Crockpot Little Smokies Recipe

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

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.

Crock pot little smokies on a white plate with toothpicks in them and more in a bowl in the background.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How To Make Little Smokies
Recipe Tips
Variations
Substitutions
Storing & Freezing
Recipe FAQs
More Crock Pot Appetizer Recipes
Crockpot Little Smokies

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!

Overhead look at little smokies in a black crock pot.

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.

Close up of a little smokies covered BBQ sauce over more in a slow cooker.

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

What do you eat with them?

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!

Are little smokies and hot dogs the same thing?

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.

Can I make crockpot little smokies ahead of time?

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.

I don't have a slow cooker. Can I still make this recipe?

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.

Little smokies in a gray bowl with bbq sauce.

More Crock Pot Appetizer Recipes

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.