If you’re looking for the ultimate throw-and-go party appetizer (or even a fun, low-effort weeknight dinner), Crockpot Little Smokies are always a win. These bite-sized cocktail sausages get slow-cooked in a rich, sticky BBQ and brown sugar sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and just a tiny bit spicy. Toss everything in your slow cooker, give it a stir, and walk away, yes, it’s that easy.
Little smokies (aka lil’ smokies or cocktail weenies) are mini pre-cooked pork sausages, and they’re basically made for this kind of recipe. Just heat them up in a flavorful sauce and serve, no chopping, no browning, no fuss. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, holiday get-together, or just need something quick and satisfying, this is the recipe that’ll save the day (and steal the show).
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Smokies
- Set it and forget it: Just five minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest.
- Perfect for parties: Pop in some toothpicks and serve straight from the crockpot, zero stress.
- Big flavor, tiny effort: That BBQ-brown sugar combo is a total flavor bomb.
- Versatile: Serve them as a party snack or make it a full meal with sides, these little guys can do it all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Little Smokies or Cocktail Sausages: Use your favorite brand or variety, pork, beef, or turkey all work.
- BBQ Sauce: Pick your go-to brand or try something bold like smoky or spicy.
- Brown Sugar: For that sticky, sweet finish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Ground Mustard & Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but recommended for an extra layer of flavor and a gentle kick of heat.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
Combine the ingredients
Toss the sausages, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and seasonings into your slow cooker. Give it all a good stir to coat everything evenly.
Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, until everything’s warm, saucy, and totally irresistible.
That’s it, you’re done! Serve ’em up and watch them disappear.
Serving Ideas
- Appetizer Style: Serve straight from the crockpot with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites at parties.
- Mini Sandwiches: Spoon onto slider buns for the cutest little smoky sandwiches.
- Full Meal: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes, alongside mac and cheese, potato wedges, or roasted veggies for a simple dinner.
Fun Variations to Try
- Change up the protein: Try this same recipe with meatballs, sliced sausages, or a combo of both.
- Turn up the heat: Add hot sauce, buffalo sauce, or a splash of sriracha if you love it spicy.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce: Try it with your own blend or something fun like cherry BBQ or Dr. Pepper BBQ for a twist.
- Add bacon: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon right before serving for extra texture and smoky flavor (don’t add it too early or it’ll get soggy).
FAQ
Crockpot Little Smokies: Sweet, Tangy Addictions
If you’re looking for the ultimate throw-and-go party appetizer (or even a fun, low-effort weeknight dinner), Crockpot Little Smokies are always a win. These bite-sized cocktail sausages get slow-cooked in a rich, sticky BBQ and brown sugar sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and just a tiny bit spicy. Toss everything in your slow cooker, give it a stir, and walk away, yes, it’s that easy.
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Ingredients
500 grams little smokies (about 1 lb or 45 smokies)
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground mustard1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Grab a 2 to 3-quart slow cooker, toss in all the ingredients, and give everything a good stir to coat the sausages in that sweet and tangy sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until the smokies are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling and glossy.
- Before serving, give it a quick taste and adjust as needed, add a little more brown sugar for extra sweetness or a dash more red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat.
- Serve ’em up with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer, or scoop into bowls as a fun main dish. However you dish them out, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Notes
Tip: If you like your smokies coated in a thicker, stickier sauce (yes, please!), stir 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the ingredients at the beginning. It’ll help the sauce thicken up perfectly as it cooks.
How to Store Leftovers: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–5 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop until hot. These also freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stove or microwave as usual.
Whether you’re planning ahead or just saving a few for later, these reheat like a dream!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer or Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
