Need a crowd-pleasing dish that the whole family will love? This Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe is deliciously irresistible for holiday parties, game nights with friends, or when a savory snack craving hits.
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Prepare to be hailed as the ultimate party host! With just a few ingredients, these Crockpot Little Smokies deliver comforting food for any gathering or cozy family night. Best of all, it's a lifesaver for busy cooks!
The slow cooker works its magic, making the cocktail sausages tender and infused with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. The best part? Simply toss them with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning in the crockpot, set it, and relax while it cooks.
If you love sausage recipes, be sure to try these smoky and sweet bacon wrapped smokies, sausage egg muffins, sausage green beans and potatoes, and these sausage crescent rolls.
Why You'll Love this Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
- Home-style Comfort: Few appetizers provide the comforting satisfaction of this dish. The aroma alone is irresistible!
- Effortless Prep: This 3-step BBQ Little Smokies recipe lets you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the party or family gathering.
- Customizable: Tailor the flavors and presentation for any occasion. Whether a casual game night, a festive holiday gathering, or a simple family dinner, it's a hit with adults and kids alike!
- No-Fuss Finger Food: These are bite-sized and easy to serve with forks or toothpicks - perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Ingredients
- Cocktail Sausages: Made from pre-cooked pork and beef, they just need to be heated through and coated in sauce. Found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
- BBQ Sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy element, pairing perfectly with the savory crock pot appetizers. You can choose your favorite!
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and richness to the sauce, while thickening it too.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings savory, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Soy sauce or coconut aminos are great options in a pinch.
- Seasoning: For this little sausages in the crock pot recipe, garlic and onion powder add depth, while the paprika enhances flavor and color.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use cocktail franks or hot dogs for a kid-friendly alternative!
- Alternative Cooking Methods: No crockpot? Bake the Little Smokies in the oven at 350°F. Pour the sauce over them before cooking. Use the stovetop for greater control over the process, or fire up the grill during warmer months for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or a sweet chilli sauce, and add pineapple or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies
Gather all your ingredients, grab your slow cooker and learn how to make Little Smokies your go-to recipe for any occasion!
- Step 1: Make the Sauce. Add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder and paprika to the crock pot. Whisk these ingredients until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the Cocktail Sausages. Pour in the mini sausages and toss in the sauce until well coated.
- Step 3: Cook the Mini Sausages. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, serve and enjoy!
Hint: Toast your smokies!
It's totally optional but this quick step gives them a slightly crispy texture! Simply saute them in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
Expert Tips
- Even Cooking: When using a smaller crockpot or even doubling the recipe, leave room for sauce circulation and even heating of the cocktail sausages. Give them room to swim!
- Storing & Reheating: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw before reheating in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
- Keep Them Warm: Use the crockpot "warm" setting to maintain the perfect serving temperature during your next gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Ready to make your Little Smokies crockpot recipe the star of the spread? Here are some fun and tasty ways to serve them that'll make your table the ultimate crowd-pleaser!:
- Serve with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, alongside a couple other appetizers such chicken bacon sliders and smoked queso dip!
- Enjoy them for a kid-friendly with baked mac and cheese or loaded bacon fries.
- Pair with a batch of these easy dinner rolls or homemade breadsticks for a fun way to dip in the sauce.
- For hot summer days, enjoy them with this sweet and savory balsamic pasta salad.
More Delicious Easy Dinner Recipes
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Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 (16 ounce) packages of little smokies sausage links
Instructions
- Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the crock pot. Whisk until well combined.
- Add little smokies to the sauce and toss until coated. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Notes
- Even Cooking: When using a smaller crockpot or even doubling the recipe, leave room for sauce circulation and even heating of the cocktail sausages. Give them room to swim!
- Storing & Reheating: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw before reheating in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
- Keep Them Warm: Use the crockpot "warm" setting to maintain the perfect serving temperature during your next gathering.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
These little sausage are the ultimate game day party food.