Crockpot Little Smokies are always a hit! This classic recipe features mini sausage links simmering in a savory BBQ sauce that bursts with flavor. Whether you're serving them at your next game day party or need a satisfying snack, this cocktail weenies recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
If you are looking for easy appetizers for your next party or game day. Check out some of my favorites Crock Pot Artichoke Dip, Bean Dip, Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs, or BBQ Chicken Sliders.
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Little smokies (aka lil smokies) are mini sausage links that have become a popular appetizer. They earn their name by cooking them in a smoker, imparting a distinctive flavor. Typically crafted from pork or beef, these sausages are around two inches long. You can find them in any grocery store and make them in many different ways!
This recipe mixes mini smoked sausages and barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky, and salty flavor. Add everything to the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
In just a few hours, you'll have a delicious appetizer that's perfect for game day or any party. Serve them alongside some toothpicks, and enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can make the entire recipe with just seven ingredients; chances are you already have most of them!
- It's an easy way to feed a crowd an appetizer that takes little effort to make.
- You can adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- They're ready to go in just 3 hours or less!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Little Smokies - You can find these mini cocktail sausages near the hot dogs in the cold section of your grocery store.
- BBQ Sauce - Use homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce to add a smoky flavor with a sweet twang.
- Brown Sugar - Helps thicken up the sauce and adds a rich, sweet flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Gives the base of the sauce a salty umami flavor that pairs well with the sweet flavors.
- Seasonings - A mix of dried garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhances all the flavors in the dish.
How To Make Little Smokies
Add the sausages: Remove the smokies from their packages and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Assemble the sauce: Add all of the sauce ingredients, including the brown sugar and spices, to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk the sauce together until fully combined.
Pour on top: Pour the sauce on top of the cocktail weenies into the crock pot and stir until well-coated.
Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook for 2-3 hours on LOW or until the sausages and sauce are warm. Serve with toothpicks on the side. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- For a thicker sauce, blend ¼ cup of cornstarch with equal cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
- Cook the sausages on HIGH for about an hour and a half.
Variations
- If you can't find little smokies, try using full-sized hot dogs or sausages cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Smokies come in a variety of flavors, including beef, pork, turkey, and even vegetarian.
- For a spicier little smokies recipe, add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Substitutions
- BBQ sauce - Ketchup or chili sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Worcestershire sauce - Soy sauce, tamari, or Coconut aminos can be used as substitutes.
- Brown sugar - Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar can be used as substitutes.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: If you have leftover cocktail weenies, once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: To freeze, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
There are many different ways to enjoy slow cooker little smokies! Serve them as is with toothpicks for an easy appetizer. Or, get creative and use them in other dishes like salads, sandwiches, wrapped in bacon, or as a topping for pizza!
No, they are not the same thing. cocktail weenies are made with pork, beef, or turkey, whereas hot dogs are usually just made with pork.
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Or, you can fully cook the recipe and then reheat it when ready to serve.
Yes! You can make slow cooker little smokies on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat until the sausages are warmed through and the sauce bubbles.
More Crock Pot Appetizer Recipes
- Slow Cooker Sticky Buns
- Crock Pot White Queso Dip
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crock Pot Rotel Dip
- Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you loved this recipe. Please leave it a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Check out all of my easy Appetizer recipes.
Crockpot Little Smokies
Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz) packages of little smokies sausage links
- 2 cups bbq sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Add little smokies sausage links to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, add the remaining ingredients and whisk together until well combined. Then, pour the barbecue sauce over the lil smokies.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Video
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
nancy says
everyone loved this snackable smokies. there are so adorable and easy to make when hosting parties thanks!
Ryan Allen says
So glad everyone at your party loved this tasty appetizer.
Beth says
Hurray for Appetizer Season!! This is a favorite of all the parties we attend over the holidays - yum!
Ryan Allen says
It is a favorite for my friends and family too.
Beth says
This is such a classic. I love the sweetness and the smokiness. And it doesn't hurt that it's so easy to make, either.
Ryan Allen says
Thanks! They definitely have some great flavor.
Kathleen says
Super easy to make and the perfect appetizer for a party or game day.
Ryan Allen says
My family loves these for game day.
Mirlene says
These smokies are a great appetizer to have. The brown sugar with the bbq sauce gives these smokies a good amount of sweet and savory flavor!
Ryan Allen says
So glad you liked them. The brown sugar definitely gives them a little extra something.
Linda says
Can this recipe made with meatballs?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, it turns out amazing with meatballs.
Vickie says
Same recipe I use except I add a can of beer. Drunken weiners!
Ryan Allen says
Such a great way to change it up.