Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Party Appetizer in Minutes

What Are Little Smokies?

Little Smokies are miniature smoked sausages that pack a flavorful punch in their tiny size. These bite-sized meat treats typically measure about 2-3 inches in length and are made from seasoned pork beef or a blend of both. Their smoky flavor comes from a curing and smoking process that gives them their distinctive taste.

Manufactured by various brands including Hillshire Farm and Oscar Mayer Little Smokies are essentially smaller versions of traditional smoked sausages. You’ll find them fully cooked and ready to heat making them incredibly convenient for quick appetizers and party dishes.

The popularity of Little Smokies stems from their versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. These mini sausages can be served with toothpicks as simple finger food or incorporated into more complex recipes like the sauce-glazed version we’re featuring in this text.

When shopping for Little Smokies look for them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store near hot dogs and larger sausage products. They typically come in 12-14 ounce packages containing dozens of these small sausages perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Little Smokies Recipe

This little smokies recipe will quickly become your go-to party appetizer for several compelling reasons:

Ridiculously Simple Preparation – With just 5 minutes of prep time you’ll have these savory bites ready for the slow cooker. Simply combine the ingredients toss in the smokies and let your appliance do the work.

Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience – Once assembled your slow cooker transforms these humble sausages into crowd-pleasing appetizers while you focus on other aspects of hosting or simply relax with your guests.

Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser – Feeding a large group doesn’t have to expensive. This recipe stretches affordable ingredients into a satisfying appetizer that disappears quickly at any gathering.

Customizable Flavor Profile – The sweet and tangy sauce creates the perfect base but you can easily adjust the heat level sweetness or add unique flavor elements to make the recipe your own.

Make-Ahead Potential – Prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat when needed making it perfect for busy hosts who want to minimize day-of cooking stress.

Kid and Adult Approved – The familiar flavors appeal to picky eaters while the sophisticated balance of sweet smokiness and subtle heat satisfies more discerning palates.

Versatile Serving Options – Serve them straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks for casual gatherings or transfer to a serving dish for more formal events. They pair beautifully with a variety of other appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this crowd-pleasing little smokies recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that work together to deliver that perfect sweet and tangy flavor. Here’s everything you need to gather before getting started.

For The Basic Recipe

• 2 packages (14 ounces each) Little Smokies mini sausages
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water (if needed to thin sauce)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce for extra smoky flavor
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup for sweetness
• 1-2 tablespoons bourbon for depth (alcohol cooks off)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat
• 1/2 cup grape jelly as an alternative sweetener
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami flavor
• 1 small diced onion for texture and flavor
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks with juice for tropical sweetness
• 2-3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon for smokiness
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce for spicy kick

Kitchen Tools Required

To prepare your little smokies recipe with ease you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker – A 3-4 quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe serving 8-10 people. For larger gatherings consider using a 6-quart model.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – These ensure your sauce ingredients are proportioned correctly for that perfect sweet-tangy balance.
• Mixing Bowl – Useful for combining sauce ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Whisk or Spoon – For stirring the sauce ingredients together until smooth.
• Kitchen Scissors – Optional but handy for opening the Little Smokies packages.
• Serving Tongs or Slotted Spoon – Makes serving these saucy bites mess-free at your gathering.
• Toothpicks – Not technically a kitchen tool but essential for guests to enjoy these appetizers without messy fingers.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – no special equipment or fancy gadgets required. Your standard kitchen tools are all you need to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear quickly at any gathering.

How To Make Little Smokies

Creating this irresistible party appetizer is remarkably simple. Follow these straightforward steps to prepare perfectly saucy little smokies that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Preparation Steps

1. Open the packages of Little Smokies and drain any excess liquid.
2. Using kitchen scissors cut the Little Smokies into individual pieces if they’re connected.
3. Combine brown sugar ketchup Worcestershire sauce yellow mustard minced garlic and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
5. Check the consistency of your sauce – it should be thick enough to coat the sausages but not too thick. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to thin it slightly.
6. Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cooking Method

1. Place the Little Smokies in your prepared slow cooker.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages ensuring they’re evenly coated.
3. Stir gently to distribute the sauce throughout the sausages.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1½ hours.
5. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent burning around the edges.
6. The Little Smokies are ready when the sauce has thickened and the sausages are heated through.
7. Switch the slow cooker to WARM setting when done to keep them at perfect serving temperature throughout your event.

Sauce Variations

• BBQ Maple: Mix ½ cup barbecue sauce with ¼ cup maple syrup and 2 tablespoons brown sugar for a sweet smoky flavor.
• Bourbon Glaze: Add 3 tablespoons bourbon to the standard sauce recipe for sophisticated depth.
• Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate 2 tablespoons sriracha or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper into the base sauce for a kick of heat.
• Grape Jelly Classic: Combine 1 cup grape jelly with ½ cup chili sauce for a retro-inspired crowd-pleaser.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Mix ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ cup pineapple chunks with juice for a tropical twist.
• Honey Garlic: Replace brown sugar with ⅓ cup honey and double the garlic for a sticky savory glaze.

Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Preparing Little Smokies in a slow cooker transforms these bite-sized sausages into an irresistible party appetizer with minimal effort. The gentle heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving you freedom to attend to other hosting duties. Your guests will love the convenience of a warm appetizer that stays at the perfect temperature throughout your event.

Setting up your slow cooker Little Smokies couldn’t be easier. First drain the packages of sausages and add them to your slow cooker. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined then pour the mixture over the sausages. Stir gently to ensure even coating before covering the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook the Little Smokies on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours until they’re heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The slow cooking process allows the sausages to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors while remaining juicy and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.

Leaving your slow cooker on the WARM setting after cooking makes these Little Smokies perfect for buffet-style serving at parties. This method keeps them at an ideal temperature without overcooking or drying out. Most slow cookers can safely hold food on the warm setting for up to 4 hours before quality begins to decline.

Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings by using a 6-quart slow cooker instead of the standard 3-4 quart size. The cooking time remains roughly the same regardless of quantity as long as the slow cooker isn’t filled beyond two-thirds capacity. Always check that the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety purposes.

Your slow cooker Little Smokies will develop even better flavor if prepared a day ahead and reheated. Simply complete the cooking process transfer to a refrigerator-safe container and refrigerate overnight. Reheat in your slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours before serving adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

BBQ Little Smokies

BBQ Little Smokies deliver a perfect balance of smoky sweetness and tangy flavor that transforms these bite-sized sausages into an irresistible appetizer. This variation builds on the classic recipe by incorporating rich barbecue sauce for that authentic cookout taste without requiring an actual grill. Your guests will devour these saucy morsels within minutes of serving them at your next gathering.

Creating BBQ Little Smokies requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor impact. Start by combining 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce with ¼ cup brown sugar in your slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard for depth of flavor. Pour in your drained Little Smokies (two 14-ounce packages) and stir until they’re thoroughly coated with the sauce mixture.

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let these smoky treats simmer for 2-3 hours. The extended cooking time allows the sausages to absorb the barbecue flavors while remaining juicy and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating as the sauce thickens and caramelizes around the edges.

For an extra dimension of flavor try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of bourbon to the sauce mixture. These additions enhance the authentic barbecue character that makes this version stand out from other Little Smokies recipes. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve your BBQ Little Smokies with toothpicks for easy grabbing or alongside small slider buns for miniature sandwiches. This versatile appetizer works equally well for casual backyard gatherings and upscale cocktail parties. The familiar barbecue flavor profile appeals to guests of all ages making this variation a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

When it comes to elevating your appetizer game bacon-wrapped Little Smokies deliver irresistible savory goodness that guests simply cannot resist. These bite-sized treats combine the smoky flavor of mini sausages with the crispy saltiness of bacon creating a perfect two-bite appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 package (14 oz) Little Smokies sausages
• 1 pound regular cut bacon (not thick-cut)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Toothpicks

Preparation Steps

Preparing bacon-wrapped Little Smokies requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor impact. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Cut each bacon strip into thirds using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. This creates pieces perfectly sized to wrap around each sausage without excess overlap. Wrap each Little Smokie with a piece of bacon ensuring the bacon ends slightly overlap and secure with a toothpick inserted through the overlapping part.

Place the wrapped sausages on your prepared baking sheet seam-side down arranging them in a single layer with slight spacing between each piece. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the wrapped sausages creating a sweet coating that will caramelize during baking.

For extra flavor drizzle maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped sausages and add a light dusting of cayenne pepper if you prefer a sweet-heat combination. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has formed a glossy caramelized coating.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped treats are versatile enough for various serving styles. Arrange them on a serving platter with extra toothpicks for easy grabbing at casual gatherings. For more elegant presentations transfer the finished sausages to a warmed chafing dish keeping them at the perfect temperature throughout your event.

The bacon-wrapped Little Smokies pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. Set small dishes of different dips nearby allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble these bacon-wrapped sausages up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the sausages with bacon secure with toothpicks and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the brown sugar and other toppings just before baking for optimal results.

For larger gatherings consider doubling the recipe as these appetizers typically disappear quickly. A standard baking sheet can accommodate approximately 30-35 wrapped sausages so prepare multiple batches for bigger parties.

Sweet And Spicy Little Smokies

For those who enjoy a perfect balance of sweetness with a kick of heat, these Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The combination of brown sugar and cayenne pepper creates an irresistible glaze that coats each bite-sized sausage. Your guests will keep coming back for more of these addictive appetizers that blend comfortable familiarity with an exciting spicy twist.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages, drained
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation Method

Drain the Little Smokies and place them in your slow cooker. Combine all remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth. Pour this spicy-sweet mixture over the sausages, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce.

The sauce will thicken as it cooks, creating a glossy glaze that adheres beautifully to each sausage. Taste the sauce about halfway through cooking time and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha or cayenne if desired. For a milder version that still maintains the sweet and spicy profile, reduce the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon and omit the red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Sweet and Spicy Little Smokies with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. The contrast between sweet and heat makes them particularly appealing alongside cooling elements like a ranch or blue cheese dip. Transfer them to a serving dish with a slotted spoon to leave excess sauce behind, or keep them warm in the slow cooker throughout your gathering.

For an impressive presentation, sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the top just before serving. The vibrant green adds visual appeal against the rich, glossy sauce. These sausages pair wonderfully with cold beverages that complement spicy foods, such as light beers or sweet tea, making them perfect for game day gatherings or holiday cocktail parties.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Little Smokies from a simple appetizer into a showstopping party spread with these creative serving ideas. Little Smokies are incredibly versatile and can be presented in many ways to elevate your gathering.

Serve with toothpicks for the ultimate grab-and-go party food. Place a small bowl next to your slow cooker filled with toothpicks so guests can easily spear these saucy bites without getting their fingers messy.

Create a mini buffet by setting up your Little Smokies alongside complementary appetizers. Pair them with cheese cubes crackers and fresh vegetable platters for a balanced spread that offers something for everyone.

Use a chafing dish or warming tray for extended parties. This keeps your Little Smokies at the perfect serving temperature throughout your event without needing electricity or a slow cooker.

Offer dipping options such as honey mustard ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce. Small serving bowls placed around your Little Smokies allow guests to customize their flavor experience.

Arrange on a serving platter with decorative garnishes like chopped parsley green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add visual appeal and a touch of freshness.

Serve in a bread bowl for an impressive presentation. Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough or pumpernickel bread fill it with your Little Smokies and place the extra bread pieces around for dipping.

Create Little Smokies sliders by placing them in mini buns with a small amount of coleslaw or pickle for a more substantial finger food option at longer events.

Present on a tiered serving stand alongside other appetizers for an elegant display that maximizes table space while creating visual interest at your buffet.

Pair with appropriate beverages such as create beer for game days sparkling wine for celebrations or a signature cocktail that complements the sweet and tangy flavor profile of your Little Smokies sauce.

Storage And Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftover Little Smokies

Store any leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the sausages and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to storage containers. The sauce will thicken when refrigerated which is completely normal. For best results separate larger batches into smaller portions to ensure quicker cooling which prevents bacterial growth.

Freezing for Later Use

Little Smokies freeze exceptionally well making them perfect for meal prep. Place cooled sausages and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags leaving about half an inch of space at the top for expansion. These frozen treats will maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months. Label your containers with the date to track freshness and consume them within the recommended timeframe for optimal flavor.

Reheating in the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker provides the most effective method for reheating Little Smokies especially when serving a crowd. Transfer refrigerated sausages back to your slow cooker and heat on LOW for 1-2 hours or until they reach 165°F. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth if the sauce appears too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from burning around the edges.

Microwave Reheating Method

For quick individual servings microwave Little Smokies in a microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel. Heat them in 30-second intervals stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated. This typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your portion size and microwave power. The sauce might splatter so covering your dish prevents messy cleanup.

Stovetop Warming Technique

Reheat Little Smokies on your stovetop by placing them in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if necessary. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This method works particularly well when you need to refresh the flavors by adding additional seasonings.

Maintaining Sauce Consistency

The sauce often thickens during storage. Adjust its consistency when reheating by adding small amounts of water chicken broth or apple juice one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. For extra flavor enhancement consider adding a teaspoon of your favorite BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of brown sugar when reheating to revitalize the flavors.

The Perfect Party Appetizer

These Little Smokies aren’t just an appetizer—they’re your secret weapon for hosting success. With minimal effort and maximum flavor you’ll have a dish that disappears before your eyes at any gathering.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with sweet and spicy variations you’re guaranteed to impress your guests. The slow cooker method means you can mingle instead of monitoring the kitchen.

Remember to grab extra toothpicks! From game day to holiday festivities these bite-sized flavor bombs will earn you a reputation as the host with the most. Trust us—you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every occasion that calls for effortless entertaining with guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.

About The Author