Name: Slow Cooker Cocktail Sausages
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 28 ounces Cocktail Sausages; 1 teaspoon Olive Oil; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 12 oz Chili Sauce; 12 oz Grape Jelly; 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

JUMP to RECIPE ⭐ RATE this RECIPE

Slow Cooker Cocktail Sausages is an easy recipe that’s perfect for game day and all your party needs. This sweet and spicy appetizer is drizzled with a grape chili sauce, perfectly complementing its smoky flavor.

A plate of slow cooker glazed cocktail sausages with toothpicks, next to a glass of colorful party picks on a wooden table.

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Why this Sweet and Spicy Smoked Sausage Recipe is a Keeper

This super easy appetizer dish uses plump cocktail franks and grape jelly sauce to make an addictive snack that’s perfect for potluck buffets and other gatherings. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing favorite:

Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for this delicious Little Smokies recipe can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
Party Pleaser: Your party guests won’t be able to resist this easy appetizer recipe. It’s a perfect addition to any party spread.
Adaptable: Use your favorite cocktail wieners, spices, and jellies to make this absolutely delicious cocktail party favorite.

If you’re looking for more appetizer recipes, try these: Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket, Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip, and Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots.

What Flavor of Meat is in Lil Smokies Sausages?

A hand holding a cocktail stick with a glazed meatball over a plate of slow cooker cocktail sausages in a shiny sauce.

Hillshire Lil Smokies cocktail sausages have many flavors available, such as pork and chicken, beef, and turkey. Feel free to use your favorite.

Recipe Ingredient Notes for Slow Cooked Cocktail Sausages

A bowl of ketchup, a bowl of sauce, and a bowl of hot dogs and jelly.

Lil Smokies: Use a package of Lit’l Smokies sausages to make this recipe. You can use any variety you’d like.
Grape Jelly: Grape jelly will make the base for the sauce. You can use another flavor if you’d prefer.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Get Our Free Meal Planning Bundle

With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.

Variations and Substitutions for this Little Smokies Appetizer

Chili Powder: Add some chili powder to make this sausage appetizer even spicier.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce will give the sauce a savory touch and up the flavor profile. You can also add salt and pepper.
Brown Sugar: Some brown sugar will help balance the spicy flavors in the grape jelly chili sauce with some sweetness. Syrup, honey, or molasses all work great as substitutes.
Sliced Sausage: Instead of mini sausages, you can also serve slices of smoked sausages, which are just as yummy.

Special Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker: Make these sausages in a slow cooker, crock pot, or instant pot. Alternatively, you can also fry them on the stove.

Pro Tip

You can also make this recipe with barbecue sauce instead of chili sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Grape Jelly Sausages

These are the basic steps for making sweet and spicy Lil Smokies. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

A series of photos showing the process of making the hot dogs and sauce.

1. Sautee Garlic

Drizzle olive oil in a medium saucepan. Cook garlic for about 2 minutes, or until translucent.

2. Make Sauce and Cook

Add chili sauce, grape jelly and seasonings to pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Cook Sausages

Place cocktail weenies in the bowl of the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Then, simmer on high for 90 minutes, stirring after the first hour. To serve, transfer onto a plate and insert a toothpick into each sausage.