November 15, 2023
Review RecipeCrockpot Little Smokies
Table of Contents
These addictive crockpot Little Smokies are so easy to make and are the perfect appetizer for any get-together. Just put them in your slow cooker, smother them in a sweet and tangy sauce, and set them to bubble away.
Crockpot Little Smokies Ingredients
This crockpot Little Smokies recipe features smoky sausages coated in a delectable sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.
The sausages provide a hearty and smoky taste, while the sauce, made from chili sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, offers a blend of tangy, sweet, and rich notes.
You’ll need:
- 4 (14-ounce) packages of Little Smokies
- 18 ounces of chili sauce (1½ bottles)
- 8 ounces of pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
Substitutions And Additions
LITTLE SMOKIES: Any brand of little smoked sausages works in this recipe, depending on what you have available at the grocery store.
You could even change it up and make this tasty barbecue sauce to pour over meatballs, pieces of hot dogs, or Italian sausage for another great appetizer.
BROWN SUGAR: To tailor the sweetness level, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Honey will bring a distinct floral sweetness, while maple syrup offers a rich, earthy sweetness.
Adjust the quantity to achieve your preferred level of sweetness, keeping in mind that these alternatives may also slightly alter the texture of the sauce.
CHILI SAUCE: While chili sauce adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the sauce, you can experiment with barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
It’s a great option if you prefer a milder heat level.
Alternatively, if you enjoy a spicier kick, try using a hot sauce of your choice, but start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste.
How To Make This Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
It just takes a few minutes to combine your ingredients in the slow cooker before leaving it to do the rest of the work.
PRO TIP:
If you’re serving these cocktail sausages at a party, you might want to double this easy recipe. In my experience, these are a crowd pleaser and go quickly.
STEP ONE: Place the Little Smokies sausages in the crockpot.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar.
STEP THREE: Pour this mixture over the Little Smokies in the crockpot.
STEP FOUR: Cook on high heat for three to four hours or on low heat for six to eight hours.
PRO TIP:
If you find your sauce is a bit watery at the end, add a bit of cornstarch or flour and give it a good stir to thicken it up.
How To Serve
The beauty of this easy slow cooker appetizer is that they pair well with most other side dishes and make a tasty appetizer.
Keep them warm by serving them right out of the crockpot set on the warm setting. Just add a serving spoon once they are finished cooking, and you are all set.
Serve these alongside a tray of our bacon wrapped pineapple appetizers, for the ultimate dining experience.
And if you’re looking for another delicious appetizer to serve at a party, make this delicious hot cream cheese dip.
MORE CROCKPOT RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning ahead, dealing with leftovers, or looking to freeze some, we’ve got you covered.
MAKE AHEAD: While the slow cooker does the heavy lifting in this recipe, you can make the sauce in advance to save time on the day of your event.
Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy, heat it up and combine it with the Little Smokies in the crockpot as per the recipe.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers of these mini sausages in an airtight container for two to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing these sausages after they are made.
You can freeze the smokies and then thaw them and add to your slow cooker when you are ready to serve them.
REHEATING: Reheating your crockpot Little Smokies is a breeze. You can use the following methods:
- OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen or refrigerated Little Smokies in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until they are warmed through.
- SLOW COOKER: If you have more time, place the frozen or refrigerated Little Smokies in the slow cooker on the low setting. Heat for one to two hours or until they are hot throughout.
- MICROWAVE: Place a portion of the Little Smokies on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for one to two minutes (adjust as needed) until they are heated to your liking.
Why We Love This Recipe
FLAVORFUL AND ADDICTIVE: These Little Smokies are bursting with savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that make them utterly irresistible.
EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker. Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it.
CROWD PLEASING: Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just craving a savory snack, crockpot Little Smokies are a hit.
This crockpot little smokies recipe only requires four simple ingredients and almost zero prep time. They are sure to be a big hit with flavors that are to die for. The sweet and smokey chili sauce flavor makes for the best cocktail smokies in this easy appetizer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This great recipe can also be made in the Instant Pot. Check out our Instant Pot Little Smokies recipe.
These BBQ smokies are fully cooked and only need to be warmed up before serving.
If your sauce is watery, add a bit of cornstarch or flour to the sauce and give it a stir, you should be able to thicken it up!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Buffalo Meatballs
- Rolled Tacos
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Sausage Bites
- Hot Crab Dip
Crockpot Little Smokies
Ingredients
- 56 ounces Little Smokies (four 14-ounce packages)
- 18 ounces chili sauce (1½ bottles)
- 8 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Place Little Smokies in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix the chili sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar together.
- Pour the mixture over the Little Smokies and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- If you’re serving these cocktail sausages at a party, you might want to double this easy recipe. In my experience, these are a crowd pleaser and go quickly.
- If you find your sauce is a bit watery at the end, add a bit of cornstarch or flour and give it a good stir to thicken it up.
Nutrition
Even More Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot Cocktail Links
- Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
- Refrigerator Pickles
- Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
- Swedish Meatballs and Noodles
- Cheese Sticks
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Homemade Corn Dogs
- Crockpot Recipes with Few Ingredients
- Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Comments
Layne Henderson says
Obsessed with these – so easy and yummy!!
Sarah says
These are so easy and yummy!
annabelle soto says
Hi
Love your recipes. Little smokies can they be frozen for later?
Thank you:)
Layne Kangas says
I have frozen little smokies before putting them in sauce but not after they’ve been made. If you’re wanting to freeze them, I would freeze the little smokies and then make this recipe when you’re ready to consume. Enjoy!
Michelle says
Iโm making these for an upcoming party. Iโm tempted to throw pineapple chunks in and using the juice from the canned pineapple. Thoughts?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Michelle – I haven’t tried that but sounds good! Enjoy and have a great party!