Crockpot Little Smokies

Published: November 29, 2022 Last Modified: November 29, 2022 By Sara 32 Comments

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.

I love to offer a variety of snacks when I’m entertaining, including baked brie, potstickers and these super flavorful little smokies. Whenever I serve these smokies at a party, everyone always asks me for the recipe!

A bowl of crockpot little smokies with a fork in it.

Little smokies are a classic snack that are easy to make and adored by kids and adults alike. These crockpot smokies are bathed in barbecue sauce and slow cooked until they’re piping hot and ready to devour.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients including sausages, barbecue sauce, ketchup and seasonings.

The ingredients for this recipe include little smokies, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder.

How do you make crockpot little smokies?

First make a sauce by whisking together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder. Place two packages of cocktail sausages in a crockpot, and pour the sauce over the top. Cook the sausages on low heat for 2-3 hours, then serve and enjoy!

Step by step shots showing how to make cocktail sausages in a slow cooker.

Tips for the perfect appetizer

You can use your favorite store bought barbecue sauce for this recipe, or make your own. Either way works great!
I recommend cooking the sausages for at least 2 hours so that they’re warmed all the way through, but you can cook them for longer if needed. You can also cook on low for 2 hours, then keep the crockpot on the warm setting so that the little smokies stay hot throughout the whole party.
The sauce for this recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
I typically make this recipe with light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will also work if you prefer a more pronounced molasses flavor.
You can serve this recipe with toothpicks so everyone can help themselves, or use cocktail forks for a more elegant presentation.
Feel free to add some garnishes such as cooked crumbled bacon or chopped parsley.

Sausages in a slow cooker with sauce on top.

Recipe FAQs

Are little smokies already cooked?

Little smokies come pre-cooked, all you have to do is warm them up! While I like cooking these sausages in the slow cooker, they can also be heated through in the oven or microwave.

How long do little smokies last in the fridge?

This recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the smokies in the sauce in an airtight container. Thaw the container overnight, then reheat the sausages on the stove or in a crockpot.

How do you know when little smokies are done?

Little smokies are ready to eat when they are warmed all the way through, and plump. The sausages will plump up as they start to absorb the sauce.

Crockpot little smokies coated in sauce.

Flavor Variations

There are so many different ways to customize the flavors of this dish to suit your tastes.

Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, try maple syrup, honey or even freshly squeezed orange juice.
Spice: For smokies with a little kick, try adding buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce, sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Protein: Try using half frozen meatballs, half little smokies for a unique snack option.
Sweet and Sour: Instead of the barbecue sauce mixture listed in the recipe, whisk together 12 ounces of chili sauce with 1 1/2 cups of melted grape jelly. Pour the grape jelly mixture over the smokies and cook as directed in the recipe.

Every time I serve this appetizer, there are never any leftovers! I love how easy it is to put together, and it’s always a welcome snack at any occasion.

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