown sugar makes a sweet glaze. For a non-alcoholic version, use water or cola instead of beer.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 102 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Total Fat | 21g |
Prep time is 5 minutes, with a total cooking time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Trust us, there won’t be any leftovers!
Mississippi-Style Little Smokies Variation
Want to add a twist to your 3 ingredient little smokies with grape? Try the Mississippi-style version! It brings a tangy, savory flavor that everyone will love.
Unique Ingredients
This version adds special ingredients to your little smokies:
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Butter
Flavor Profile
This mix creates a rich, tangy taste. It’s slightly spicy and very savory. The ranch adds creaminess, and the au jus brings depth. The pepperoncinis add a zesty kick.
Cooking Method
Cooking these smokies is easy:
- Add little smokies to your crockpot
- Sprinkle ranch and au jus mix over them
- Top with butter and pepperoncinis
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours
This method is similar to the pioneer woman crockpot little smokies recipe but with a Southern twist. The slow cooking blends the flavors perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Little Smokies | 2 packages (14 oz each) |
| Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) |
| Pepperoncini Peppers | 1/4 cup, sliced |
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
Crockpot little smokies are a hit at any party. They’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This method is great for parties, letting you serve tasty bites with little effort.
Preparation Steps
First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need 28 ounces of little smokies, 6 ounces of BBQ sauce, and 1 ounce of brown sugar. Also, grab 1.5 ounces of grape jelly, 0.5 ounce each of Dijon mustard and soy sauce. For a spicy touch, add 4-5 ounces of candied jalapenos. Make sure the smokies are well-coated with the mix.
Cooking Times
For heating up little smokies, use your crockpot. Set it to low for 2-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. This slow cooking enhances the flavors. Prep time is just 20 minutes, saving you time.
Temperature Settings
Are little smokies already cooked? Yes, they are! The slow cooking adds flavor, not cooking time. Once hot, keep them on low or warm for hours, ideal for long events.
| Setting | Cooking Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 2-4 hours | 10 people |
| High | 1-2 hours | 10 people |
Leftovers can be stored for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Follow these steps for a delicious appetizer that will wow your guests!
Creative Sauce Variations and Flavor Combinations
Crockpot little smokies open up a world of flavors. Let’s dive into some exciting variations that will make your taste buds happy. For a tropical twist, try crockpot little smokies with pineapple. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs well with the savory sausages.
Cranberry little smokies are perfect for holidays. Mix cranberry sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tart mix. This combo adds color and flavor to your gatherings.
For those who love spice, spicy lil smokies recipes are ideal. Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a kick. Balance the heat with honey or brown sugar.
| Sauce Type | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple BBQ | Pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce | Sweet and tangy |
| Cranberry Glaze | Cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce | Tart and sweet |
| Spicy Sriracha | Sriracha, honey, soy sauce | Spicy and savory |
| Honey Mustard | Dijon mustard, honey | Tangy and sweet |
Try these combinations to find your favorite. The secret to great little smokies is finding the right balance of flavors. Let them simmer in your crockpot until they’re perfect.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Make your little smoky appetizers shine with these serving tips. They’re perfect for tailgating or holiday parties. These ideas will make your dish a standout.
Garnishing Ideas
Add color to your little smokies with toppings. Try chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. For more flavor, drizzle BBQ sauce or honey mustard.
For a crunchy twist, top with crispy bacon bits or fried onions.
Party Display Options
Make your little smoky appetizers visually appealing. Use a tiered serving tray for a fancy look. For casual events, serve in a large, rustic bowl.
At tailgating, use team-colored dishes. For holiday parties, arrange on a festive platter with holly leaves.
Keeping Them Warm
Keep your little smokies warm at the event. Use a slow cooker on low heat. For outdoor parties, wrap in foil and use an insulated carrier.
If indoors, use a chafing dish with a heat source underneath.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 little smoky | 34 | 1g | 3g |
Remember, you can make pigs in a blanket with 48 cocktail wieners and 2 cans of crescent rolls. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen ones at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or 7-8 minutes if refrigerated. With these tips, your little smoky appetizers will be the hit of any gathering!
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Planning a party? You can prepare your crock pot weenies ahead of time. This saves you stress on the big day. For Hillshire Farms little smokies, cook them in advance and store them properly. Here’s how:
Cook your little smokies in the crockpot as usual. Once done, let them cool. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight if frozen. Then warm in the crockpot on low for about an hour. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed. This method works great for make-ahead party dishes.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick tip for how to cook Hillshire Farms little smokies: Pour them into the crockpot with your favorite sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours. They’ll be hot and ready when your guests arrive.
Remember, always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. With these guidelines, your crock pot weenies will be a hit at any gathering!
Perfect Occasions for Serving Little Smokies
Little smokies are great for many events. They’re perfect for both casual and fancy parties. Here are some great times to serve them.
Game Day Events
Crockpot little smokies are perfect for game days. Their smoky glaze goes well with drinks and snacks. Just make them ahead and keep them warm.
Holiday Gatherings
At holiday buffets, little smokies add a tasty touch. They’re easy to eat while chatting. For a fancy look, try a special glaze.
Potluck Parties
Little smokies are a top pick for potlucks. They’re easy to carry and reheat. Plus, everyone loves them.
| Occasion | Serving Suggestion | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Game Day | Crockpot with BBQ sauce | 3 hours |
| Holiday Gathering | Elegant kielbasa bites | 25-30 minutes |
| Potluck Party | Classic smokies glaze | 3-4 hours |
Little smokies can fit any theme or diet. They’re perfect for any party, big or small. They’re sure to wow your guests.
FAQ
How long do you cook little smokies in a crockpot?
Are little smokies already fully cooked?
Can you make crockpot little smokies ahead of time?
What’s the best way to heat up little smokies?
Can you freeze cooked little smokies?
What are some alternatives to BBQ sauce for little smokies?
How do you cook Hillshire Farms little smokies?
Can you cook frozen little smokies in a crockpot?
What’s the difference between little smokies and cocktail weenies?
Can I make little smokies without a crockpot?
Conclusion
Crockpot little smokies are a hit at any party. They can be made in many ways, like BBQ or Mississippi-style. You can also mix them with crockpot meatballs for a great variety of appetizers.
But you don’t need a crockpot to make little smokies. Air fryers can cook them fast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This way, you save on calories and fat compared to frying. For bigger cuts like pork butts, smoking at 230°F to 260°F for 3-4 hours is a tasty option.
At any event, like a game day, holiday, or potluck, these appetizers are sure to impress. Feel free to try out new sauces and spices. And if you’re up for a challenge, smoking in the snow can be rewarding with the right wood, insulation, and patience.