If you’re like me and love those simple party foods that instantly become crowd-pleasers, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe. It’s one of those magical combinations where tangy, sweet, and savory flavors come together with barely any effort. Seriously, this recipe has saved me more than once when I needed a quick appetizer that everyone raves about.

What makes Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe so special is how incredibly easy it is to put together and how the slow cooker does all the work for you. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, looking for a fun tailgate snack, or just craving something tasty to nibble on during a busy weeknight, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Plus, the grape jelly lends a subtle sweetness that balances the smokiness of the sausages beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You really just need a few ingredients that blend so well together — the smoky sausage, the sweet grape jelly, and the tangy BBQ sauce create a flavor trifecta you don’t want to miss.

Cocktail Sausages: I recommend going for good quality pre-cooked ones to make the process super easy and quick. They hold up well in the slow cooker without drying out.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite kind—whether tangy, smoky, or spicy—to customize the flavor. A thicker sauce works best to coat the smokies well.
Grape Jelly: This might sound unusual if you haven’t tried it before, but trust me, it adds this wonderful sweetness that balances the savory BBQ sauce perfectly.

Variations

While I usually stick close to the classic recipe, I’ve played around with a few twists over time. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — testing out new flavors can be half the fun!

Spicy Variation: Adding a splash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper gave it a nice kick during a weekend game day. It elevated the smokies without overpowering the sweet notes.
Mustard Twist: Mixing in a little Dijon mustard with the BBQ sauce adds a tangy edge I find really delicious and a bit unexpected.
Vegetarian Version: Swapping cocktail sausages for meatless sausage bites makes it accessible for plant-based friends, and it still tastes great!

How to Make Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by opening your cans or packages: cocktail sausages, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce. No chopping or advanced prep needed here, which makes this recipe so quick. I like to give the sausages a little rinse in a strainer if they’re frozen or overly saucy from packaging — it helps keep the flavors fresh and not too heavy.

Step 2: Mix Sauces and Cook

In your slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir them together until they’re nicely combined — the jelly will start to melt and blend with the BBQ sauce as it heats. Next, toss in all your cocktail sausages and stir gently to coat everything evenly. I like to give it a good stir once more halfway through cooking if possible, but it’s not necessary.

Step 3: Let It Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker on low and cook for about 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. You want the sausages heated through and the sauce thickened a bit. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting here, and you can step away to prep other party foods or relax.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe

The image shows three white dishes on a white marbled surface. The largest dish is a white rectangular plate filled with many small light pink raw sausages, stacked closely together. To the top right of this plate, there is a small white round bowl filled with shiny dark purple cherries. To the left of the cherries, there is another small white round bowl holding a rich, dark brown sauce with a smooth, swirled texture on its surface. The overall scene is clean and simple, with a clear focus on the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat, but these smokies really shine on their own!

Side Dishes

Serve these smokies alongside some crunchy veggies like celery sticks or carrot slices for dipping. I’ve also paired them with creamy coleslaw or soft dinner rolls to balance the sweetness and make it more filling for a casual meal or party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to present these in a pretty serving dish with cocktail picks ready for guests to grab. Another fun idea is to serve them over toasted baguette slices or even on mini slider buns for easy-to-handle snacks. It turns a simple party appetizer into something a little more polished.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rarity in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days — perfect if you’re looking for a quick snack or easy lunch bite later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these smokies a couple of times by placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. They maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well!

Reheating

Reheating is best done low and slow. I usually warm leftovers in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is bubbly and the smokies are heated through. Alternatively, a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours also works perfectly to revive the flavors without drying anything out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jelly instead of grape jelly?

Absolutely! While grape jelly is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other jellies like raspberry, apricot, or even pineapple. Each brings a unique twist to the sweetness and overall flavor, so feel free to customize according to your taste.
Do I need to thaw frozen cocktail sausages before cooking?

It’s best to thaw frozen cocktail sausages before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cold water to speed things up. Adding frozen sausages might lengthen cooking time and alter texture.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, simply combine the sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly in a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thickened and the smokies are heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How long does this recipe take in the slow cooker?

The recipe typically takes between 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. The goal is to heat the smokies thoroughly and allow the sauce to meld and thicken nicely.
Is this Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe suitable for parties?

Definitely! It’s one of my go-to recipes for entertaining because it’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and everyone loves the sweet-savory combo. Just set it on warm in the slow cooker and let guests help themselves.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe enough — it’s a true staple in my kitchen for casual gatherings or when I need a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing snack. The balance of flavors is just perfect, and the slow cooker makes it so hands-off that you’re free to enjoy your guests (or just kick back yourself). Give it a try next time you want a simple, delicious appetizer — I’m betting it will become a favorite in your home too!

Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly Recipe

★★★★★ 4.6 from 453 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 8–10 appetizer portions 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly is a delicious and easy appetizer featuring cocktail sausages cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from BBQ sauce and grape jelly. This recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, requiring minimal prep and allowing the slow cooker to do all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful smokies everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

24 ounces cocktail sausages
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
1 cup grape jelly

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Plug in your slow cooker and set it to low heat. This will begin warming up and be ready to cook your ingredients evenly over a few hours.
Add the cocktail sausages: Place 24 ounces of cocktail sausages into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking.
Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce and 1 cup of grape jelly. Stir until the grape jelly is fully melted and incorporated into the BBQ sauce, creating a smooth, sweet, and tangy glaze.
Pour the sauce over sausages: Pour the BBQ sauce and grape jelly mixture over the cocktail sausages in the slow cooker, making sure all sausages are evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours. The sausages will heat through, absorb the flavors, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
Stir occasionally: Every hour, give the smokies a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and coating with the sauce. This helps prevent sticking and promotes flavor infusion.
Serve warm: Once cooked, give the smokies a final stir, and serve them warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish. They make a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Notes

You can use frozen or refrigerated cocktail sausages; just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
To keep leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the sausages.
Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or flavor to customize the taste.

Keywords: slow cooker smokies, grape jelly meatballs, cocktail sausages appetizer, BBQ smokies, party appetizer recipes, easy slow cooker recipes