Slow Cooker Grape Jelly BBQ Smokies for Easy Parties Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly spicy kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.

This balances the sweetness of the grape jelly with a gentle heat that complements the smokiness of the sausages. Adjust the amount according to personal preference, starting with a small amount and increasing as needed.

If the sauce becomes too thick during the warming phase, add a tiny splash of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it. This helps maintain the perfect glazing consistency for dipping and serving.

Keep the slow cooker on the lowest warm setting to prevent the sauce from caramelizing too much or sticking to the sides of the ceramic insert.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Smokies: Incorporate one tablespoon of chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture to add a significant heat element that cuts through the sweetness of the jelly.
• Savory Garlic Smokies: Stir in two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the savory profile of the dish, providing a deeper, more complex flavor to the final glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat until hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool for no more than two hours at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the sausages submerged in the sauce to prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will maintain their quality for up to three days when kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead. The flavors often deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in the slow cooker on low until it is heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary.

Serving ideas

Serve these smokies in the slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the party, or transfer them to a festive platter for a more formal presentation. Providing a bowl of toothpicks allows guests to easily grab a sausage without needing a fork or plate. This makes them a convenient, mess-free option for busy social gatherings.

Consider pairing these with other party snacks like vegetable sticks or crackers to offer a variety of textures and flavors.

The sweet and savory profile of the smokies pairs particularly well with crunchy, salty sides, creating a balanced spread that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Ensure there are plenty of napkins available for guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly BBQ Smokies for Easy Parties

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 2 lb mini smoked sausages
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the mini smoked sausages into the basin of a slow cooker. In a separate bowl or directly into the slow cooker, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce, stirring until the mixture is relatively smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the sausages for approximately 3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the sausages are heated throughout, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting if serving immediately from the appliance. Alternatively, transfer the sausages and sauce to a decorative serving platter and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Contains: gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.