I first made Mississippi Little Smokies when I needed a quick snack for friends. We had little time and few ingredients. It became my go-to for small get-togethers and simple nights at home. My family likes the sweet and tangy taste. It is simple to make.

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I often make this at short notice. I keep a can of jelly and a bottle of sauce on the shelf. The slow cooker does the work. It frees me to clean, chat, or set the table while it cooks.

This recipe is small sausages cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. The sauce uses grape jelly and barbecue sauce to give a sticky, rich glaze. People often make it for parties, potlucks, and game nights. It works as an easy snack or appetizer. For a fun twist, I sometimes look at a pineapple brown sugar version idea that uses a similar method.

Why make this recipe

This dish saves time. You can mix the sauce and add the sausages in minutes. The slow cooker keeps the food warm without much work. The flavors are simple but crowd-pleasing. This meal uses a few pantry items you likely have. You can change the spices or sauce to match what you like. For dessert plans after this snack, try a small treat like the mini strawberry shortcake bites idea.

How to make this recipe

You mix a sweet sauce, add the mini sausages, and let them heat slowly. The sauce melts and coats each sausage. The slow heat helps the flavors blend. You do not stir much while it cooks. Expect a glossy, sticky finish and warm, tender sausages. If you want a faster finish, you can use a stove pot on low heat for similar results. For another spin, see a linked variation idea that shifts the sweet notes.

Ingredients

Little Smokies sausages, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, savory spices (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder)

Little Smokies sausages: small and bite-sized. They cook evenly and are easy to eat at a party.
Barbecue sauce: gives tang and smokiness. Pick a sauce you like; it colors the dish.
Grape jelly: adds sweet shine and helps the sauce thicken.
Savory spices: garlic and onion powders add depth without fresh chopping. These simple parts make a fast and tasty snack you can scale up or down. I also use a small splash of hot sauce once in a while for heat. A simple dessert link pairs well after this dish.

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and savory spices.
Add the Little Smokies sausages.
Stir to coat the sausages evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through.
Serve warm as a party snack.

Notes: Mix the sauce well so the jelly melts and blends with the sauce. Stir once at the start to coat the sausages. Low heat keeps the sausages juicy and stops the sauce from burning. If you run short on time, cook on high for 1 hour but check often.

How to serve this recipe

Serve warm in a small bowl or on a platter with toothpicks. It fits well on a snack table next to chips and dips. You can pour the sauce over rice for a simple meal. For a casual meal, place the sausages on slider buns with a little extra sauce. These small sausages also work well with cheese cubes and raw veggies on the side for balance. For a sweet pairing, try a light dessert like small shortcake bites after the snack.

How to store this recipe

Cool the dish a little before you store it. In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a pot on low or in the microwave in short bursts. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce when you reheat.

Tips to make this recipe

Use room temperature jelly so it melts faster. Trim any excess fat on the sausages if you prefer less grease. Taste the sauce before you cook and adjust the spice levels. If the sauce is too sweet, add a bit of mustard or vinegar to balance it. Stir gently at the start to coat everything, but let the slow cooker do the rest. If the sauce seems thin at the end, cook uncovered on low for 15–20 minutes to reduce it.

Variation

You can swap the grape jelly for apricot or peach jam for a fruit twist. Use a different barbecue sauce to change the heat and flavor. Add chopped peppers or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. This meal stays simple by design, so big swaps can change the final texture or sweetness. For a smokier taste, try a sauce with smoked paprika or use a light sear on the sausages before adding them to the cooker. You can also use the focused keyword Mississippi Little Smokies in party menus when you label the dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this on the stove?

A: Yes. Use low heat and stir often.

Q: Can I use turkey sausages?

A: Yes. They work fine. Watch the cook time.

Q: Do I need to add water?

A: No. The jelly and sauce make enough liquid.

Q: Can I cut the recipe in half?

A: Yes. It scales down well for small groups.

Q: Is it safe to leave in the slow cooker on warm?

A: Yes, for a few hours, but check texture and taste.

Conclusion

This version is quick, practical, and works for many small events. It uses a few pantry items and a slow cooker. For a classic crock pot guide, see Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies – The Country Cook for another take. If you want a similar family-style post with notes and photos, try Mississippi Lil Smokies | Buns In My Oven. For more recipe tips and step photos, check Mississippi Little Smokies – Recipes – Plain Chicken.