Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by Bellrecipes

Looking for a ridiculously easy appetizer that leaves zero mess behind? Meet the Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by BellRecipes! These bite-sized sausages are smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with just a hint of kick, making them perfect for game day, family get-togethers, or when you’re just craving a no-fuss snack. Toss everything into your slow cooker, and you’re good to go—could it get any simpler? Whether you’re impressing guests or whipping up something quick on a lazy Sunday, this recipe has you covered!

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About The Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by Bellrecipes Recipe

There are days when you just want a recipe to do the work for you. That’s exactly where these Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by BellRecipes come in! If you’ve ever been to a potluck or a tailgate party here in the U.S., chances are you’ve encountered a dish like this. These little sausages have been winning hearts (and appetites) for generations because they’re that good and that simple. Serve them with toothpicks straight out of the slow cooker, and watch everyone come back for seconds—if they last that long! One time, my friend Mark made a batch for a barbecue, and, no lie, they disappeared before the grilled burgers did. This recipe takes the classic idea and makes it extra easy, with no special culinary moves required. It’s beginner-friendly and downright fun to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super simple and no-mess prep
  • Perfect for parties, game nights, and gatherings
  • Sweet, savory, and tangy barbecue flavor
  • Cooks itself in the slow cooker
  • Kid-friendly and loved by adults too
  • Only a handful of ingredients needed

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Smokies – Little smokies or mini sausages work best, but you can use cut-up hot dogs in a pinch.
  • Barbecue Sauce – Any store-bought version works, or sub with homemade sauce for a personal touch.
  • Brown Sugar – Adds balance to the tangy barbecue; swap for honey or maple syrup if needed.
  • Mustard – Dijon gives a zing, but yellow mustard is totally fine.
  • Optional Hot Sauce – Perfect for adding a little heat; omit for a milder version.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Start by gathering your ingredients: smokies, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and optional hot sauce.
  • Add the smokies to your slow cooker. No need to pre-cook or prep them!
  • In a small bowl, mix your barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the smokies, ensuring they’re well coated.
  • Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  • After cooking, give it all a good stir to make sure every piece is covered in sauce before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

Want your smokies to have more sauce? Double the barbecue sauce mixture!
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
If you’re short on time, cook it on the high setting but stir frequently to avoid burning.

Variations and Customizations

Switch up the flavors by trying a pineapple-flavored barbecue sauce for a Hawaiian twist. Add chopped bell peppers and onions to make it more of a meal. For a spicy version, include a teaspoon of chili powder or extra hot sauce. Want something sweeter? Throw in a handful of diced pineapple or cranberries for a fruity addition.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (about 1/4 cup) of Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies contains approximately 200 calories. This includes around 8 grams of protein (thanks to the mini sausages), 15 grams of carbohydrates (from the sweet barbecue sauce), and 12 grams of fat. Making it a pretty balanced appetizer but definitely on the indulgent side. If you’re watching sugar, you can use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and replace brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also warm them back up in the slow cooker on low if you’re feeding more people the next day—just add a splash of water to refresh the sauce before reheating. Avoid freezing since the sauce might lose its creamy texture.

Recipe Card of Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by Bellrecipes

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Alicia Smith
Looking to delight your party guests with a simple yet scrumptious appetizer? These Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies are perfect for any gathering! Made with mini smoked sausages, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly, your guests will love the sweet and tangy flavors.
Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by Bellrecipes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 364 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 1 bottle barbecue sauce 12 ounces
  • 1 jar grape jelly 8 ounces
  • 2 packages miniature smoked sausage links 14 ounces each
Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies by Bellrecipes recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • In your slow cooker, blend the barbecue sauce with grape jelly until smooth. Add the miniature smoked sausages, giving them a good mix. Let these cook on High until they are well heated, approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Notes

Serve these smoky treats hot from the slow cooker. They're perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any get-together that calls for something deliciously easy!

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 1013mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g
Keyword cocktail smokies, slow cooker, smokies
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All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook them a day before, then reheat in your slow cooker on low when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No problem! Cook them in a pot on low heat over the stove. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 hours.

Are there vegan alternatives?

You can try vegan sausages and use a plant-based barbecue sauce. The result won’t be exactly the same but will still taste great!

What should I serve these with?

These smokies are awesome on their own, but you can also pair them with crackers, bread rolls, or veggie sticks.

How can I make them less sweet?

Cut back on the brown sugar and use a barbecue sauce labeled ‘low-sugar’ or ‘zesty’ for a less sweet take.

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