If you’re anything like me, you know the magic of simple party snacks that everyone loves, and that’s exactly why this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is a total winner. It takes just minutes to throw together, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting so you can focus on having fun with friends or family. Trust me, once you try this tangy, sweet, smoky little appetizer, you’ll want to make it for every gathering. Let me show you how to nail this easy recipe every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Prep: You just mix the sauce, pour it over the Little Smokies, and slow cook—no fuss, no mess.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The tangy ketchup, rich brown sugar, and smoky liquid smoke create the ultimate sweet-and-smoky combo.
Hands-Off Cooking: Your crockpot does the work while you relax or get other party prep done.
Always Crowd-Pleasing: Little Smokies are a classic party star—this version just makes them even better.

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easy party snacks, slow cooker appetizers, smoky cocktail sausages, quick game day bites - 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

The ingredients in this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe are straightforward but work beautifully together. I’ve found that quality ketchup and fresh onions really lift the flavors when combined with a smoky touch and plenty of sweetness from brown sugar.

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easy party snacks, slow cooker appetizers, smoky cocktail sausages, quick game day bites - 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: This is your tangy base that gives the sauce body and a classic BBQ vibe.
Liquid smoke: Packed with smoky flavor without needing a grill, just a little goes a long way—alternatively, soy sauce can bring a savory twist for an Asian flair.
Brown sugar: Sweetness is key to balancing the tang and smoke and helps create that sticky, lip-smacking coating.
Onion, minced: Adds a touch of savory depth and texture; don’t skip this for the best flavor.
Little Smokies: The star of the show! Look for good-quality smoked sausages—their pre-cooked nature makes the recipe foolproof.
Green onions (optional): Fresh garnish adds color and a mild onion bite that cuts through the sweetness.

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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

One of the joys of this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I sometimes switch up the liquid smoke for a splash of chipotle hot sauce when I want a little kick or swap the brown sugar for honey to keep it real natural. Don’t be afraid to make it yours!

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika gave me a deeper smoky flavor once, which guests raved about.
Dietary swaps: For a less sweet twist, use less brown sugar or swap ketchup for a no-sugar-added BBQ sauce. I’ve done this for keto friends and they loved it too!

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

Step 1: Mix Your Saucy Magic

Start by combining the ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and minced onion right in your crockpot bowl. Give it a good stir so everything’s evenly mixed—this will ensure the Little Smokies get coated with all those flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Coat the Little Smokies

Next, toss in the Little Smokies and stir them into the sauce until they’re nicely covered. This step is super quick but important—you don’t want little pockets without sauce. I find using a large spoon or even tongs helps to mix without squashing the sausages.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Perfect Flavor

Put the lid on and cook on high for about 2 hours or on low for 3 hours if you’ve got more time. The crockpot slowly blends all those flavors and softens the sausages without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, I’ve done the high setting and it still comes out fantastic.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Switch your crockpot to warm to keep appetizers ready without overcooking. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for that fresh pop of color and bite. If you’re serving immediately, a nice bowl or dish makes all the difference on presentation.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Good-Quality Little Smokies: I always pick the ones that are fully cooked and have a nice smoky flavor already—that matters for texture and taste.
Don’t Skip the Onion: Minced onion adds subtle texture and sweetness that keeps things from tasting flat.
Keep an Eye on the Time: While slow cookers vary, sticking close to 2 hours on high helps avoid mushy sausages.
Turn Before Serving: Give the smokies a quick stir an hour in to ensure even coating and prevent anything from sticking.

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies, easy party snacks, slow cooker appetizers, smoky cocktail sausages, quick game day bites - 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’m all about simplicity here, so chopped green onions are my go-to garnish—they add a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the dish. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of sesame seeds if I’m feeling fancy or want a nutty twist.

Side Dishes

This recipe melts right into any casual spread. I often serve Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies alongside crunchy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or classic potato chips for that perfect mix of textures. They also pair wonderfully with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or parties, I love serving these little sausages in small mini muffin liners or on skewers for easy grab-and-go snacking. Rolling out a pretty charcuterie board around the crockpot bowl (think pickles, cheese cubes, and crackers) turns an ordinary snack into a festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? No worries—store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep great for up to 4 days. I always cool them down before covering so condensation doesn’t make the sauce watery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies successfully a few times. Just let the cooked sausages cool completely, pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick snack, defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them back in the crockpot on warm or low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and keep sauce thick. You can also heat them gently in a saucepan or microwave—just watch the time so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use regular sausages instead of Little Smokies?

You certainly can, but Little Smokies are ideal because they’re pre-cooked and the perfect bite-size. Using regular sausages means they’ll need longer to cook and may require cutting into smaller pieces for best results.
What if I don’t have liquid smoke on hand?

If you skip liquid smoke, your dish will lack smoky depth, but you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost or add smoked paprika for a similar flavor. Just adjust to taste so it doesn’t overpower the sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the sauce ingredients and sausages the night before, refrigerate them in the crockpot insert, and cook the next day. This saves you time when hosting events.
How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and sweet by default, perfect for all ages. To add heat, you can stir in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper before cooking.
Is it possible to make this on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a skillet over medium heat, simmering gently until the sauce thickens and Little Smokies are heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on stirring to avoid sticking.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe hits all the right notes for me—easy prep, reliable crowd-pleaser, and that perfect balance of sweet and smoky. It’s become my go-to snack when friends come over without a lot of fuss. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for those little smokies in the store every time. So go ahead and make it your own, and enjoy all the compliments that come your way!

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Lily
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

This Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy smoky, sweet, and tangy sausage bites perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and onions, these bite-sized sausages are tender and full of rich BBQ flavor.

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

Garnish

Green onions for garnish, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In the crockpot, combine the tomato ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and minced onion. Stir the ingredients well until they are thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful BBQ sauce base.
Add the sausages: Place the Little Smokies in the crockpot and stir to coat all the sausages evenly with the BBQ sauce mixture, ensuring each piece absorbs the flavors.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high heat for 2 hours or on low heat for 3 hours until the sausages are hot and tender, soaking in the sauce.
Serve: Switch the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the sausages heated. Serve the Little Smokies topped with chopped green onions for an extra fresh touch, or transfer them to a serving bowl immediately if serving right away.

Notes

You can substitute liquid smoke with soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor twist.
For a spicier variation, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mix.
Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Green onions are optional but add a fresh and colorful garnish.
Ensure to avoid overcooking to maintain the sausages’ juicy texture.