This slow cooker cocktail smokies recipe is a perfect appetizer for any gathering, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of barbecue sauce and grape jelly creates a unique glaze that coats the smokies, making them irresistibly delicious. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is both easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
If you don't usually stock cocktail smokies in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. These miniature sausages are typically found in the refrigerated section near other processed meats. Additionally, grape jelly might not be a staple in every household, but it's essential for achieving the sweet component of this recipe. Make sure to grab a jar while you're at the store.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe
Cocktail smokies: These are small, pre-cooked sausages that are perfect for appetizers and party snacks.
Barbecue sauce: A tangy and savory sauce that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Grape jelly: Provides a sweet contrast to the barbecue sauce, creating a delicious glaze for the smokies.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the cocktail smokies in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give them a slightly crispy exterior and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cocktail smokies - Substitute with mini sausages: Mini sausages have a similar size and texture, making them a great alternative for cocktail smokies.
cocktail smokies - Substitute with vegan sausages: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegan sausages that mimic the flavor and texture of cocktail smokies.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce: Mix ketchup with a bit of Worcestershire sauce to achieve a similar tangy and sweet flavor profile.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard sauce provides a sweet and tangy flavor that can complement the smokies well.
grape jelly - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves offer a similar sweetness and consistency, making them a good alternative to grape jelly.
grape jelly - Substitute with cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce can provide a tart and sweet flavor that pairs well with the barbecue sauce and smokies.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the cocktail smokies to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy sausages.
Transfer the cooled smokies along with the barbecue sauce and grape jelly mixture into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The smokies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the cocktail smokies. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Frozen smokies can last up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the smokies in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it’s best to discard the smokies to ensure food safety.
For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes during reheating to revive the dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover cocktail smokies in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of barbecue sauce and grape jelly to keep them moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the smokies to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the smokies in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Slow Cooker Method: Return the smokies to the slow cooker. Set it to low and heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect if you want to keep them warm for a longer period.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the smokies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature, perfect for this recipe to cook the cocktail smokies evenly.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together and to coat the smokies.
Measuring cup: Used to measure out the exact amounts of barbecue sauce and grape jelly needed for the recipe.
Serving dish: A dish or platter to transfer the cooked cocktail smokies from the slow cooker to the table for serving.
Tongs: Handy for picking up and serving the cocktail smokies without making a mess.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly the night before and store in the fridge. This way, you can just pour it into the slow cooker when you're ready.
Use a liner: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for easy cleanup. This saves time on washing up afterward.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for another occasion. This way, you only need to cook once but get two meals.
Pre-cut ingredients: If your cocktail smokies need any trimming or cutting, do it in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages cocktail smokies
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- 1. Combine barbecue sauce and grape jelly in the slow cooker.
- 2. Add the cocktail smokies and stir to coat.
- 3. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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