Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer, with more than 10 years of professional experience. As an expert meal planner and avid home cook who loves grocery shopping and helping people figure out what to cook for dinner, I'm a natural fit as The Kitchn’s Dinner Therapist. Since graduating from The University of Scranton and The French Culinary Institute, I've authored three cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen. My kitchen superpower is turning a random assortment of ingredients into easy, delicious dinners that even my young son will eat.
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published Nov 24, 2021
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Little smokies (miniature smoked sausage links slowly cooked in sweet BBQ sauce), with one being lifted up by a wooden spoon
Credit: Kelli Foster

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting in this easy and crowd-pleasing cocktail appetizer classic.

Serves10 to 12

Prep5 minutes

Cook2 hours

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Little smokies (miniature smoked sausage links slowly cooked in sweet BBQ sauce), with one being lifted up by a wooden spoon
Credit: Kelli Foster

I’m a strong believer that everyone needs at least one impossibly easy appetizer that’s guaranteed to be an overwhelming hit with the whole crowd. Mine is little smokies — and I think you’re going to love it, too! Swimming in a smoky savory-sweet sauce, these bite-sized sausages are the perfect app for holiday parties, game day, potlucks, and even a simple dinner. Best of all, they come together with just four simple ingredients — and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. 

What Are Little Smokies?

Also known as cocktail sausages (yes, the same ones you’d use for pigs in a blanket!), little smokies are mini smoked sausages. Look for them in the refrigerated aisle of your grocer, near the hot dogs.

Are Little Smokies Pre-Cooked?

Yes! Like most smoked sausages, little smokies are already fully cooked. You’ll want to heat them through before serving. We think the easiest way is to toss them in the slow cooker with a simple three-ingredient pantry sauce. It’s totally hands-off, and the slow cooker will keep the little smokies warm until you’re ready to serve them up.

Credit: Kelli Foster

What Goes Well with Little Smokies?

A simple sweet and savory sauce takes little smokies from good to totally irresistible. You’ll need just three ingredients for the sauce.

Comments

Little Smokies Recipe

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting in this easy and crowd-pleasing cocktail appetizer classic.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 2 hours

Serves 10 to 12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups

    store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce

  • 1/2 cup

    packed light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon

    Worcestershire sauce

  • 2

    (12- to 14-ounce) packages, or 1 (28-ounce) package little smokies mini smoked sausages

Instructions

  1. Place 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce in a 3-quart or larger slow cooker and stir to combine. Add 24 to 28 ounces little smokies and stir to coat with the sauce.

  2. Cover and cook on the LOW setting until heated through and flavors have melded, about 2 hours. Stir once more and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Filed in:
Cooking Methods
pantry
Meat
Side Dish
Slow Cooker
snacks