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Crockpot Little Smokies

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close up shot of a plate of Crockpot Little Smokies
These addictive crockpot Little Smokies are so easy to make and have the best flavor from the tangy barbecue sauce.
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Table of Contents
  1. Crockpot Little Smokies Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE
  9. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

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.

close up shot of a spoonful of Crockpot Little Smokies

Crockpot Little Smokies Ingredients

crockpot little smokies raw ingredients that are labeled
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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.

Little Smokies placed in a crockpot

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar.

chili sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar mixed together

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.

mixture poured over the Crockpot Little Smokies and cooked for 3-4 hours

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.

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.

a close up shot of Crockpot Little Smokies on a tooth-stick

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

Can I make this easy appetizer recipe in an Instant Pot too?

This great recipe can also be made in the Instant Pot. Check out our Instant Pot Little Smokies recipe.

Are Lil Smokies fully cooked?

These BBQ smokies are fully cooked and only need to be warmed up before serving.

Why is my Little Smokies sauce watery?

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!

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close up shot of a plate of Crockpot Little Smokies

Crockpot Little Smokies

5 from 2 votes
These addictive crockpot Little Smokies are so easy to make and have the best flavor from the tangy barbecue sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8

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

Calories: 723kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 2887mg | Potassium: 634mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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    • 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!

  1. Michelle says

    I’m making these for an upcoming party. I’m tempted to throw pineapple chunks in and using the juice from the canned pineapple. Thoughts?

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