Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cocktail Sausages
Elevate your next gathering with these Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cocktail Sausages! This delightful dish combines smoky cocktail sausages with a sweet grape jelly and zesty chili sauce, creating a scrumptious flavor profile that will please guests of all ages. Perfectly cooked in a crock pot, these savory bites are an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer that will keep everyone coming back for more. Serve at parties, game days, or family gatherings, and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cocktail smoked sausage links
2 (1 lb) packages (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (None)
Minced garlic cloves or garlic powder
2 cloves or 2 teaspoons (Minced, if using cloves)
Grape jelly
1 (16 ounce) jar (None)
Chili sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle (None)
Water
1/3 cup (To rinse out the chili sauce bottle)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the cocktail smoked sausage links into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
2
Place the cut sausages into your crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3
In a bowl, combine 8 ounces of grape jelly and the entire bottle of chili sauce, mixing well to create a smooth sauce.
4
To get every bit of chili sauce out, pour about 1/3 cup of water into the empty chili sauce bottle, cap it, and shake it vigorously. This will loosen any remaining sauce.
5
Pour the water mixture into the crock pot over the sausages.
6
Add the Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic (or garlic powder) to the crock pot.
7
Cover the crock pot with its lid and let it cook on low for approximately 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
After 3 hours, stir the mixture gently to coat the sausages thoroughly in the sauce before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cocktail Sausages?
They are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cocktail smoked sausages cooked in a slow cooker with a sauce made of grape jelly, chili sauce, and seasonings.
What type of sausages should I use for this recipe?
You should use two 1-lb packages of cocktail smoked sausage links, often referred to as Lil' Smokies.
What flavor of jelly is used in the sauce?
This recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of grape jelly to provide a sweet base for the BBQ sauce.
Is the chili sauce in this recipe very spicy?
The chili sauce provides a zesty, savory flavor with a mild kick, but it is well-balanced by the sweetness of the grape jelly.
How long do the cocktail sausages need to cook in the crock pot?
The sausages should be cooked on the low setting for approximately 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cloves of minced garlic with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
Why does the recipe ask to add water to the chili sauce bottle?
Adding 1/3 cup of water to the empty bottle and shaking it helps loosen and retrieve any remaining sauce so none goes to waste.
Do I need to prep the sausages before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should cut the cocktail smoked sausage links into bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people as an appetizer.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a crock pot?
While designed for a crock pot, you can simmer these in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the recipe?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce that complements the sweet and spicy ingredients.
Can I use a different type of jelly, like apricot or raspberry?
Yes, while grape jelly is traditional, apricot preserves or seedless raspberry jelly can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this a good recipe for game day?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a perfect game day snack and party food because it is easy to eat and serves a crowd.
How should I serve these at a party?
Serve them directly from the crock pot on the 'warm' setting with a bowl of toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing.
Can I use turkey cocktail sausages instead of beef or pork?
Yes, turkey cocktail sausages work perfectly well in this recipe if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
Can I cook these on high if I am in a hurry?
Yes, you can cook them on the high setting for about 1.5 to 2 hours, though low is recommended for better flavor melding.
Are these sausages gluten-free?
To ensure they are gluten-free, check the labels on your sausages, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten.
Can I add more spice to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking for extra heat.
How do I store leftover cocktail sausages?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked sausages?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked sausages and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to brown the sausages before adding them to the crock pot?
No, it is not necessary to brown them as they are already smoked and will heat through and absorb flavor in the slow cooker.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until they are warmed through.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of sweet jelly and savory sausage is typically very popular with children.
What size crock pot is recommended?
A standard 3-quart to 6-quart crock pot will work perfectly for this amount of ingredients.
Can I use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce?
You can, but it will change the flavor profile. Chili sauce is less smoky and more zesty than traditional BBQ sauce.
Should the crock pot be covered during cooking?
Yes, keep the lid on the crock pot to trap heat and ensure the sausages cook evenly and the sauce thickens slightly.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the jelly, chili sauce, water, and spices together and store the sauce in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a '< 4 Hours' cook time dish and an appetizer.
Do I need to stir the sausages while they cook?
It is not necessary to stir them constantly, but a gentle stir at the end of the 3 hours ensures all sausages are well-coated.