The first time I made Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies, my whole kitchen filled with that irresistible smell of sweet barbecue sauce and smoky sausage, the kind of aroma that instantly makes you feel like a party is about to start. I remember lifting the slow cooker lid after an hour, giving everything a stir, and tasting one “just to check the seasoning”—and then immediately tasting two more because they were simply too good. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I need a ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that basically cooks itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s unbelievably simple, wildly flavorful, and turns a handful of everyday ingredients into the kind of appetizer guests gather around—even better, your slow cooker does all the work while you get to relax.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces mini smoked sausages (Little Smokies)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
I’ve tried this recipe with different brands of BBQ sauce, and each one gives the smokies a slightly different personality—sweeter sauces give a candy-like glaze, smoky sauces add depth, and spicy ones bring a kick. Honey helps create that gorgeous sticky coating, but maple syrup can substitute if needed. Dijon mustard adds tang without overpowering the sweetness, and brown sugar rounds everything out with a warm caramel note. The balance of these ingredients truly makes the sauce shine.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (any size 2–6 quart works)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Serving spoon or cocktail picks
A slow cooker is the heart of this recipe, and even the smallest one can handle a package of Little Smokies. A mixing bowl helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly before pouring over the sausages. A spatula or spoon works for tossing everything together and stirring occasionally. And if you’re serving these at a party, cocktail picks make them feel fun and easy to grab without making a mess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I make Slow Cooker BBQ Little Smokies, I start by whisking together the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl. This step smells incredible—as soon as the Dijon hits the barbecue sauce, it releases this tangy aroma that promises a perfect sweet-and-savory balance. I always taste the sauce at this point, and if I’m craving something sweeter or spicier, this is where I adjust it. Having the sauce mixed beforehand ensures even coating once it hits the slow cooker.
Next, I pour the entire package of Little Smokies into the slow cooker. I usually give them a quick stir just to separate any that are stuck together. Then I drizzle the sauce mixture directly over the top. Watching the glossy sauce slide between the sausages always makes me excited because I know how rich and sticky it’s going to get once everything warms. I use a spatula to combine everything gently, making sure each sausage gets coated.
After everything is mixed, I set the slow cooker on low and step away. This recipe is truly hands-off; the slow cooker does all the magic. After about an hour, I give everything a quick stir. By then, the sauce has thinned a bit as the sausages release their juices, and the kitchen smells like a backyard barbecue. I let the mixture continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a gorgeous glaze. That usually takes about two to three hours total, depending on my slow cooker.(See the next page below to continue…)