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Home » Appetizers » Crockpot Little Smokies

Published: March 18, 2020 Last Modified: March 18, 2020 By Sara 31 Comments

Crockpot Little Smokies

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Crockpot Little Smokies

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.

I love to offer a variety of snacks when I’m entertaining, including baked brie, potstickers and these super flavorful little smokies. Whenever I serve these smokies at a party, everyone always asks me for the recipe!

Crockpot Little Smokies Crockpot Little Smokies

Crockpot little smokies in a bowl with a fork for serving.

Little smokies are a classic snack that are easy to make and adored by kids and adults alike. These crockpot smokies are bathed in barbecue sauce and slow cooked until they’re piping hot and ready to devour.

How do you make crockpot little smokies?

First make a sauce by stirring together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder. Place two packages of cocktail sausages in a crockpot, and pour the sauce over the top. Cook the sausages on low heat for at least 2 hours, then serve and enjoy!

BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup and seasonings in a bowl.

Tips for the perfect appetizer

  • You can use your favorite store bought barbecue sauce for this recipe, or make your own. Either way works great!
  • I recommend cooking the sausages for at least 2 hours so that they’re warmed all the way through, but you can cook them for longer if needed. You can also cook on low for 2 hours, then keep the crockpot on the warm setting so that the little smokies stay hot throughout the whole party.
  • The sauce for this recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
  • I typically make this recipe with light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will also work if you prefer a more pronounced molasses flavor.
  • You can serve this recipe with toothpicks so everyone can help themselves, or use cocktail forks for a more elegant presentation.
  • Feel free to add some garnishes such as cooked crumbled bacon or chopped parsley.

Cocktail sausages in a slow cooker.

Are little smokies already cooked?

Little smokies come pre-cooked, all you have to do is warm them up! While I like cooking these sausages in the slow cooker, they can also be heated through in the oven or microwave.

How long do little smokies last in the fridge?

This recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the smokies in the sauce in an airtight container. Thaw the container overnight, then reheat the sausages on the stove or in a crockpot.

Sauce poured on top of mini sausages in a crockpot.

Flavor Variations

There are so many different ways to customize the flavors of this dish to suit your tastes.

  • Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, try maple syrup, honey or even freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Spice: For smokies with a little kick, try adding buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce, sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Protein: Try using half frozen meatballs, half little smokies for a unique snack option.
  • Sweet and Sour: Instead of the barbecue sauce mixture listed in the recipe, whisk together 12 ounces of chili sauce with 1 1/2 cups of melted grape jelly. Pour the grape jelly mixture over the smokies and cook as directed in the recipe.

A crockpot full of little smokies coated in sauce.

Every time I serve this appetizer, there are never any leftovers! I love how easy it is to put together, and it’s always a welcome snack at any occasion.

More appetizers you’ll love

  • Bang Bang Shrimp
  • Buffalo Cauliflower
  • Hot Bean Dip
  • Fried Okra
  • Baba Ganoush

Crockpot Little Smokies Video

Crockpot little smokies in a bowl with a fork for serving.
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5 from 18 votes

Crockpot Little Smokies

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.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 335kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 packages little smokies 12-14 ounce size
  • 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

  • Place the little smokies into a crockpot.
  • Place the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined.
  • Pour the sauce over the little smokies. Cover and cook on low heat for at least 2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: Appetizers, Slow Cooker

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    Comments

    1. Michael Sollace says

      December 28, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Added some Bushes barbecue beans ! Talk about beenie weenies! Along with two hunks of pork belly! 1/8 oz chunks. Beenie weenie belly? 😋3 hrs.

      Reply
    2. Steve Warner says

      November 24, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! Made two batches. One for a Thanksgiving appetizer and another to freeze for later.

      Reply
    3. Brandy Sellars says

      August 28, 2021 at 11:50 pm

      Could anyone tell me the ingredients for making for 50-75 people??

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 31, 2021 at 8:54 am

        You can change the number of servings in the recipe card and it will automatically recalculate the ingredient amounts!

        Reply
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