Crockpot Little Smokies

During busy family gatherings or casual get-togethers, Crockpot Little Smokies emerge as a go-to appetizer that simplifies hosting without sacrificing flavor. These bite-sized sausages, slow-cooked in a glossy sweet-tangy sauce, offer a smoky bite wrapped in caramelized goodness that keeps everyone reaching for more. The hands-off crockpot method lets you focus on your guests instead of the kitchen.

I appreciate how this recipe scales easily for crowds and stays warm in the slow cooker for hours. Leftovers reheat effortlessly, making them ideal for weeknight snacks or potlucks. Busy moms and professionals find it a stress-free way to deliver crowd-pleasing comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot for a no-fuss appetizer ready in minutes.
• Irresistible Flavor: Sweet-tangy sauce creates a glossy, smoky coating that delights every bite.
• Party Perfect: Keeps warm for hours, ideal for game days or holiday gatherings with family.
• Versatile Appeal: Scales easily for crowds and works as a quick snack for busy evenings.
• Make-Ahead Ease: Prepare ahead to free up time, with simple reheating for leftovers.

Crockpot Little Smokies Ingredients

These simple ingredients blend into a sweet and tangy sauce that clings beautifully to the smoky sausages, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Opting for high-quality barbecue sauce and fresh spices ensures a richer, more vibrant taste that elevates your Crockpot Little Smokies.

• Mini cocktail sausages: Form the savory, bite-sized base with their inherent smokiness.
• Barbecue sauce: Provides the tangy, sweet foundation that coats everything evenly.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Ketchup: Contributes a subtle tomato depth for added richness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami notes for complex, savory undertones.
• Onion powder: Delivers subtle allium flavor without the need for chopping.
• Garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic depth to enhance the overall sauce.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies

Step 1: Add Sausages to Slow Cooker

Place the cocktail sausages directly into your slow cooker for a simple start. This base layer allows the sauce to surround them evenly during cooking. No pre-cooking needed, keeping prep quick.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. This creates a thick, flavorful mixture that will infuse the sausages. Stir well to dissolve the sugar fully.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat them thoroughly. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded. The result is tender sausages in a glossy sauce, perfect for serving warm.

Pro Tips for Success

• Whisk Sauce Thoroughly: Combine ingredients smoothly to avoid grainy texture from undissolved sugar.
• Coat Evenly: Stir sausages gently after pouring sauce for uniform flavor infusion.
• Check at Two Hours: Test for heated-through doneness to prevent overcooking the sausages.
• Serve Warm: Keep in slow cooker on low to maintain glossy, melded sauce appeal.
• Use Low Setting: Ensures tender results without drying out the mini sausages.

How to Serve Crockpot Little Smokies

Garnishes

I often finish my Crockpot Little Smokies with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Chopped green onions add a mild bite that contrasts the sweetness nicely. A light dusting of sesame seeds gives subtle crunch without overpowering the tangy sauce.

Side Dishes

I pair these sausages with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or crunchy veggie sticks like carrots and celery for easy dipping. Potato chips or pretzels make a casual, no-fuss complement that soaks up the glossy sauce well. This keeps the meal light yet satisfying for gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I like skewering the warm Crockpot Little Smokies on toothpicks for grab-and-go serving at parties. Arranging them in a shallow dish with extra sauce pooled around creates an inviting display. For a fun twist, nestle them into slider buns with a pickle slice for mini sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer cooled Crockpot Little Smokies to an airtight container and refrigerate them right away. They stay fresh for a few days, perfect for quick snacks. This method keeps the sauce from separating too much.

Freezing

Portion the sausages with sauce into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out excess air for best results. I freeze them flat for easy storage and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready. They hold up well for up to two months without losing much flavor.

Reheating

I warm leftovers in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway to redistribute the sauce evenly. For a crispier edge, use a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to avoid drying. Either way, they regain that cozy tenderness quickly.

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