Easy Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe : 2-Ingredient Mini Sausage Delight

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or game days, look no further than Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies. This recipe combines the delicious, smoky flavor of little sausages with the tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s irresistibly tasty and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a quick snack for your family, these BBQ mini sausages will be a hit!

Save

Why You’ll Love Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies

Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies are the ultimate low-maintenance snack or appetizer that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You only need two ingredients—little smokies and barbecue sauce—to create a dish that’s savory, smoky, and perfectly sweet. The best part? These mini sausages cook slowly in the Crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together while you focus on other things. It’s a hands-off dish that requires little prep and is always a hit at parties. Whether you’re a busy host or just need an easy family-friendly snack, these BBQ lil smokies are a must-try.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves quick, delicious appetizers. It’s especially great for:

• Party Hosts: Serve these easy BBQ lil smokies as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
• Game Day Fans: Need a snack for the big game? These little sausages are the perfect finger food.
• Busy Cooks: If you don’t have time to stand over the stove, the Crockpot does all the work for you.
• Family Meals: With only two ingredients, this recipe is super simple and great for feeding the family on a busy night.

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious slow-cooker recipes, check out our Crockpot Chicken Stew or our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken for more comforting meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Little Smokies

This recipe is as simple as it gets! All you need are two key ingredients:

• 1 package (14-16 oz) little smokies sausages
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. You can use sweet, tangy, or even spicy barbecue sauce, depending on your preference.

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• BBQ Sauce: You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like. Some people prefer a smoky, tangy sauce, while others might go for a sweeter variety. You could even try mixing two different kinds of sauce for a unique flavor.
• Little Smokies: You can find mini sausages labeled as “little smokies” in most grocery stores, but if you’re looking for a different flavor, you can experiment with other mini sausages, like cocktail sausages or even vegetarian versions for a twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you want a spicy kick, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need a Crockpot or slow cooker to cook the sausages low and slow.
• Spoon or Tongs: For stirring the sausages and serving them once they’re done.
• Measuring Cup: For measuring out the barbecue sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies

Step 1: Add Little Smokies to the Crockpot

Place the little smokies sausages into your Crockpot. You don’t need to thaw them first; just dump them straight from the package into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Pour in the BBQ Sauce

Next, pour the barbecue sauce over the sausages. You want the sausages to be well-coated in the sauce, so stir them gently to ensure everything is covered.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the Crockpot and cook the sausages on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally if you can. The sausages will absorb the BBQ sauce, and they’ll become tender and juicy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages are hot and the sauce has thickened up a bit, it’s time to serve. Use tongs or a spoon to transfer the little smokies into a serving dish. They’re perfect on their own or served with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Save

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Little Smokies

• Don’t Overcook: While the Crockpot does most of the work, be sure not to leave the sausages in for too long, as they can become overly soft and mushy. 4-6 hours is the perfect time.
• Keep it Simple: This recipe only calls for two ingredients, but you can jazz it up by adding minced garlic, onion powder, or a bit of honey to the sauce for added sweetness or spice.
• Make it Spicy: For those who like a little heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Stirring: Be sure to stir the sausages a few times during cooking to ensure they are evenly coated in sauce and heated through.
• Overcrowding the Crockpot: If you’re making a double batch, make sure the sausages have plenty of space in the Crockpot. Crowding them can prevent them from cooking evenly.
• Too Much BBQ Sauce: You only need enough sauce to coat the sausages. Adding too much can make them too saucy and dilute the flavors.

What to Serve With Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies

These BBQ mini sausages are fantastic on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal:

• Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavors of the BBQ sausages.
• Potato Salad: A classic pairing, potato salad complements the smokiness of the sausages and provides a satisfying side.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with some crispy garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
• Pickles or Chips: For a nice contrast, serve with tangy pickles or crunchy chips on the side.

If you’re looking for another tasty side dish, check out our Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Slider Buns: For a fun twist, serve the BBQ little smokies in mini slider buns with a bit of extra BBQ sauce for a cute, bite-sized sandwich.
• Toothpicks for Dipping: For easy snacking, serve the smokies with toothpicks so guests can grab them one by one.
• Serving Platter: Arrange the sausages on a platter with some fresh parsley and a few dipping sauces on the side for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies

If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• Microwave: Place the sausages in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 30-second intervals until hot.
• Crockpot: Alternatively, you can reheat them in the Crockpot on low for an hour, adding a little extra BBQ sauce if needed.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep in Advance: You can prepare the BBQ little smokies the night before. Simply add the sausages and BBQ sauce to the Crockpot, cover, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just turn the Crockpot on and let it go!
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, too! After cooking, allow the sausages to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the Crockpot or microwave.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully for this recipe. If you’re looking for a great homemade BBQ sauce, check out our Sweet Chili Sauce for a tangy and spicy option.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

While little smokies are ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other mini sausages or even cocktail sausages. Just keep in mind that different sausages might cook a bit differently.

Final Thoughts: Why Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Are a Keeper

These Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies are the ultimate no-fuss appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a game day snack, or a quick family dinner, these mini sausages are flavorful, fun to eat, and always satisfying.

Print