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There’s nothing like a set-it-and-forget-it appetizer that brings people running! These Crockpot Little Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—sweet, smoky, tangy, and just a little bold if you add the bourbon. Whether it’s a game day, holiday party, or just a casual gathering, these little bites will disappear fast.
Every time I make these, they vanish before I even get a chance to grab a plate. It’s that kind of recipe—so simple, yet so addictive. The slow cooker does all the work, letting those little sausages soak up the sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce until they’re perfectly glazed. I love adding a splash of bourbon takes them to the next level.
But here’s my little secret—there is always a way to sneak in an extra punch of flavor without making things complicated. Instead of plain BBQ sauce, using a honey bourbon BBQ sauce to double down on that rich, caramelized depth without measuring an extra ingredient. Or, if you want a little heat, stir in a dash of hot honey—sweet, spicy, and ridiculously good (or pepper jelly).
The best part about this recipe? No babysitting, no stress, just a foolproof dish that makes entertaining effortless. Whether it’s a family get-together, holiday potluck, or just a weekend snack, these little smokies always steal the show. And trust me—once you see how easy they are, you’ll find every excuse to make them again!
What are Little Smokies or Cocktail Wieners?
Little Smokies are fully cooked smoked sausages, so in theory you could just heat them up and they are ready to go. However, I find letting them bathe in these wonderful flavors they just taste so much better. They are perfectly bites sized for party food!
Variations and Substitutions
- Use turkey or beef little smokies if you have a preference.
- Swap bourbon for apple juice if you want the depth of flavor without the alcohol.
- Try a spicy BBQ sauce, or add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Mix in a spoonful of grape jelly or apricot preserves for a sweet-and-tangy twist. Or pepper jelly adds some sweet heat.
💡Shortcut Ideas 💡
- Use a pre-made BBQ sauce with extra flavor (like honey or mesquite) to skip extra ingredients.
- Buy a bourbon-infused BBQ sauce to get that rich depth without adding extra liquor.
- If short on time, heat everything in a saucepan on the stovetop for 20-30 minutes instead of using the slow cooker. Letting them simmer away in the slow cooker really gives the flavors time to intensify, but if you’re in a pinch, this works.
How to Make Little Smokies in Crock Pot
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In your slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bourbon (if using), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add the Little Smokies
Toss in the little smokies and stir until they’re completely coated in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re hot and coated in that delicious sauce, switch the slow cooker to “Keep Warm” and serve straight from the pot with toothpicks. Enjoy!
TIP: For a really easy cleanup, you can add a slow cooker liner.
Tips For Making Perfect BBQ Weenies
- Give the sauce a quick whisk before adding the little smokies so everything is evenly combined.
- Cooking on low for 3-4 hours gives the best flavor, but high for 1-2 hours works in a pinch.
- Stir occasionally if possible to coat the smokies evenly in the sauce.
- Keep them warm in the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting for serving.
Lil Smokies Crockpot Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead
You can mix the sauce ingredients a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pour it over the little smokies in the slow cooker and turn it on—easy!
Refrigerator Storage
Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store cooked little smokies in an airtight container with the sauce in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
- Before Cooking: Combine the little smokies and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then dump everything into the slow cooker.
- After Cooking: Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the slow cooker on low or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Please Pin Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies to save and share with friends!
Don’t forget Dessert
Little Smokies in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 4 – 14 ounce packages little smokies
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ to ½ cup bourbon, optional
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder into slow cooker and stir until combined.
- Dump in the little smokie packages and stir until well coated.
- Cover with lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 1 to 2 hours.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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