Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe

Cocktail smokies: Small, pre-cooked sausages that are perfect for appetizers and easy to find in the refrigerated section of the supermarket.

Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds a rich flavor to the smokies. Choose your favorite brand or make your own.

Grape jelly: A sweet jelly that complements the barbecue sauce, creating a delicious glaze for the smokies.

To enhance the flavor of your cocktail smokies, consider browning them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step will add a depth of flavor and a slight crispiness to the smokies, making them even more delicious. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

• cocktail smokies - Substitute with mini sausages: Mini sausages have a similar size and flavor profile, making them a great alternative.

• cocktail smokies - Substitute with meatballs: Meatballs provide a different texture but can absorb the sauce well, offering a hearty option.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with ketchup and mustard mix: A mix of ketchup and mustard can mimic the tangy and sweet flavor of barbecue sauce.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smokies.

• grape jelly - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves provide a similar sweetness and consistency, adding a fruity note.

• grape jelly - Substitute with cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce offers a tart and sweet flavor that pairs well with savory dishes.

• Allow the cocktail smokies to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy sausages.

• Transfer the cooled smokies along with the barbecue sauce and grape jelly mixture into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the smokies within 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making them even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the smokies in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the cocktail smokies.

• To reheat refrigerated smokies, transfer them to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

• For frozen smokies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated smokies.

• If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat frozen smokies directly from the freezer. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and use the defrost setting on your microwave, then heat until warmed through.

• Always ensure the smokies are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure they are safe to eat.

• Microwave Method: Place the leftover cocktail smokies in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check if they are heated through; if not, continue in 30-second increments.

• Stovetop Method: Transfer the cocktail smokies to a saucepan. Add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cocktail smokies in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have time, the slow cooker is a great way to reheat without drying out the cocktail smokies. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the cocktail smokies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give the smokies a slightly crisp exterior.

• Sous Vide Method: Place the cocktail smokies in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method. Heat a pot of water to 140°F (60°C) and submerge the bag. Let it heat for about 30 minutes. This method ensures the smokies are evenly heated without drying out.

• Slow cooker: This is the primary appliance used to cook the cocktail smokies slowly and evenly over a period of 4 hours.

• Mixing spoon: You'll need this to stir the smokies, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly together to ensure they are evenly coated.

• Measuring cup: This is essential for accurately measuring out the 1 cup of barbecue sauce and 1 cup of grape jelly.

• Serving dish: Once the smokies are cooked, you'll need a dish to serve them in.

• Tongs: These can be useful for serving the smokies individually without making a mess.

• Lid: The lid for the slow cooker is crucial for maintaining the temperature and ensuring the smokies cook properly.

Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a bowl the night before. This way, you can just pour it over the cocktail smokies in the morning.

Use a liner: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for easy cleanup. This saves time on washing up after cooking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for later. This way, you only need to cook once but get two meals.

Pre-cook the smokies: Quickly brown the cocktail smokies in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This can reduce the overall cooking time.