Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe

Cocktail smokies: These are small, pre-cooked sausages that are perfect for quick appetizers or snacks.

Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds smoky flavor and moisture to the dish.

Grape jelly: A sweet jelly that blends with the barbecue sauce to create a delicious glaze for the smokies.

One of the simplest but most important steps in this Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe is giving everything a good stir before you start cooking. It might seem like a small thing, but mixing the cocktail smokies, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly together really helps all the flavors blend and makes sure every little sausage gets coated with that sweet and tangy sauce.

Here’s how I like to do it:

1. After you add the cocktail smokies, pour in the barbecue sauce and then the grape jelly on top.
2. Take a big spoon or a heat-safe spatula and gently stir everything around. Try to scoop from the bottom and bring the sauce up over the sausages.
3. Keep stirring until you see the smokies are evenly covered with sauce and jelly.

Doing this step carefully means the smokies won’t just sit in a pile with sauce on top—they’ll soak up that yummy mix as they cook. It also helps the slow cooker heat everything evenly, so no part ends up dry or too saucy.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I just dumped everything in and didn’t stir much. When it was done, some smokies were swimming in sauce while others barely had any flavor. Now, I always take a minute to stir well, and it makes such a difference. Plus, it’s kind of fun to watch the jelly start to melt and mix with the barbecue sauce before the slow cooker even gets going.

So, don’t skip that stirring step—it’s a little move that makes your cocktail smokies taste even better and your cooking smoother!

• cocktail smokies - Substitute with mini meatballs: Mini meatballs offer a similar bite-sized, savory experience and can absorb the flavors of the sauce well.

• cocktail smokies - Substitute with sliced kielbasa: Sliced kielbasa provides a smoky and flavorful alternative that pairs well with barbecue sauce and jelly.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with ketchup and mustard mixture: A mixture of ketchup and mustard can mimic the tangy and sweet profile of barbecue sauce.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that can complement the smokies similarly to barbecue sauce.

• grape jelly - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves provide a similar sweetness and consistency, adding a fruity note to the dish.

• grape jelly - Substitute with cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce can offer a tart and sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory elements of the dish.

• Allow the cocktail smokies to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled smokies to an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, but high-quality plastic containers or resealable plastic bags work well too.

• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. This is especially helpful if you’re making multiple batches or storing other meat dishes.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the smokies within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld even more, making them taste even better.

• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. Cocktail smokies can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the smokies in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the quality of the barbecue sauce and grape jelly glaze.

• Reheat the smokies in a slow cooker on low for about 1 hour, or until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• If you notice any changes in texture or an off smell, it’s best to discard the smokies. Freshness is key to enjoying this delightful appetizer.

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes during reheating. This can elevate the taste and add a new dimension to your dish.

• Microwave Method: Place the cocktail smokies in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Transfer the cocktail smokies to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or barbecue sauce to loosen it up.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cocktail smokies in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are hot and the sauce is bubbling.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have some time, you can reheat the cocktail smokies in the slow cooker. Set it to low and heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through. This method is great for keeping them warm during a party.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the cocktail smokies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, such as baking, boiling, and frying.

• Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used primarily to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.

• Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir ingredients together in a bowl or pot.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present and serve the finished food.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, in this case, to serve the cocktail smokies.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the barbecue sauce and grape jelly the night before to save time in the morning.

Use slow cooker liners: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick appetizer later.

Pre-cook smokies: Quickly sear the cocktail smokies in a pan to enhance flavor and reduce slow cooker time.

Combine sauces: Mix the barbecue sauce and grape jelly together in a bowl before adding to the slow cooker for even distribution.