There’s something about slow-cooked appetizers that feels like a warm welcome at any gathering. And when it comes to Crockpot Little Smokies, you’ve got a recipe that checks every box: simple, savory, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. These mini cocktail sausages simmered in a flavorful, tangy sauce are always a hit, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, throwing a game-day party, or need something effortless for a potluck.

Why are they so irresistible, you ask? It’s all about the magical combination of smoky, juicy sausages with a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce. What’s even better is how easy they are to make. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have an appetizer so good, it’ll disappear faster than you can say, “Save me one!”

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these Crockpot Little Smokies the star of your next event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these Crockpot Little Smokies, and here’s why they’re destined to be your go-to appetizer:

Super Easy to Make: Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work. No fuss, no stress—just delicious results.
Crowd-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or a mix of both, this recipe is universally loved. Everyone grabs one, then another, and before you know it, the dish is empty.
Bold Flavors: The blend of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire creates a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that perfectly complements the smoky sausages.
Versatile: Serve them with toothpicks for a casual vibe, or dress them up with garnishes like chopped parsley or sesame seeds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prep the sauce ahead of time, making party-day prep a breeze.

Picture this: tender sausages coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s sweet, smoky, and just a little tangy. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and the aroma? Let’s just say, your guests will be lining up before you even set the dish out.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Crockpot Little Smokies, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of packages of mini cocktail sausages. Here’s a closer look:

Little Smokies: You’ll need 2 packages (28 oz total). These mini cocktail sausages are the star of the show, offering smoky, savory flavor and a juicy bite.
BBQ Sauce: Go for 1½ cups of your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or tangy, the choice is yours. It’s the base of the sauce, so pick a brand you love.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the tanginess of the other ingredients. Use ¼ cup, packed.
Ketchup: This pantry staple brings a classic tomato tang to the sauce. You’ll need ½ cup.
Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon of this umami-rich condiment adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Garlic Powder: Just 1 teaspoon enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
Paprika: A hint of smoky, slightly sweet paprika (¼ teaspoon) ties everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Little Smokies is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing the Little Smokies sausages into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to preheat—it’s that simple.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Take a moment to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely. This will give the sauce a smooth, glossy finish.

3. Combine and Stir

Pour the sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir to coat all the sausages evenly with the sauce.

4. Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW. Let the sausages cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.

5. Serve

Once the sausages are heated through, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. This keeps them at the perfect temperature for serving. Arrange some toothpicks nearby, and let your guests dig in.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your BBQ sauce will heavily influence the final dish. For a classic taste, opt for a smoky, slightly sweet sauce. If you like things spicy, pick a BBQ sauce with a kick.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Occasionally stirring during the cooking process ensures the sausages are evenly coated and prevents the sauce from sticking to the sides.
Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker glaze, mix ¼ cup of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
Double the Recipe: Feeding a large crowd? You can easily double the ingredients and still cook everything in one slow cooker—just extend the cooking time slightly.
Serve Warm: These sausages are best served hot, straight from the slow cooker.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative twists on the classic recipe:

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Honey Mustard Smokies: Swap the BBQ sauce for a mixture of honey and mustard for a tangy twist.
Maple-Glazed Smokies: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, sweet flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for a subtle, aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions

These Crockpot Little Smokies are endlessly versatile when it comes to serving:

Party Platter: Serve them as-is with toothpicks for a classic appetizer presentation.
Over Rice: Spoon the sausages and sauce over steamed rice for an easy weeknight meal.
With Bread: Offer mini slider buns or dinner rolls for guests to make their own little sandwiches.
As a Side: Pair with scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a hearty brunch option.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerate: Transfer the sausages and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the slow cooker on LOW for about an hour.
Freeze: Place the sausages in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Little Smokies are traditional, you can substitute with sliced kielbasa or even mini chicken sausages.

Do I need to add water?
No, the sauce ingredients provide enough liquid to keep everything moist.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. On the day of your event, combine it with the sausages in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Stir well to combine.

Ready to Impress Your Guests?

These Crockpot Little Smokies are a guaranteed hit that require minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want an easy snack for the family, this recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your photos or any creative twists you’ve added. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Little Smokies: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: ~3 hours
Yield: 10 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crockpot Little Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Smoky cocktail sausages slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages (28 oz total) Little Smokies
1½ cups BBQ sauce
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Place Little Smokies in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pour sauce over sausages and stir to coat.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Switch to WARM to serve.

Notes

Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a twist.
Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Category: Appetizers
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American