Crock Pot Little Smokies are always a hit! This classic recipe is made with mini sausage links slow-cooked in a savory sauce that's packed with flavor. Whether you're serving them at your next game day party or need a satisfying snack, this cocktail weenie recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

Little smokies are mini sausage links that have become a popular appetizer. They get their name from the fact that they're cooked in a smoker, which gives them a unique flavor. The sausages are usually made of pork or beef and are about two inches long. You can find them in any grocery store and make them in many different ways!
In this recipe, the mini smoked sausages are paired with a simple sauce made with 6 simple ingredients creating 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
- The entire recipe is made with just 7 ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand!
- 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 Sausage Links - These mini cocktail weenies can be found in the cold section of your grocery store, near the hot dogs.
- 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 In The Crock Pot
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 the sauce on top of the cocktail weenies in 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
- Make sure to whisk the sauce ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix together ¼ cup of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
- The sausages can also be cooked 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.
- Little smokies come in a variety of different flavors including beef, pork, turkey, and even vegetarian.
- For a spicier slow cooker little smokies recipe, add in 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.
FAQ
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. Little smokies 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 when ready to serve.
Yes! You can make slow cooker little smokies on the stovetop. Just cook over low heat until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
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
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Crock Pot 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 sauce over the sausage links.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
nancy
everyone loved this snackable smokies. there are so adorable and easy to make when hosting parties thanks!
Ryan Allen
So glad everyone at your party loved this tasty appetizer.
Beth
Hurray for Appetizer Season!! This is a favorite of all the parties we attend over the holidays - yum!
Ryan Allen
It is a favorite for my friends and family too.
Beth
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
Thanks! They definitely have some great flavor.
Kathleen
Super easy to make and the perfect appetizer for a party or game day.
Ryan Allen
My family loves these for game day.
Mirlene
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
So glad you liked them. The brown sugar definitely gives them a little extra something.