Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Little Smokies

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Little Smokies combine BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and honey into a delicious appetizer everyone loves. The sauce coats these miniature sausages in a sweet and tangy glaze that keeps people coming back for more.

Throw everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you handle other things. The sauce gets thick and sticky as it simmers, making these sausages perfect for any party or gathering.

I love serving these sausages right from the slow cooker with a small bowl of toothpicks nearby. My guests can easily grab a few throughout the party, and the sauce stays warm and delicious for hours. 

The barbecue sauce and grape jelly combo is a classic; it might sound crazy but it works! This version adds honey and red pepper flakes to create an incredible sauce that everyone raves about.

These little sausages are a staple at my house during football season, and they disappear fast every time. Leftovers never go to waste either – they heat up wonderfully in the microwave, and my kids love them packed in their lunch boxes with some crackers on the side.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Miniature Smoked Sausages: Any brand works well here – you’ll find them labeled as cocktail sausages, little smokies, or cocktail wieners in the grocery store.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s is my choice for this recipe, but any sweet and thick BBQ sauce will work great. Avoid vinegar-based or spicy sauces, which can overpower the other flavors.
• Grape Jelly: Regular grape jelly gives the sauce its sweet base and sticky texture.
• Honey: Adds an extra layer of sweetness and helps create that perfect sticky glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but add a nice bit of heat to balance the sweetness. Start with less if you’re unsure about the heat level.

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Little Smokies

Making Slow Cooker Little Smokies couldn’t be easier. Start by grabbing your slow cooker, a 4-quart or larger works best, although I also use a 6-quart with no problems at all.

Pour all your ingredients directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, honey, and your package of miniature smoked sausages. If you’re using the red pepper flakes, sprinkle those in now, too. Stir everything together until the sausages are coated in the sauce mixture.

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 3-4 hours. The sauce will gradually thicken as it cooks, coating each sausage in a delicious glaze. You don’t need to stir during cooking, but you can give them a quick stir before serving if you’d like.

When they’re ready, you can serve them straight from the slow cooker to keep them warm throughout your party!

Storing and Freezing

Store: Keep your leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The sauce will be quite thick when cold but will return to its normal consistency when heated. Just pop your portion in the microwave and warm it up in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Freeze: These sausages freeze really well for future snacking! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat them gently in the microwave or warm them back up in your slow cooker on low.

Recipe Tips

• You might notice the sauce looks a bit thin when you first mix everything together. Don’t worry, it thickens beautifully as it cooks, creating that perfect sticky glaze.
• These sausages are best served warm. If you’re taking them to a party, transport them right in your slow cooker and plug it in when you arrive to keep them at the perfect temperature.
• For easy serving, place a small bowl of toothpicks next to the slow cooker and some small plates to prevent drips!
• Make sure to use a slow cooker that’s at least 4 quarts. While the recipe doesn’t fill a 6-quart slow cooker, having the extra space makes stirring easier and helps prevent the sauce from bubbling over.

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Regular or turkey cocktail smokies work great in this recipe. You can also cut larger smoked sausages into bite-sized pieces, but stick with pre-cooked varieties for the best results.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything. The cooking time will stay the same since the sausages are already pre-cooked.

You’re going to love how the sweet and tangy sauce comes together in these Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Little Smokies. Your slow cooker does all the work, giving you an easy appetizer that’s perfect for feeding a crowd at your next party or game day.