If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that practically makes itself, this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is exactly what you need. It turns humble cocktail sausages into irresistibly sticky, sweet, and smoky bites that everyone will be reaching for—no fuss, no stress, just mouthwatering flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep making it for game days, potlucks, and last-minute get-togethers.

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Why This Recipe Works

Hands-off cooking: Just stir, set your crockpot, and relax while the magic happens.
Balanced flavor: The sweet brown sugar, tangy ketchup, and smoky liquid smoke create a perfect harmony.
Great for any occasion: From casual gatherings to holiday parties, these Little Smokies vanish fast.
Flexible ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to make this a super approachable recipe.

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easiest BBQ appetizer, slow cooker cocktail sausages, crowd-pleasing party snacks, simple game day appetizers - A close-up view of a white bowl filled with small red sausages covered in a shiny sauce. The sausages are packed closely together, some skewered with a wooden toothpick standing upright in the center. Small pieces of bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled evenly over the sausages, adding a fresh touch. The glossy texture of the sauce highlights the smooth surface of the sausages, making them look juicy and flavorful. The bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in creating those irresistible BBQ Little Smokies. Using ketchup as a base gives you tang and sweetness, while the brown sugar ramps up that caramelized richness. Liquid smoke adds that smoky depth you often crave from grilling, without firing up the BBQ. And fresh minced onion adds some texture and subtle sharpness that balances the sauce beautifully.

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easiest BBQ appetizer, slow cooker cocktail sausages, crowd-pleasing party snacks, simple game day appetizers - Flat lay of two packages of small, plump Little Smokies sausage links neatly arranged, a small white bowl filled with bright red tomato ketchup, a small white bowl holding thick dark brown liquid smoke, a small white bowl with coarse brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl containing finely minced white onion, and a handful of fresh green onions with vibrant green tops and white bases, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tomato ketchup: The sweet and tangy base that forms the BBQ sauce’s heart, easy and familiar flavor everyone loves.
Liquid smoke: Gives that authentic smoky flavor without needing a smoker; I sometimes swap this with soy sauce for a different twist.
Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps the sauce thicken up to perfectly coat the Little Smokies.
Onion (minced): Fresh minced onion adds crunch and a bit of bite that brightens the whole dish.
Little Smokies: The star ingredient! These tiny sausages soak up all the delicious sauce and stay juicy as they cook low and slow.
Green onions (for garnish): Optional but highly recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor when serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe invites you to make it your own. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a different type of smoky flavor, there’s room to experiment. Over time, I’ve adjusted the sweetness and tried swapping out liquid smoke for soy sauce to surprise my family with Asian-inspired notes. You do you—let your taste buds lead the way!

Spicy Variation: Adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper gives these a thrilling heat that wakes up the crowd.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Replace liquid smoke with soy sauce and add a teaspoon of ginger for a fusion flavor my friends adored.
Healthier Swap: Use a low-sugar ketchup and reduce brown sugar for a lighter option that won’t skimp on flavor.
Make It Fancy: Toss in diced pineapples or chopped bell peppers before cooking to add sweetness and color for special occasions.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Sauce

Start by combining ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and minced onion in your crockpot. I like to stir everything thoroughly—it helps the sugar dissolve and ensures every Little Smokie will be coated with that luscious BBQ flavor. Pro tip: taste the sauce at this stage—you want it perfectly balanced before you add the sausages.

Step 2: Add the Little Smokies

Dump in your Little Smokies and give everything a gentle stir to get those sausages swimming happily in the sauce. This step is key because it helps prevent clumping and makes sure each bite is saucy and delicious. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit thick—that sugar is ready to caramelize!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours—whichever fits your schedule. I find high works great when you’re short on time, but low and slow lets the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken up just right. Remember to switch it to warm before serving so it stays at the perfect temperature without overcooking.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. I like serving these straight from the crockpot at casual gatherings, but popping them in a pretty bowl on the table always makes them feel a bit more special.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Give the Little Smokies a bit of space to cook evenly and soak up sauce.
Stir Gently: Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking but don’t overdo it or the sauce will lose thickness.
Taste Before Serving: Adjust sweetness or smoky flavor if needed, adding a splash more liquid smoke or brown sugar.
Use Fresh Onions: Fresh minced onions add a nice bite—frozen onions tend to get too soft and watery.

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easiest BBQ appetizer, slow cooker cocktail sausages, crowd-pleasing party snacks, simple game day appetizers - The image shows a white bowl filled with small, shiny red sausage-like pieces covered in a glossy sauce, giving them a sticky and rich appearance. Bright green chopped scallions are scattered evenly over the sausages, adding a fresh contrast in color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered scallions around it, creating a clean and simple background. The focus is close up and clear, highlighting the texture and color of the sausages and scallions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish these off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that punch of color and fresh flavor—it’s a game changer. Sometimes I toss in a few red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of freshly ground black pepper if I want to tone down the sweetness a bit. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!

Side Dishes

These Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies pair wonderfully with classic picnic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or simple tortilla chips. If it’s a party, I like setting out some crunchy pickles and a veggie tray to balance the rich sausages. They’re also great alongside baked beans for a hearty, comforting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the Little Smokies in mini skewers or toothpicks, making them easy to grab at buffets. Another fun idea: serve them over slider buns for an impromptu party snack that’s both messy and oh-so-delicious. Fancy, yet effortless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover Little Smokies cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They keep really well, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty snack or easy lunch.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I sometimes freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to cool everything first and leave some space for expansion. They freeze and thaw beautifully, which is a lifesaver for quick party prep later on.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze. I prefer to warm them up gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra ketchup to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too—just cover to retain moisture and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe?

Absolutely! While Little Smokies are perfect because of their size and texture, you can swap in cocktail sausages or even mini bratwursts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since larger sausages might need a bit longer to absorb the sauce flavors thoroughly.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Yes, definitely. You can reduce the brown sugar quantity or switch to a brown sugar substitute like coconut sugar for a less sweet profile. Also, adding a little extra vinegar or mustard can balance the sweetness with tanginess if desired.
Can I prepare this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe in advance?

For sure! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just set your crockpot to cook as directed—the flavors might even be richer this way!
What can I use if I don’t have liquid smoke?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, soy sauce is a great substitute that gives a nice umami twist, particularly for an Asian-inspired version. You can also try smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smoky flavor, but start with smaller amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftover Little Smokies will last about 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is one of those magical make-ahead crowd-pleasers I keep reaching for time and again. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors delights every time, and the effortless slow cooking means I can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my guests. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love keeping this recipe tucked into your party arsenal—it’s just that good.

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies recipe featuring smoky, sweet sausages slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Sauce

2 cups Tomato ketchup
2 Tablespoons liquid smoke
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup onion, minced

Sausages

2 13 ounce packages Little Smokies
Green onions for garnish, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In the crockpot, combine tomato ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and minced onion. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
Add the sausages: Place the Little Smokies into the crockpot and stir to coat them thoroughly with the barbecue sauce mixture.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high heat for 2 hours or on low heat for 3 hours until sausages are heated through and flavors meld.
Serve: Switch the crockpot to warm mode to keep the sausages hot. Serve garnished with chopped green onions if desired, or transfer to a serving bowl for immediate consumption.

Notes

Substitute liquid smoke with soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor twist.
Keep warm in the crockpot if not serving immediately to maintain temperature and flavor.
Chop green onions just before serving for fresh garnish.
This dish can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.