Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe: 3-Ingredient Party Starter

Effortless, crowd-pleasing slow cooker cocktail smokies—just three ingredients and a few easy steps for the ultimate party snack.

By Medha deb

Aug 29, 2025

Effortless, crowd-pleasing slow cooker cocktail smokies—just three ingredients and a few easy steps for the ultimate party snack.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies: The Ultimate Party Starter

Slow cooker cocktail smokies are a timeless favorite at parties, potlucks, and gatherings. With only three simple ingredients—mini smoked sausages, barbeque sauce, and grape jelly—this recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, these bite-sized treats are irresistibly easy to make and consistently please a crowd, earning their reputation as the MVP of appetizer tables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do the work—no monitoring required.
Three Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this budget-friendly and easy to shop for.
Satisfying Sweet & Savory Flavor: Grape jelly melds with tangy BBQ sauce for a perfect coating on smokies.
Perfect for Entertaining: Great for keeping warm throughout parties and buffets.

What Are Cocktail Smokies?

Cocktail smokies, sometimes known as little smokies or cocktail wieners, are miniature smoked sausages commonly used in appetizer recipes. Their small size makes them ideal for skewering with toothpicks and serving at gatherings—no utensils required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Description
Mini Smoked Sausages	1 (16-ounce) package	“Little smokies” or cocktail wieners work best.
Barbeque Sauce	1 cup	Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
Grape Jelly	1 cup	Classic choice for a sweet, glossy glaze; other flavors can be substituted.

Optional Variations:

Other Jellies: Try apricot, raspberry, or cranberry jelly for a twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Mustard Addition: Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard for tanginess.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: Experiment with your own sauce blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine Ingredients: Place the mini smoked sausages in the slow cooker. Pour the barbeque sauce and grape jelly over the sausages.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir well to coat all the smokies evenly with the sauce and jelly mixture.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on Low for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until the smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Alternatively, you can cook on High for 1 to 1.5 hours if you’re in a hurry.
Serve: Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting for buffet-style serving. Provide toothpicks for easy snacking.

Tips for the Best Cocktail Smokies

Use Quality Sausages: Opt for trusted brands of little smokies for the best texture and flavor.
Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir once or twice during cooking for even coating.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and sausages in advance. Refrigerate in the cooker insert, then start cooking just before your event.
Portion Control: These go fast! Plan for roughly 5-7 smokies per guest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the slow cooker using toothpicks for guests to skewer individual smokies.
Pair with a side of crunchy coleslaw or potato salad for a heartier snack platter.
Offer extra napkins, as the sauce can be sticky and finger-licking good.
For variety, set out a couple of different flavors using different jellies or sauces in separate slow cookers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Information

Leftovers: Store cooled smokies and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Return to the slow cooker or heat briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 650mg

*Nutrition may vary based on brand of sausages and sauce used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different jelly flavor?: Absolutely! Try apricot, raspberry, or cranberry jelly for a new flavor profile. The sweet element is essential, but the fruit is your choice.
How can I make them spicier?: Add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. For a smoky note, add a dash of chipotle powder.
What’s the best way to keep smokies warm at a party?: Keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
Can I double or triple the recipe?: Yes! Just make sure not to overfill your slow cooker. Adjust cooking times slightly if increasing the batch size.
Are there vegetarian alternatives?: Many brands offer vegetarian or plant-based cocktail sausages. Swap in your preferred type and proceed as directed.

Variations: Customizing Your Cocktail Smokies

Asian-Inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin and add a splash of soy sauce and ginger.
Tex-Mex: Use taco sauce and peach preserves; garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Maple-Bacon: Substitute half of the jelly with maple syrup and toss in a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon.

Party Planning Tips

Prep Ahead: Assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight for easy day-of prep.
Serving Size Guide:
- As a snack: 5-7 smokies per guest
- As a buffet item: Plan for more, especially at larger gatherings
Presentation: Offer colorful toothpicks or party picks for fun and easy grabbing.

Expert Cooking Tips

Use a liner in your slow cooker for quick cleanup.
Enhance flavor by caramelizing the jelly and BBQ sauce in a saucepan before adding to the crockpot; this step is optional but deepens the sauce’s complexity.
For thicker sauce, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Reader Reviews and Testimonials

“So easy, everyone wanted the recipe!”

“Tried it with apricot preserves and it was amazing. Huge hit!”

“I make these for every game night—never any leftovers.”

Related Recipes

Classic Meatballs in Grape Jelly Sauce
Bacon-Wrapped Lil’ Smokies
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites
Cheesy Sausage Dip

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and universally adored appetizer, slow cooker cocktail smokies check every box. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet jelly, and tangy barbeque sauce results in an unforgettable snack that will disappear quickly at any event. Make it your own with creative variations and enjoy stress-free entertaining—thanks to the humble slow cooker!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb