Slow Cooker Little Smokies are a must for holidays and game day! Easy barbecue cocktail sausages that simmer to sweet, smoky perfection in the crockpot with just 5 ingredients.
Slow Cooker Little Smokies
These Slow Cooker Little Smokies are the ultimate, no-fuss appetizer for parties, holidays, and game day. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal prep, the cocktail sausages slow-cook in a sticky, sweet, tangy sauce until perfectly glazed and irresistible.
Ready in about three hours with only five minutes of prep, this recipe is ideal when you want a crowd-pleasing dish that practically makes itself. The sauce is sweet with a touch of tang and smoke, and the slow cooker keeps everything warm and saucy for easy serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep.
- Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and game day.
- Sweet, smoky, and saucy—always a hit.
- Made in the slow cooker for hands-off cooking and effortless serving.
Slow Cooker Little Smokies Recipe Tips & Variations
- Keep warm: Use the slow cooker’s warm setting to maintain temperature during your event.
- Make more: Double the ingredients for a larger crowd and use a bigger slow cooker.
- Even coating: Stir halfway through cooking so all the smokies are evenly sauced.
- Serving: Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce on plates, or a regular spoon to serve them extra saucy. Toothpicks make them perfect finger food.
- Spicy option: Add cayenne, sriracha, hot sauce, or swap in a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Grape jelly twist: For classic grape jelly smokies, replace the ketchup and mustard with 1 cup grape jelly.
- Bourbon BBQ: Stir in a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor.
- Chili sauce version: Substitute ketchup with chili sauce for more tang.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs – Tender meatballs slow-cooked in a sweet-and-savory grape jelly and BBQ glaze.
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip – Creamy, cheesy, and spicy; delivers classic buffalo flavor with minimal effort.
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy on the outside, gooey inside; ready in minutes in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Extra crispy wings without deep frying; toss in your favorite sauce.
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers – Jalapeños stuffed with cheese, breaded, and air-fried for crunchy, spicy bites.
Slow Cooker Little Smokies Video
Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Slow Cooker Little Smokies are a must for holidays and game day! Easy barbecue cocktail sausages that simmer to sweet, smoky perfection in the crockpot with just 5 ingredients.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 21 servings
Calories: 159 kcal
Author: Michelle
Ingredients
- 2 packages (12 ounces each) little smokies
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce (honey or sweet is best)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir to combine and coat the smokies evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once halfway through. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Combine ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate. When ready, place the insert in the cooker and add about 30 minutes to the cook time if ingredients are very cold.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the slow cooker on Low until warmed through.
Nutrition
Serving: 6 smokies with sauce |
Calories: 159 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 9 g
Calories: 159 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 9 g
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