Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet has been my go-to appetizer for years, and it never fails to disappear from the party spread! I first stumbled upon this recipe when I needed an easy dish for a last-minute potluck, and honestly, I was skeptical about how sweet little smokies could be. But the moment I pulled them out of the slow cooker, the aroma of smoky sausage mingling with that glossy, sweet glaze had everyone asking for the recipe. This slow cooker lil smokies sweet dish is incredibly simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and a few hours to work its magic. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

These little flavor bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

Effortless Preparation: Seriously, it takes about five minutes to toss everything into the slow cooker.
Minimal Cleanup: Just one pot to wash means more time enjoying your guests.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and savory combination is incredibly addictive.
Perfect Party Appetizer: They’re the ideal finger food for game days, holidays, and potlucks.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a standalone snack or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Customizable Sweetness: Easily adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These sweet little smokies crockpot wonders can be prepped ahead.
Always a Hit: You can count on these easy crockpot little smokies sweet to disappear fast!

Ingredients for Sweet Little Smokies Crockpot

Gather these simple ingredients for the most delicious sweet and savory appetizer. You’ll be amazed at how these pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing dish. These sweet little smokies crockpot wonders are surprisingly easy to assemble!

4 (16 oz) packages Little Smokies sausages – these are the heart of the dish, providing that classic cocktail weenie flavor
4 cups BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory-style recommended) – this forms the base of our sweet and tangy sauce, giving it a wonderful depth
½ cup brown sugar – the key to that irresistible sweetness and a glossy finish
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a complex umami note that balances the sweetness perfectly
1 tsp garlic powder – for a savory foundation
1 tsp onion powder – enhancing the overall flavor profile
½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika recommended) – adds a hint of smokiness and color
Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – for a subtle tang that cuts through the richness
Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes – if you like a little heat to complement the sweet
Optional: 1–2 tbsp bourbon – for a sophisticated depth of flavor

How to Make Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

Whipping up this incredibly easy appetizer is a breeze, and the results are always a huge hit. These sweet little smokies crockpot wonders come together in minutes, letting your slow cooker do all the work!

Step 1: Grab your slow cooker and pour in the 4 cups BBQ sauce. Add the ½ cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp paprika. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This forms the base of our delicious sweet glaze.
Step 2: Unwrap all 4 (16 oz) packages Little Smokies sausages and add them directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir with a spoon or spatula to make sure each little sausage is completely coated in that rich, sweet sauce. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma already!

Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet: Addictive 3 Hour Recipe - Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet - main visual representation

Step 3: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set the heat to the Low setting for 2–3 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, use the High setting for 1–1.5 hours. Both methods will yield wonderfully tender and flavorful smokies.
Step 4: About halfway through the cooking time, it’s a good idea to give everything another gentle stir. This helps ensure the smokies cook evenly and absorb all that fantastic flavor from the sauce.
Step 5: For an extra thick and sticky glaze that clings beautifully to each sausage, remove the lid for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Keep the slow cooker on the High setting during this time. The sauce will reduce and become wonderfully syrupy.
Step 6: Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and has thickened nicely, your slow cooker lil smokies sweet are ready to serve! You can leave them in the slow cooker set to the ‘Warm’ setting for serving, or carefully transfer them to a nice serving dish. Don’t forget to provide plenty of toothpicks for easy grabbing!

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lil Smokies Sweet

Want to elevate your appetizer game? These simple tricks will ensure your sweet little smokies crockpot are the star of any gathering.

Don’t be afraid to use a good quality, smoky BBQ sauce; it makes a huge difference in the final flavor profile.
For an extra sticky glaze, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken beautifully.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess before serving. You can add a little more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash more Worcestershire for depth.
Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to prevent the sausages from sticking and to ensure even flavor distribution.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet?

The magic lies in the balance of sweet and savory. Using a good quality smoky BBQ sauce and brown sugar creates that irresistible sticky glaze. The Worcestershire sauce adds a crucial depth of flavor, preventing it from being just sugary. This simple combination is key to achieving the best crockpot little smokies sweet.

Can I make Sweet Little Smokies Crockpot ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the sauce ingredients and add the sausages to the slow cooker a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply turn on the slow cooker and follow the usual cooking times, perhaps adding an extra 15-30 minutes if cooking from cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Easy Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet?

A common pitfall is using a BBQ sauce that’s too thin; this can result in a watery sauce. Opt for a thicker variety. Another mistake is overcrowding the slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your sausages are well-coated but not piled too high. Finally, don’t skip the optional Dijon or bourbon if you want to add layers of complexity.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

These delightful little bites are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. For a game day spread, serve them warm in a slow cooker alongside tortilla chips and a creamy dip. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday appetizer buffet, nestled among cheese balls and veggie platters. For a more substantial pairing, consider serving them with a side of coleslaw or mini slider buns, creating a sweet and savory sandwich experience. These sweet appetizer crockpot morsels are always a hit, no matter how you present them!

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

Wondering about the nutritional breakdown of these addictive little bites? Here’s a look at the estimated values per serving, which is about 1/20th of the entire recipe. These values give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying as you savor these sweet appetizer crockpot delights.

Calories: 395 kcal
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 780mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of BBQ sauce and sausages you choose.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

Got leftovers of this amazing sweet appetizer crockpot dish? Lucky you! Properly storing and reheating these glazed little smokies ensures they’re just as delicious the next time around. Once the smokies have cooled slightly, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them for longer, these slow cooker lil smokies sweet freeze beautifully! Pack them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, use the stovetop or microwave method. For a thicker sauce, you might need to add a splash more BBQ sauce or a tiny bit of water when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet

What is the best sweet sauce for crockpot little smokies?

The classic combination of BBQ sauce and brown sugar creates a wonderfully sticky and sweet glaze that’s hard to beat. For an extra layer of flavor, I love adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of smoked paprika. This simple mix is what makes these sweet little smokies crockpot so addictive!

Why are my crockpot little smokies not sweet?

If your smokies aren’t as sweet as you’d like, it usually comes down to the BBQ sauce you’re using. Some BBQ sauces are naturally less sweet. Try using a sweeter variety, or simply add a bit more brown sugar to the recipe. You can also experiment with adding a tablespoon or two of grape jelly or apricot jam for an extra fruity sweetness, which is a popular variation of these sweet appetizer crockpot delights.

How do I cook sweet crockpot little smokies to be less greasy?

Little Smokies themselves do have a bit of fat, so it’s natural for some to render during cooking. To minimize greasiness, you can try draining off any excess fat from the slow cooker halfway through the cooking process. Also, choosing a leaner variety of cocktail sausage can help. However, the rich sauce usually masks any greasiness, making these easy crockpot little smokies sweet still incredibly enjoyable.

Can I use different types of sausages for this crockpot little smokies sweet recipe?

While Little Smokies are the traditional choice, you can absolutely experiment with other small sausages! Kielbasa cut into bite-sized pieces, or even mini chicken or turkey sausages, would work well as alternatives. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly, and the flavor profile will change. The core idea of a sweet glaze for cocktail-sized sausages remains the same for these sweet glazed little smokies crockpot.

Variations of Crockpot Little Smokies Sweet You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! These variations offer different flavor profiles and dietary considerations for your sweet little smokies crockpot.

Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, swap half of the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, or add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the base sauce. This creates a wonderful sweet and spicy dynamic.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate a cup of drained pineapple chunks or a small jar of apricot preserves into the sauce. The fruit adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness beautifully, making for truly unique sweet appetizer crockpot bites.
Grape Jelly Delight: A classic variation involves swapping some of the brown sugar for grape jelly. Combine 1 cup of jelly with the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire for a signature flavor. This is a beloved method for grape jelly little smokies crockpot.
Bourbon Glaze: For a more sophisticated flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce mixture. It adds a subtle depth and warmth that pairs wonderfully with the smoky sausage.