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Crockpot Little Smokies are an easy appetizer that is perfect for parties or even a cozy night in. These cocktail sausages are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy bbq sauce, resulting in a mouth-watering flavor that will leave your guests asking for more.
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious appetizer to serve at your next party, then crockpot little smokies are a perfect choice. These bite-sized sausages are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy bbq sauce that will leave your guests asking for more. If you love Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon then you’ll love this version.
Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. Below are some easy options for different flavors such as changing up the type of bbq sauce. I prefer a Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. You can even create a dipping sauce for little smokies such as Alabama White Sauce.
Ingredients Needed
- Little Smokies
- BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown Sugar
- Honey
- Worcestershire Sauce
How to Make Little Smokies in the Crockpot
- Prepare the sauce. You can either place all the ingredients, except the Little Smokies, into a small bowl or the actual crockpot and whisk them together to combine.
- Arrange the crockpot. Add the Little Smokies and toss them in the sauce to evenly coat them. Return the lid to the Crockpot.
- Cook. Set the temperature to low and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling.
What to Serve with Little Smokies
Crockpot little smokies are typically served as an appetizer, but they can also be enjoyed as a main dish or dinner with a few simple side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- For a hearty dinner – Serve these cocktail sausages with a side of Mashed Potatoes or Green Beans.
- To make a kid-friendly meal – Crockot little smokies can make a fun kid-friendly meal when served alongside Mac and Cheese.
- For a lighter meal – Serve them with some rice and roasted vegetables such as Roasted Carrots or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
FAQS
Yes, you can freeze Little Smokies. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the crockpot or on the stove. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different after freezing and reheating, but they will still be safe to eat.
To create a thicker sauce add a slurry at the end of cooking. To do this mix 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 cup of water together and stir it into the crockpot with 30 minutes of cook time to go. As the flour cooks into the mixture, the sauce will thicken.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet and sour – Swap the bbq sauce and ketchup for sweet chili sauce and grape jelly for a sweet and sour flavor option.
- Maple-glazed – Replace the honey in the sauce with Maple Syrup for a sweet and savory flavor that’s great for fall or tailgating.
- Mustard and beer – Use a combination of mustard, beer, and brown sugar for a tangy and savory sauce.
- Teriyaki – Use a store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Honey mustard – Use a combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce for a tangy and sweet flavor.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a kick, or try some sriracha sauce.
- Stir occasionally: To prevent the sausages from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, be sure to stir them occasionally while they’re cooking.
- Serve with toothpicks: Little Smokies are the perfect size for toothpicks, making them easy to pick up and eat. Be sure to provide toothpicks for your guests to make it easier for them to enjoy the dish.
Storage Information
- Leftovers – If you have leftovers, you can store crockpot little smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat them, simply place them in the microwave or on the stove until they are heated through.
- Freezing Instructions – If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them as mentioned earlier. Remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines and make sure the sausages are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 12 ounce Cocktail Sausage Packages Little Smokies
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 3 tablespoons Worecestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. You can either place all the ingredients, except the Little Smokies, into a small bowl or the actual crockpot and whisk them together to combine.
- Arrange the crockpot. Add the Little Smokies and toss them in the sauce to evenly coat them. Return the lid to the Crockpot.
- Cook. Set the temperature to low and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a kick, or try some sriracha sauce.
- Stir occasionally: To prevent the sausages from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, be sure to stir them occasionally while they’re cooking.
- Serve with toothpicks: Little Smokies are the perfect size for toothpicks, making them easy to pick up and eat. Be sure to provide toothpicks for your guests to make it easier for them to enjoy the dish.
Storage Information
- Leftovers – If you have leftovers, you can store crockpot little smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat them, simply place them in the microwave or on the stove until they are heated through.
- Freezing Instructions – If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them as mentioned earlier. Remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines and make sure the sausages are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
I’ve always found cocktail sausages a little bit common but adding the sriracha will change my mind. The sauce sounds excellent.
Thank you, Jeff!
These wont last long if I make them my husband loves appetizers like this and will flip when I make these!
I certainly understand how that goes in my house too. My husband probably ate more of these than anyone.
Awesome recipe – I think I will try them with breakfast sausages – would be a nice twist to Sunday brunch!
Oh, that’s a great idea, Lima!
What a lovely concept. Reminds me of a famous Mediterranean dish I had long ago, except the flavors here are different. An easy and delicious recipe to keep.
Oh, that’s interesting, Roxana.
So much flavor in those little babies! Can smell and taste it!
Yes! They’re packed full of flavor.