Tasty Little Smokies: A Fun Crockpot Recipe For Everyone

Tender and irresistible little smokies swimming in a mouthwatering crockpot sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds.

These bite-sized sausages pack a punch of flavor that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the little smokies become incredibly juicy and absorb every delicious note of the tangy glaze.

Bacon lovers and party hosts adore this simple yet crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires minimal effort.

With just a few ingredients, you can create a winning dish that disappears faster than you can say “more please!” The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory elements makes these little smokies an absolute game-day favorite.

Prepare to be the hero of your next potluck or game night with this effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why You’ll Crave Crockpot Little Smokies

• Dump sausages and sauce into crockpot without browning, making this recipe super simple and foolproof for anyone to master.
• The combination of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that transforms basic Little Smokies into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Crockpot method allows you to set it and forget it, giving you freedom to enjoy time with guests or tackle other party preparations while food cooks perfectly.
• These saucy sausages work brilliantly for game day gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or casual weekend snacking, appealing to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Smokies

• Little Smokies: Bite-sized sausages that provide a savory base for this delicious appetizer.

• BBQ Sauce, Brown Sugar: These ingredients create a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes around the sausages.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: These seasonings bring warmth, aromatics, and a subtle smoky undertone to the dish.

How to Cook Little Smokies in the Crockpot

Step 1: Arrange Sausages

Place Little Smokies directly into the slow cooker.

No need to pre-brown these tasty morsels – simply drop them in a single layer across the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and spices blend smoothly, creating a rich, harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Coat and Mix Sausages

Pour the prepared sauce over the Little Smokies.

Gently stir to ensure every sausage is completely covered in the delectable mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the sausages simmer for 2-3 hours.

During this time, the sausages will absorb the sauce, creating an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.

For a quicker option, you can cook on high for 1-1.5 hours, but the low and slow method delivers the most mouthwatering results.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, stir the Little Smokies one final time to redistribute the sauce.

Transfer to a serving dish and watch them disappear at your gathering.

Tips for Smoky Flavor Every Time

• Adjust brown sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level, adding more for a sweeter glaze or reducing for a tangier flavor profile.
• Stir sausages occasionally during cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and avoid potential burning at the bottom of the crockpot.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce brands or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of complexity and personalized taste.
• Keep the crockpot on warm setting during parties to maintain temperature and prevent sausages from drying out, making them perfect for buffet-style gatherings.
• Swap traditional Little Smokies with turkey or plant-based sausages for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the same delicious sauce coating.

Storing and Reheating Little Smokies

• Store leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the sausages are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled sausages in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Transfer sausages to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Tasty Pairings with Little Smokies

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Fresh, tangy cabbage salad cuts through the richness of the smoky sausages, providing a crisp counterpoint to the sweet and savory sauce.
• Serve with Craft Beer Selection: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to complement the robust BBQ flavors, enhancing the spicy-sweet profile of the Little Smokies.
• Match with Crunchy Pretzel Bites: Salty, crispy pretzels create a perfect textural contrast against the soft, saucy sausages, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the dish.
• Accompany with Creamy Mac and Cheese: Smooth, cheesy pasta balances the bold smokiness of the sausages, creating a comforting and satisfying meal combination.

Little Smokies Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular BBQ sauce with certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap traditional BBQ sauce for a sugar-free, low-carb barbecue sauce and replace brown sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol to maintain the recipe's flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a hotter flavor profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to personal heat tolerance.
• Honey Mustard Variation: Substitute BBQ sauce with honey mustard sauce and add a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy alternative that transforms the classic little smokies recipe into a different flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Little Smokies with cocktail sausages, kielbasa, or even cut-up regular hot dogs. Just keep the size similar for consistent cooking.

• Is this recipe good for party appetizers?

Absolutely! These Little Smokies are perfect for game day, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and any casual get-together. They’re crowd-pleasing, easy to serve, and always disappear quickly.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausages in the crockpot ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just plug in the crockpot and start cooking. They also reheat well, making them great for advance preparation.

• Do I need to add water to the crockpot?

No, the sausages and sauce will create enough moisture during cooking. The sausages will release their own juices, and the BBQ sauce provides plenty of liquid to prevent sticking or burning.

Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling crockpot little smokies deliver a mouthwatering party appetizer that satisfies hungry crowds with minimal preparation. Savory sausages swimming in sweet and tangy sauce promise delightful bites you cannot resist at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 (16 ounces / 454 grams) packages of little smokies sausage links

Sauce and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups bbq sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Unwrap Little Smokies and distribute evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for consistent cooking.
2. Create a flavor-packed sauce by combining BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated and sugar slightly dissolves.
3. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the sausages, gently stirring to guarantee each Little Smokie is thoroughly coated with the rich, tangy mixture.
4. Program the crockpot to low temperature and allow sausages to simmer for 2-3 hours, permitting the sauce to penetrate and infuse the meat with deep, complex flavors. Alternatively, use high temperature for a quicker 1-1.5 hour cooking time, though slower method yields more developed taste profile.
5. Once cooking is complete, gently stir sausages to redistribute sauce and ensure uniform coating before serving hot as an appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• Optimize sauce thickness by whisking brown sugar thoroughly to prevent graininess and ensure smooth, glossy coating on Little Smokies.
• Prevent overcooking by checking sausages around 2-hour mark to maintain plump texture and prevent drying out, especially when using high-heat setting.
• Enhance meal prep by making these Little Smokies ahead of time and refrigerating – flavors deepen overnight, making them perfect for game day or potluck gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg