If you’re looking for a party-perfect appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little smokies soak up that sticky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce while they slowly simmer, making them irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or want a fuss-free snack that everyone can’t stop eating, this recipe is a total winner. Stick around—I’ll share all my insider tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Prep: You just mix a few simple ingredients and let the crockpot do all the work—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: That balance of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce gives such a delicious twist that’s both classic and addictive.
- Perfect Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s for casual parties or weeknight snacks, these little smokies never fail to disappear fast.
- Versatile & Adaptable: You can tweak the sauce or spice level easily to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, which is one reason I always keep these staples around. They come together beautifully to create that irresistible sauce that coats the smokies perfectly.
- Little smokies: These mini cocktail sausages are the star of the show—look for quality brands with a good flavor and size that fits your crockpot.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite type—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or tangy, it’ll make all the difference in the final taste.
- Brown sugar: Adds that rich sweetness and depth that caramelizes slightly during cooking.
- Ketchup: Acts as a base to boost the tomatoey tang and balance out the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: This secret ingredient amps up the umami and gives the sauce a nice complexity.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for a gentle garlicky kick throughout the sauce.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap ingredients to suit different moods or dietary needs, and you’ll enjoy making it your own too!
- Spicy Kick: I like adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when I want more heat—my friends go crazy for the extra zing.
- Gluten-Free Version: Just make sure your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
- Honey Swap: Instead of brown sugar, try honey for a more floral sweetness—it’s a twist I discovered and now love for a lighter touch.
- Smoky Depth: Smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke boosts that smoky flavor if your barbecue sauce is on the milder side.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Add the Little Smokies to Your Crockpot
Start by dumping those cute little smokies straight into your crockpot. I’ve tried this in different sizes of slow cookers, and it’s best not to overcrowd so they’re coated evenly. If you double the recipe, make sure you have a large enough crockpot to avoid overcrowding.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. This is where the magic begins—take a moment to taste the sauce before pouring it over the smokies. Trust me, it’s addictive.
Step 3: Pour Sauce and Cook Low & Slow
Pour your sauce evenly over the smokies, cover the crockpot, and set it to low. I find 2 to 3 hours is perfect. Less than that and the flavors don’t fully meld; more than that, and you might risk losing some texture. The best part? You can walk away and let it simmer while you enjoy your day.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, give the smokies a gentle stir to coat them in sauce one last time, then ladle them into a serving dish. I usually serve mine right from the crockpot with toothpicks for easy snacking, and they always disappear quickly!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Use Quality Little Smokies: I learned that using a good-quality brand really makes the difference—cheaper versions can be overly salty or rubbery.
- Don’t Skip the Whisking: Whisk the sauce ingredients really well so the sugar dissolves fully, ensuring a smooth, cohesive sauce coating every bit.
- Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low heat lets the flavors develop without drying out the smokies or making the sauce too thick.
- Stir Gently, Not Often: Over-stirring breaks the little smokies apart, so just give a gentle stir once or twice during cooking if you must.
How to Serve Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the finished little smokies to add a pop of color and a fresh bite. Sometimes a light dusting of crushed red pepper adds just a little edge without overpowering the sauce.
Side Dishes
These little smokies go perfectly with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or even crunchy veggie sticks. For full-on game day fun, pair with your favorite chips or soft pretzels for easy dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
For more formal gatherings, I like serving them in mini bread bowls or skewered with fun cocktail picks alongside a variety of dipping sauces. Using a chafing dish or warming tray keeps them hot and crowd-ready all party long—something I wish I’d discovered years ago!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’re good for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens up too much, just stir in a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before with great success. Just pack them in a freezer-safe dish or bag, label it, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce maintains its flavor, but I recommend reheating gently on low heat to keep the smokies tender.
Reheating
My go-to reheating method is warming leftovers in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce added. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying out the smokies.
FAQs
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Can I make this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy appetizer for guests with dietary restrictions.
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How long can I leave the little smokies in the crockpot?
For best texture and flavor, cook the little smokies on low for 2 to 3 hours. You can keep them on “warm” after cooking if serving later, but cooking much longer than 4 hours on low may make the smokies a bit mushy.
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Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?
Definitely! Homemade barbecue sauce works beautifully and allows you to customize the flavor. Just whisk it with the other sauce ingredients as in the recipe and proceed as usual.
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What can I serve with Crockpot Little Smokies?
They’re fantastic with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, veggie sticks, or chips for dipping. For a heartier spread, pair with baked beans or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe has become my go-to for gatherings because it’s seriously foolproof and crowd-pleasing. I used to stress over fancy appetizers, but now I just toss these together and enjoy the compliments rolling in! Give it a try—you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again for easy, tasty party treats.
Print
Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Little Smokies are an easy and delicious appetizer featuring cocktail sausages simmered in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
Little Smokies
- 2 packages little smokies (12-14 ounce size)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the little smokies into the crockpot, distributing them evenly across the bottom to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the little smokies in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausages to heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir gently to coat the sausages evenly in the sauce, then serve warm as a tasty and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- These little smokies are cocktail sausages simmered in the crockpot in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce.
- A super easy slow cooker appetizer that takes just minutes to put together and always gets rave reviews.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 741 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
