Let’s be honest, if there’s a Crockpot full of Lil Smokies at the party, that’s where people are hovering. This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it appetizers that just work. I’ve made enough party food to know the key is getting that sauce ratio right so it’s thick, glossy, and coats every bite. Growing up around Southern gatherings taught me that the best appetizers are the ones that require minimal effort but maximum flavor. This recipe is simple, reliable, and built to feed a crowd without stressing you out.
Crockpot Lil Smokies Ingredients
- Little Smokies Packaged Sausage
- BBQ Sauce
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener
- Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, and Smoked Paprika
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Cocktail Sausage Little Smokies
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce, brown sugar or sweetener, and spices to a slow cooker.
- Slow cook until the sauce is thick.
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Slow Cooker Crockpot Little Smokies with BBQ Sauce
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 oz Little Smokies packaged sausage I used 2 14oz packs.
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar Dark or light brown sugar will work. Adjust to suit your taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker or Crockpot (mine is 7quart) and stir.
- Cover the pot with the lid. Slow cook for 2-3 hours on Low or 1 hour on High until warm and the sauce has thickened.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Cocktail sausages, you might call them cocktail wieners or Little Smokies, are those small, bite-sized sausages you always see at parties. They’re the ones sitting in the slow cooker at baby showers and game days, and somehow they’re always the first thing gone.
They can be made with pork, beef, chicken, or a mix, and come in different flavors depending on the brand. Most of the time, they’re simmered in a sauce like barbecue, mustard, or something sweet and tangy. Simple, easy, and always a crowd favorite.
I love to make these with BBQ sauce, typically a local Kansas City BBQ Sauce like Gates. Always use your favorite and preferred brand. You can also use any of these: Sweet and Sour Sauce, Grape Jelly, Sweet Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard, or Teriyaki Sauce.
The biggest perk of making these in the Crockpot is it also serves as a great way to keep them warm for serving. Set the slow cooker to the "warm" setting. This will keep them at a safe serving temperature without overcooking. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
1. Add all of the ingredients to a skillet at medium heat. Stir to combine the ingredients.
2. Adjust the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes or however long it takes for the dish to warm and the sauce to thicken.
You can cook these ahead of time and store them tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can reheat them in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting just before serving. To use the stove, reheat the on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
You can reheat them in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting just before serving. To use the stove, reheat the on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
How to Serve Them
- Classic Toothpick Appetizer: Spear each little smokie with a toothpick, allowing guests to easily pick them up for a convenient and classic appetizer.
- Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap each little smokie in a triangle of crescent roll dough and bake until golden brown. This classic combination is always a hit.
- Mini Slider Sandwiches: Serve little smokies on mini slider buns, along with your choice of condiments like mustard, ketchup, pickles, and onions. Add cheese for extra flavor.
- Skewers: Thread them onto wooden skewers with pieces of bell pepper, pineapple chunks, or other colorful vegetables or fruits for a tasty and eye-catching presentation.
More Appetizer and BBQ Recipes
Kings Hawaiian Sliders
Hot Baked Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Traeger Smoked Queso
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat
Slow Cooker Crockpot Brisket
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
Faye Jones says
Can I cool them tonight and leave them
On warm over night.
staysnatched says
I wouldn't. They're simple to cook. I would start them before you're ready to serve.