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    Recipes » Appetizers » Crockpot Little Smokies

    Crockpot Little Smokies

    Published: Feb 9, 2022 · Modified: Sep 22, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    little smokies with grape jelly and chili sauce on toothpicks on a wooden board.
    little smokies with grape jelly and chili sauce on toothpicks on a wooden board.
    hand holding a toothpick with two little smokies hovering over a crockpot.

    With just 3 ingredients, Crockpot Little Smokies with chili sauce and grape jelly is a seriously easy appetizer. Serve them straight from the crockpot to make it even easier!

    crockpot little smokies on toothpicks on a wooden board.

    This recipe is an oldie but goodie. It’s been around at least since the 1970s, and there’s a reason why!

    Crockpot Little Smokies with chili sauce and grape jelly is not only an easy appetizer, but it’s packed with sweet and tangy flavor. And kids and adults alike LOVE them!

    These will seriously fly off the buffet table at your next get-together, just like these Crockpot BBQ Meatballs (which also have 3 ingredients!).

    I like serving them while my guests are watching sports, but they’re also great for holiday parties. They pair really nicely with beer, too.

    Looking for more little smokies recipe? Here are 20 recipes for little smokies including crockpot recipes, pigs in a blanket, and more!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • What makes these the best little smokies?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make crockpot little smokies
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Make it ahead
    • Can I freeze crockpot little smokies?
    • More appetizer ideas
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes
    • 💬 Reviews

    What makes these the best little smokies?

    This recipe has been around for at least 50 years. I’ve spotted it in several cookbooks from the 1970s.

    It’s served the test of time for one reason: it’s just really good!

    Chili sauce is basically ketchup but a little bit more spicy. Grape jelly adds sweetness, and the two of them create a sweet, tangy, sticky glaze for the little smokies.

    It’s a no-fuss appetizer that you can serve straight from the crockpot.

    Ingredients

    grape jelly, chili sauce, and little smokies on a white table.

    You just need three ingredients for this recipe:

    • 1 cup of grape jelly
    • 1 (12 oz) bottle of chili sauce
    • 2 (14 oz) packages of little smokies (these can go by “lit’l smokies“, cocktail sausages, cocktail franks, or cocktail wieners)

    How to make crockpot little smokies

    Get ready for a seriously easy “recipe.”

    In the bowl of a crockpot, whisk together the grape jelly and the chili sauce.

    Add the little smokies and stir until combined.

    uncooked cocktail weiners in a crockpot.

    Turn the crockpot to high for 1.5 hours. Then, reduce the heat to warm and serve.

    You can also cook these on low for 2–2.5 hours. The goal is for the liquid to be warm and bubbly, and the little smokies to be warm throughout.

    little smokies with chili sauce and grape jelly in a crockpot.

    I like serving these straight from the crockpot with toothpicks for a casual party.

    You could also pile them into a bowl and serve with toothpicks, or place them on toothpicks yourself and then serve on a platter or wooden board.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these with regular hot dogs?

    Yes! Cut hot dogs into quarters and use in place of the little smokies.

    How long do I cook little smokies in a crockpot?

    Cook little smokies for 1.5 hours on high or 2.5 hours on low. After heating them, turn the crockpot to warm to avoid burning.

    Can I substitute bbq sauce for chili sauce?

    Yes! BBQ sauce and grape jelly are a great combination (as found in my Crockpot BBQ Meatballs so I can attest that these will taste great with bbq sauce instead of chili sauce.

    Are little smokies already cooked?

    Little Smokies are already fully cooked. They just need to be warmed up in the crockpot.

    hand holding a toothpick with two little smokies hovering over a crockpot.

    Make it ahead

    Crockpot Little Smokies can be made several hours in advance. After heating them in the crockpot, turn the crockpot down to “warm”.

    The little smokies will keep for about 4 hours on the warm setting (keep the lid on when you can).

    This makes them great for watching football—they’re as delicious in the 4th quarter as they are in the 1st quarter!

    Can I freeze crockpot little smokies?

    Should you find yourself with leftovers, Crockpot Little Smokies freeze really well!

    Let them cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for up to 1 month.

    Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then return them to the crockpot for 1.5 hours on high or 2–2.5 hours on low, or until warm throughout.

    little smokies with grape jelly and chili sauce on toothpicks on a wooden board.

    More appetizer ideas

    Here are a few other retro appetizers that I love!

    • Reuben Dip
    • Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
    • Hot Chicken Salad
    • Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    crockpot little smokies with toothpicks on a wooden board.

    The Best Crockpot Little Smokies

    Published by Kate
    This easy recipe only has 3 ingredients! Serve it straight out of the crockpot for a truly no-fuss appetizer.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 274 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup grape jelly
    • 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
    • 2 (14 oz) packages little smokies (also known as cocktail wieners or cocktail sausages)

    Instructions
     

    • In a crockpot, whisk the grape jelly and chili sauce until smooth. Add the little smokies.
    • Cook on high until the mixture is warm and bubbly, about 1½ hours. Turn the crockpot to warm and serve with toothpicks.

    Notes

    You can also cook these on your crockpot’s low setting for 2–2.5 hours.
    Can’t find little smokies? Use hot dogs cut into quarters instead.
    You can substitute bbq sauce for the chili sauce, if you’d like. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 719mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 145IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword crockpot little smokies
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Joy Thomas says

      April 18, 2023 at 4:12 am

      love your recipes and please alert if there are new recipes

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        April 18, 2023 at 8:32 pm

        Thank you! I’m happy to add you to my email list if you’d like to be added!

        Reply

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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