Some days I just want dinner to be easy and comforting, with almost no thinking involved. That’s when these Instant Pot Little Smokies save the day 🙂
I’ve made this recipe so many times for busy nights, last-minute guests, and even lazy weekends. Everything goes into the pot, and 10 minutes later, it’s done. Sweet, savory, and warm, this is one of those recipes the whole family gets excited about.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This lil' smokies recipe works because it uses simple ingredients that balance each other perfectly. The BBQ sauce brings smoky flavor, the grape jelly adds sweetness, and the little smokies soak it all up while cooking under pressure.
It’s also a true dump-and-go recipe. No browning, no extra steps, and barely any cleanup. The Instant Pot does all the work, making this perfect for quick dinners, parties, or game days.
Ingredients
Little smokies sausages
These mini sausages are the base of the recipe. They soak up the sauce beautifully. Beef, pork, or turkey smokies all work well.
BBQ sauce
This adds smoky, tangy flavor to the dish. Use your favorite brand, sweet or spicy depending on your taste.
Grape Jelly
The grape jelly brings sweetness and helps create a thick, glossy sauce. You can swap it with apricot jam or strawberry jelly if needed.
Water
Water helps the Instant Pot come to pressure and thins the sauce just enough while cooking.
Salt
Just a small amount helps balance the sweetness and brings all the flavors together. Feel free to skip.
How to Make Little Smokies
Add BBQ sauce, grape jelly, water, little smokies, and salt to the Instant Pot.
Stir well to combine.
Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking time is done, do a quick release and open the lid.
Stir, serve and enjoy 🙂
Tips
- If the sauce is too thin, use sauté mode for a few minutes.
- You can double the recipe for a crowd with the same cook time. You can also cut the recipe in half and use just one 16 oz pack of little smokies for a smaller batch (same cooking time as well).
- Taste at the end and add more BBQ sauce if you like it bolder.
How to Serve
These sausages are great on their own and work for many meals. They’re rich, filling, and perfect for sharing. You can serve them straight from the pot while they’re warm.
Try serving them over mashed potatoes for a quick dinner, with toothpicks as an appetizer, or inside slider buns for fun mini sandwiches everyone will love.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the max fill line. The cooking time stays the same.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, these little smokies freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat using sauté mode or the microwave.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Sausage and Potatoes
Instant Pot Little Smokies
Ingredients
- 32 oz little smokies 2 packs of 16 oz
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¾ cup grape jelly
- ¼ cup water
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add BBQ sauce, grape jelly, water, little smokies, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When cooking time is done, do a quick release.
- Open the lid, stir, and serve 🙂
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- If the sauce is too thin, use sauté mode for a few minutes.
- You can double the recipe for a crowd with the same cook time. You can also cut the recipe in half and use just one 16 oz pack of little smokies for a smaller batch (same cooking time as well).
- Taste at the end and add more BBQ sauce if you like it bolder.
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