If you’ve ever been to a potluck, game day party, or holiday gathering, you’ve probably seen a slow cooker full of these little sausages. Little Smokies with grape jelly and chili sauce are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast - everyone recognizes them, everyone loves them, and they’re always the first thing gone. They hit that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky, and the slow cooker keeps them warm and ready.
I make these with Little Smokies brand smoked sausages, which already have that rich, hickory flavor. When you coat them in a simple mix of grape jelly and chili sauce, the sauce caramelizes just enough to make every bite irresistible.
They fit right into any gathering menu - whether it’s a big game spread, a holiday buffet, or a casual get-together. They’re also a great match for other crowd-pleasers like Pigs in a Blanket, Black Bean and Corn Salsa, or my Easy Meatballs in Sauce (link when ready).
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those three-ingredient slow cooker appetizers that truly earns a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.
It uses Little Smokies smoked sausages, which have a natural smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet grape jelly and zesty chili sauce.
Because it’s made in the slow cooker, it’s completely hands-off once you get it going. Just stir everything together and let it simmer away until the sauce thickens and the sausages are tender and flavorful.
These grape jelly chili sauce smokies are ideal for parties, potlucks, and game days — they stay warm and saucy for hours, so you can focus on hosting.
The flavor combination of sweet, savory, and smoky makes them a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the kind of recipe people ask for on the spot, and you’ll find yourself passing it along again and again.
Ingredients
2 packages Little Smokies smoked sausages (about 28 oz)
1 cup grape jelly
1 cup chili sauce (like Heinz - flavorful but not very spicy!)
Flavor Tip - If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more grape jelly. For a tangier flavor, increase the chili sauce. It’s easy to adjust until the sauce tastes just right.
Instructions
Step 1
Add the Little Smokies to your slow cooker.
Step 2
Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce over the sausages. Stir to coat.
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Step 3
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Tips & FAQs
Yes! Simmer everything together on low for about 30 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly.
Yes, they freeze surprisingly well. Let the smokies cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in your slow cooker on low until warmed through.
Definitely. Mix the sauce ingredients and sausages together in the slow cooker insert (or a bowl) and refrigerate overnight. Pop the insert back in the cooker the next day and turn it on - done!
Yes, I often do if it's a big or hungry crowd! Just use a large slow cooker and stir once or twice to make sure all the sausages are coated evenly.
Storage
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove
- These freeze surprisingly well. Let the smokies cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in your slow cooker on low until warmed through.
Printable Recipe
Little Smokies in Grape Jelly
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 Packages Lil Smokies Smoked Sausages about 28 oz total
- 1 Cup Grape Jelly
- 12 oz Heinz Chili Sauce Use the whole bottle.
- Toothpicks are great to have available.
Instructions
- Add the Little Smokies to your slow cooker.
- Mix the grape jelly and chili sauce together in a small bowl (it can be a little lumpy and not totally mixed) Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce mixture over the sausages. Stir until everything is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, turn the slow cooker to warm so they stay perfectly saucy for serving.
Notes
- You can easily adjust the sauce flavor. Add a little more grape jelly if you like it sweeter, or extra chili sauce for more tang and spice.
- These slow cooker Little Smokies stay warm for hours - just keep your slow cooker on the warm setting during your party or game day spread.
- To make ahead, combine everything in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day.
- Refrigerator: Can be put in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Let the grape jelly chili sauce smokies cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low in your slow cooker or stovetop until warmed through.
- Leftovers are great the next day -try serving them over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy quick meal.
- This recipe makes about 8-12 servings, depending on how many appetizers you’re offering.
Nutrition (estimate)
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