These crockpot little smokies with grape jelly are sweet, tangy, smoky, and ridiculously easy to make. They only need four ingredients and about five minutes of prep, making them perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or any time you need a warm appetizer without a lot of work.

Close up view of little smokies in a crockpot.

The sauce is made with grape jelly, bottled chili sauce, and yellow mustard. I know it sounds like a strange combination at first, but y’all, it really works.

The jelly adds sweetness, the chili sauce brings plenty of tang, and the mustard brightens everything up and keeps the sauce from tasting too sugary. The result is that perfect sweet-and-tangy balance.

And just in case you’re wondering, the chili sauce doesn’t make them spicy. It’s more like a seasoned, tangier ketchup, not anything like hot sauce or chili paste.

How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies

Add the chili sauce, grape jelly, and mustard to the crockpot. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for about 1 hour, until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth.

Chili sauce, grape jelly and mustard in a slow cooker.

Add the little smokies and stir until the sausages are completely coated. Cover again and cook on low for another 2 hours.

Once the sausages are hot, switch the crockpot to warm and serve them straight from the slow cooker. Keep a container of toothpicks nearby so everyone can help themselves.

Grape jelly cocktail weiners in slow cooker.

Making Enough for a Crowd

The full recipe uses four 14-ounce packages of sausages and makes a generous batch for parties and holidays. I use a 7-quart crockpot, and it fills up quickly once everything is added.

For a smaller slow cooker or gathering, cut all the ingredients in half.

Once they’re cooked, switch the crockpot to warm and give them a stir occasionally so the sausages stay coated in sauce.

Serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread with crockpot bbq meatballs, slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, or crockpot jalapeño corn dip.

Can I Use a Different Jelly?

Grape jelly is the classic choice, but it isn’t your only option. Peach, blackberry, or raspberry jelly can also be used in the same amount.

Each one changes the flavor slightly, but you’ll still get that sweet and tangy sauce that makes grape jelly little smokies so popular.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover little smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat them in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through. You can also warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve Little Smokies

If you want to round out your spread, consider pairing these with a simple veggie tray, a bowl of chips and salsa, or a quick cheese and cracker platter.