These Pepper Jelly Little Smokies combine smoky cocktail sausages with a glossy sauce made from sweet pepper jelly, tangy barbecue sauce, and a touch of mustard. They’re sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly easy to prepare in the slow cooker.
They’re perfect for game day, holiday parties, Thanksgiving appetizers, Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve, potlucks, tailgating, or whenever you need a simple crowd-pleasing snack.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few ingredients
- Easy slow-cooker preparation
- Sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy
- Perfect for parties
- Easy to keep warm for serving
- Minimal cleanup
- Simple to customize
- Great for holidays and game day
- Can be prepared ahead
- Always a crowd favorite
Ingredients
Little Smokies
- 2 packages (14 ounces each) cocktail smoked sausages
- 1 cup red pepper jelly
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Heat
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 finely chopped jalapeño
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Finely diced red bell pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
How to Make Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
This makes cleanup easier after the sticky pepper-jelly glaze cooks.
A larger slow cooker can also be used, but the sauce may reduce more quickly because it spreads across a wider surface.
Step 2: Add the Little Smokies
Open the packages of cocktail sausages.
Drain any liquid from the packages.
Place the Little Smokies directly into the slow cooker.
The sausages are already cooked, so they only need to heat thoroughly and absorb the flavor of the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Pepper Jelly
Spoon the pepper jelly over the sausages.
You can use mild or hot pepper jelly depending on how spicy you want the finished appetizer.
There’s no need to melt the jelly before adding it. It will soften as the slow cooker heats.
Step 4: Add the Barbecue Sauce
Pour the barbecue sauce over the pepper jelly and sausages.
A smoky or slightly tangy barbecue sauce works especially well.
Very sweet barbecue sauce can also be used, but you may want to add a little extra mustard or vinegar to balance it.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings
Add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
If you want extra heat, add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeño.
Step 6: Stir
Stir everything until the cocktail sausages are evenly coated.
The pepper jelly may remain in thick pieces at this stage.
It will melt and blend with the barbecue sauce during cooking.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1½ hours.
Stir after approximately 30 minutes, once the pepper jelly has started melting.
Step 8: Thicken the Glaze
During the final 20–30 minutes, remove or slightly open the lid if the sauce is thinner than you prefer.
Continue cooking until the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the sausages.
Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce around the edges from becoming too thick.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce.
For more sweetness, add another spoonful of pepper jelly.
For more tang, add mustard or a small splash of apple cider vinegar.
For more heat, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 10: Garnish
Sprinkle the Little Smokies with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or finely diced red pepper.
Keep the garnish light so the glossy glaze remains visible.
Step 11: Serve
Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting.
Serve the Pepper Jelly Little Smokies directly from the crockpot or transfer them to a warm serving dish.
Provide toothpicks or small appetizer forks for easy serving.
What Are Little Smokies?
Little Smokies are small, fully cooked smoked sausages commonly served as an appetizer.
They’re also known as:
- Cocktail sausages
- Cocktail wieners
- Mini smoked sausages
- Smoked links
- Party sausages
They have a savory, smoky flavor that works especially well with sweet and tangy sauces.
What Is Pepper Jelly?
Pepper jelly is a sweet jelly flavored with peppers.
Depending on the variety, it can range from very mild to spicy.
Common options include:
- Red pepper jelly
- Green pepper jelly
- Jalapeño jelly
- Hot pepper jelly
- Habanero jelly
- Cranberry pepper jelly
Its combination of sweetness, acidity, and pepper flavor makes it especially good in appetizer glazes.
What Pepper Jelly Works Best?
Classic red pepper jelly creates a beautiful glossy red sauce with mild heat.
For a spicier appetizer, use jalapeño or hot pepper jelly.
For holiday gatherings, cranberry pepper jelly adds seasonal flavor and color.
You can also combine two varieties, such as mild red pepper jelly and jalapeño jelly.
Are Pepper Jelly Little Smokies Spicy?
The heat level depends on the pepper jelly.
Mild red pepper jelly creates a mostly sweet and tangy sauce with only a little warmth.
Hot pepper or jalapeño jelly creates a noticeably spicier appetizer.
For a family-friendly version, use mild pepper jelly and omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
How to Make Them Spicier
For more heat, add:
- Hot pepper jelly
- Jalapeño jelly
- Habanero jelly
- Hot sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh jalapeños
- Pickled jalapeños
Begin with a small amount and taste after the sauce has heated.
The spicy flavor can become stronger as the sauce reduces.
How to Make Them Less Spicy
Use mild red pepper jelly and a sweet barbecue sauce.
Omit the hot sauce, jalapeños, and crushed red pepper.
You can also add extra barbecue sauce or a few tablespoons of brown sugar to soften the pepper flavor.
The Secret to a Thick, Glossy Sauce
Allow the pepper jelly to melt completely before deciding whether the sauce is too thin.
During the final portion of cooking, slightly open or remove the slow-cooker lid.
This allows some of the moisture to evaporate and helps the glaze thicken.
For the best consistency:
- Drain the packaged sausages
- Don’t add extra water
- Use thick barbecue sauce
- Cook uncovered briefly near the end
- Stir occasionally
- Let the appetizer rest for a few minutes before serving
Can I Make Them on the Stovetop?
Yes.
Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan or deep skillet.
Cook over medium-low heat until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth.
Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently.
The sauce should become thick and glossy.
Keep the heat low enough to prevent the sugary glaze from burning.
Can I Make Them in the Oven?
Yes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the cocktail sausages in a baking dish.
Whisk the pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings together, then pour the mixture over the sausages.
Bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Three-Ingredient Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
For the easiest version, use:
- 2 packages Little Smokies
- 1 cup pepper jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Add everything to the slow cooker and cook until hot and glossy.
The additional mustard and seasonings provide more depth, but the three-ingredient version is still delicious.
Cranberry Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
Replace the red pepper jelly with cranberry pepper jelly.
Add one tablespoon of orange juice and a small amount of orange zest.
This variation is especially good for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Jalapeño Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
Use jalapeño jelly and add sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Choose a smoky barbecue sauce to balance the heat.
Garnish with green onions and serve with a cooling ranch or sour cream dip.
Hot Honey Pepper Jelly Smokies
Add approximately ¼ cup hot honey to the sauce.
Reduce the barbecue sauce slightly to keep the glaze from becoming too sweet.
Finish with crushed red pepper flakes for a sticky sweet-and-spicy appetizer.
Bourbon Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
Add two tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce.
Allow the mixture to cook thoroughly with the lid slightly open near the end.
The bourbon adds a warm, deep flavor that pairs well with smoked sausage and barbecue sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Pepper Jelly Smokies
Cut bacon slices into thirds.
Wrap each Little Smokie with one piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Bake at 400°F until the bacon is nearly crisp.
Brush with the pepper-jelly sauce and continue baking until the glaze is sticky and the bacon is cooked.
Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Smokies
Place a softened block of cream cheese in the center of a serving platter.
Spoon the hot pepper-jelly sausages around it.
Guests can spread the cream cheese on crackers and top it with a glazed sausage.
This creates a rich, creamy party appetizer.
Grape Jelly and Pepper Jelly Smokies
Use half grape jelly and half pepper jelly.
The grape jelly adds familiar sweetness, while the pepper jelly contributes gentle heat.
Combine them with chili sauce instead of barbecue sauce for a classic cocktail-sausage flavor.
Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Replace the Little Smokies with frozen fully cooked meatballs.
Cook according to the same directions, increasing the cooking time if needed.
The pepper-jelly glaze works especially well with beef, pork, chicken, or turkey meatballs.
Can I Use a Different Sausage?
Yes.
You can use:
- Sliced smoked sausage
- Kielbasa
- Andouille sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Turkey sausage
- Mini hot dogs
- Meatless cocktail sausages
Cut larger sausages into bite-size pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker and double all the ingredients.
The cooking time may increase slightly because the slow cooker will be fuller.
Stir several times to ensure all the sausages heat evenly and remain coated in sauce.
What to Serve with Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
These sausages pair well with:
- Cheese cubes
- Crackers
- Pretzel bites
- Vegetable trays
- Deviled eggs
- Potato skins
- Pigs in a blanket
- Slider sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Party dips
For game day, serve them alongside wings, nachos, sliders, and chips with dip.
How to Serve Them at a Party
Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting.
Stir the sausages occasionally so the glaze stays evenly distributed.
Place toothpicks, small plates, and napkins beside the slow cooker.
For a cleaner presentation, provide a small bowl where guests can discard used toothpicks.
Don’t allow the sauce to cook on high for several hours because it may become overly thick or burn around the edges.
Can I Prepare Them Ahead?
Yes.
Combine the sauce ingredients up to two days ahead and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to cook, place the sausages and prepared sauce in the slow cooker.
You can also cook the entire recipe ahead and reheat it gently before serving.
Storage
Allow the sausages to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Store the sausages with the sauce so they remain flavorful and moist.
How to Reheat Pepper Jelly Little Smokies
Reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
You can also return them to the slow cooker and heat on low until warm.
For small portions, microwave in short intervals and stir between each one.
If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water, barbecue sauce, or apple juice.
Can You Freeze Pepper Jelly Little Smokies?
Yes.
Allow the cooked sausages and sauce to cool completely.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly.
The sauce may look slightly separated at first, but stirring usually restores its consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pepper Jelly Little Smokies?
They’re small smoked sausages coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy pepper-jelly glaze.
Are Little Smokies already cooked?
Most packaged Little Smokies are fully cooked, but check the package instructions before preparing them.
What kind of pepper jelly should I use?
Red pepper jelly is a classic mild option. Jalapeño or hot pepper jelly creates more heat.
Can I use grape jelly?
Yes. Use half grape jelly and half pepper jelly, or replace the pepper jelly completely for a sweeter sauce.
Can I leave out the barbecue sauce?
Yes. Combine pepper jelly with chili sauce, ketchup, or a small amount of mustard instead.
Can I make them without a slow cooker?
Yes. Prepare them in a saucepan or bake them in the oven.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cook with the lid slightly open or removed during the final 20–30 minutes.
Why is my sauce too thick?
It may have cooked too long. Stir in a small amount of water, apple juice, or barbecue sauce.
Can I make them less spicy?
Use mild red pepper jelly and omit the hot sauce and jalapeños.
Can I make them spicier?
Use hot pepper jelly and add cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes. The same pepper-jelly sauce works beautifully with meatballs.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and allow a little extra time for everything to heat.
How long can I keep them warm?
Keep them on the slow cooker’s warm setting during serving and stir occasionally.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerated leftovers will keep for approximately 3–4 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the cooked sausages with their sauce for up to two months.
Pro Tips
Drain any packaging liquid from the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker. Use a thick barbecue sauce and choose the pepper jelly based on your preferred heat level.
Stir the mixture after the jelly begins melting, then cook with the lid slightly open near the end if the sauce needs to thicken.
Keep the finished sausages on warm and stir occasionally for the best combination of smoky sausage, sweet pepper jelly, tangy barbecue sauce, and gentle heat.
Final Thoughts
These Pepper Jelly Little Smokies are an easy party appetizer that delivers plenty of flavor with very little preparation. Smoky cocktail sausages simmer in a glossy sauce made with sweet pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and warm seasonings.
Make them for game day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or your next potluck. You can also transform the same recipe into cranberry pepper smokies, jalapeño jelly sausages, hot honey smokies, or pepper-jelly meatballs for an appetizer everyone will enjoy.
