There’s something about a slow cooker full of little smokies that just feels like a party. It’s that warm, inviting aroma that fills the air, promising a snack that’s both effortless and utterly delicious.
These little sausages, simmering away in their sweet and savory sauce, are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, big or small.
The Charm of the Simplest Snack
Let’s be honest, the best party foods are often the simplest. You want something you can toss together without stress, something that doesn’t demand your attention all night.
That’s the real magic of this recipe. With just a few minutes of prep, your crockpot takes over, leaving you free to enjoy your own guests.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
This recipe leans on pantry staples to create a sauce with incredible depth. Each one plays a key role in building that classic, finger-licking flavor.
- Little Smokies (2 packages): The star of the show. These pre-cooked cocktail sausages are all about convenience and that perfect, bite-sized pop.
- Barbecue Sauce (1 1/2 cups): The flavorful backbone of your sauce. Choose your favorite brand—smoky, sweet, or spicy—to steer the taste.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): It’s not just for sweetness. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like molasses note that makes the sauce cling beautifully to each smokie.
- Ketchup (1/2 cup): This is your secret weapon for tangy brightness and body, balancing the sweetness and thickening the sauce just right.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A tiny splash brings a complex, savory umami punch that ties all the other flavors together.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp each): These dried wonders deliver a consistent, mellow savory flavor throughout the sauce without any chopping required.
How to make Crockpot Little Smokies?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, almost too easy to believe it yields such fantastic results. Just a couple of steps stand between you and the perfect appetizer.
Step 1 – Prepare the Smokies
Open those two packages of little smokies and pour them directly into your slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw or pre-cook anything.
Give them a little shake to spread them out in an even layer. That’s it for the smokies, you’re already halfway done.
Step 2 – Whisk the Sauce
Now, for the transformative glaze. Grab a medium bowl and add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Take a whisk to it and stir until every grain of sugar has dissolved and the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
Step 3 – Combine and Cook
Pour that glorious, glossy sauce directly over the waiting smokies. Use a spoon to gently stir and coat every single one.
Pop the lid on, set your crockpot to LOW, and walk away for 2 to 3 hours. The gentle heat will warm them through and let the flavors marry perfectly.
Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: The sauce can be whisked together up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. On party day, just pour it over the smokies and start the slow cooker.
- Keep ‘Em Hot: After cooking, switch your slow cooker to the “WARM” setting. This keeps the smokies at the perfect serving temperature for hours without overcooking.
- Sweetener Swap: Light brown sugar is my go-to, but dark brown sugar will give you a deeper, more robust molasses flavor if that’s your preference.
- Serving Style: Stick a bowl of toothpicks right next to the crockpot for casual fun. For a slightly more polished look, small cocktail forks work beautifully.
- Garnish for Impact: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or cooked, crumbled bacon right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and texture.
Endless Flavor Twists
The basic recipe is a certified hit, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. This dish is a fantastic canvas for your own creative flavor experiments.
For a different sweet note, try swapping the brown sugar for an equal amount of maple syrup or honey. A splash of orange juice can add a lovely citrus zing, too.
If you like a bit of heat, stir in a tablespoon of buffalo sauce, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the other sauce ingredients.
And for a truly classic, old-school twist, forget the barbecue sauce blend. Instead, whisk together a 12-ounce jar of chili sauce with a cup and a half of melted grape jelly.
Pour that sweet-and-sour combo over the smokies and cook as directed. It’s a nostalgic flavor that always brings smiles.
Your Go-To Party Hero
In the end, this recipe is about more than just food. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere with minimal effort on your part.
It’s the dish that lets you be a guest at your own party, confident that something truly delicious is waiting for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead, plug in that crockpot and get ready for the compliments to roll in.
Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
Description
These little smokies are cocktail sausages simmered in the crockpot in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce. A super easy slow cooker appetizer that takes just minutes to put together and always gets rave reviews.
ingredients
Instructions
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Place the little smokies into a crockpot.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
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Pour the sauce over the little smokies in the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the sausages evenly.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 2–3 hours, or until the sausages are hot and plump.
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Keep on the 'warm' setting to serve throughout your party. Serve with toothpicks or small forks.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13gg20%
- Saturated Fat 4.5gg23%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 30mgmg10%
- Sodium 680mgmg29%
- Potassium 220mgmg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 32gg11%
- Dietary Fiber 0gg0%
- Sugars 28gg
- Protein 8gg16%
- Calcium 2 mg
- Iron 6 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make ahead tip: The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Serving suggestion: Garnish with chopped parsley or crumbled cooked bacon for extra flair.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Try using grape jelly and chili sauce for a sweet-and-sour twist, or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
