There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you walk into a party and catch that first whiff of something simmering away in a crockpot.

It’s a warm, inviting smell that promises easy comfort, and few things deliver on that promise quite like Crockpot Little Smokies.

Why These Tiny Sausages Are a Party Staple

Let’s be honest, planning party food can sometimes feel like a high-stakes operation.

You want things that are delicious, of course, but also forgiving, fuss-free, and guaranteed to make people smile.

That’s where these little wonders come in, offering maximum flavor payoff for minimal kitchen effort.

They’re the reliable friend of the appetizer world, always there to save the day, whether it’s for the big game, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s the beautiful part—you only need three core ingredients to create this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each one plays a specific, important role in building that iconic sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor.

• Lil Smokies: I typically use two 14-ounce packages of these miniature smoked sausages. They’re the hearty, savory base of the whole dish, ready to soak up all the sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: One cup of your absolute favorite barbecue sauce is your main flavor agent. This is your chance to personalize the dish—whether you love a hickory smoke, a honey garlic, or a spicy chipotle vibe, your sauce choice leads the way.
• Light Brown Sugar: A quarter cup of light brown sugar is the secret whisper of sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce and enhances the smokiness of the sausages. It creates that irresistible, glossy glaze we all love.

The Simple Joy of Slow Cooker Apps

There’s something deeply satisfying about “dump and set” recipes, isn’t there?

They free you up to actually enjoy your own party, instead of being stuck in the kitchen until the last minute.

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, gently warming everything through while melding the flavors into something greater than the sum of its parts.

And it keeps them perfectly warm for hours, so guests can graze at their leisure, which is really the best way to eat at a party.

How to make Crockpot Little Smokies?

The process is so straightforward, you might find yourself making these on a regular weeknight, just because.

Here’s how those three simple ingredients become an unforgettable snack.

Step 1: The Grand Combination

Open your packages of Little Smokies and pour them right into the bowl of your slow cooker.

Add the entire cup of BBQ sauce and the quarter cup of brown sugar directly on top of the sausages.

Step 2: The Gentle Warm-Up

Give everything a very good stir, making sure each little sausage gets coated in that sugary, saucy mixture.

Then, just pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW, and let it work for about 2 hours.

Step 3: The Finishing Touch

Once the cook time is up, give them one more stir. You’ll see the sauce has thickened slightly and beautifully coated each weenie.

For a pop of color and a fresh note, you can sprinkle on some thinly sliced scallions or a bit of chopped parsley before serving.

Tips

• If your sauce seems to be thickening more than you’d like as it cooks, don’t hesitate. A small splash of water, about a quarter cup, will loosen it right up and prevent any sticking or burning.
• For larger parties, your slow cooker’s “WARM” setting is your best friend. Just keep an eye on the sauce consistency if they sit for many hours, adding that touch of water if needed.
• Embrace the saucy nature of this dish! Have plenty of napkins within reach, and a bowl of toothpicks makes for the perfect, mess-free serving solution.

Brilliant Variations to Keep Things Interesting

The classic BBQ version is perfect, but the formula is wonderfully adaptable.

Playing with the sauce ingredients can create a whole new experience with the same effortless method.

For a sweet and sour twist reminiscent of old-fashioned cocktail meatballs, swap the brown sugar for a full cup of grape jelly.

You can even substitute the BBQ sauce for ketchup or chili sauce in that case for a different kind of tang.

Love a bit of heat? A half teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a good dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the mix does the trick.

And a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory, umami complexity that’s just fantastic.

Beyond the Appetizer Plate

While these are legendary party starters, their potential doesn’t end there.

They can effortlessly slide into the role of a comforting, kid-approved weeknight dinner.

Serve a heaping spoonful of these saucy smokies over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy macaroni and cheese, or buttery mashed potatoes.

It’s a simple, satisfying meal that turns a fun appetizer into the main event with zero extra effort.

How To Store & Reheat Your Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, they store beautifully.

Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to two months.

Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or back in the slow cooker, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

For a single-serving snack, a quick minute in the microwave will have you back in saucy sausage heaven in no time.

It’s a gift that keeps on giving, really.