Easy Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sweet BBQ Sauce

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Crock pot Little Smokies have bailed me out of more last-minute gatherings than I can count. You know those afternoons when you promised to bring something, then completely forgot until your phone buzzes.

This is my stress free fix. Toss everything in, set it, and you look like the person who planned. The smell alone makes people hover near the kitchen. And yes, they taste like a cozy backyard cookout in bite size form.

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What are Little Smokies?

If you have not tried them yet, Little Smokies are bite size smoked sausages that come fully cooked and ready to warm. They are tender, salty, a little smoky, and perfect for soaking up sauce. Most grocery stores carry them in the refrigerated section near hot dogs. Look for beef or pork, both work great in the slow cooker.

The magic happens when those little sausages simmer in a sweet and tangy sauce. Because they are tiny, they heat evenly and do not dry out. That makes them ideal for casual parties, game days, family movie nights, or any time you want a comforting nibble without babysitting the stove.

Why they shine in a slow cooker

The slow and steady heat lets the sauce thicken and cling to every piece. You get tender bites, glossy sauce, and zero fuss. Plus, your slow cooker can sit on warm during the party, which keeps the snacks hot for hours with almost no effort from you.

Pro tip: if you like your sauce extra sticky, take the lid off for the last 20 to 30 minutes. That little bit of steam escape helps the sauce tighten up in the best way.

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The ingredients

Little Smokies sausages, about 2 packages for a crowd
Sweet BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade
Brown sugar or honey for glossy sweetness
Ketchup for body and a familiar tang
Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor
Apple cider vinegar for a balanced bite
Garlic powder and onion powder for savory notes
Smoked paprika for a gentle smoky edge
Optional heat: a splash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper

Use a barbecue sauce you actually enjoy by the spoonful, not just the brand on sale. The whole dish leans on it. I reach for a sauce labeled sweet or honey, then adjust with vinegar if it needs more brightness. If your sauce is already very sweet, ease up on the brown sugar. If you like a deeper molasses note, choose dark brown sugar. It melts into the sauce and creates that sticky, finger licking finish.

To keep it simple, you can skip some of the extras and still get a great result. The base combo of sweet BBQ sauce, a little sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire is already a winner. But when you add garlic, onion, and paprika, it tastes like you fussed for hours.

For a crowd, double the sausages and scale the sauce up the same way. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting. And if you are feeding kids, keep the heat low or offer hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.

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How to Make Little Smokies

Step by step

First, mix the sauce right in the slow cooker to keep dishes to a minimum. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar or honey, ketchup, Worcestershire, a splash of apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Taste it on a spoon. It should be sweet with a mild tang and a touch of smoky warmth. Adjust the vinegar or sugar if you want it sharper or sweeter.

Pour the Little Smokies into the slow cooker and stir until every piece is coated. Turn the slow cooker to low for about 2 to 3 hours, or high for 1 to 1.5 hours. Since the sausages are already cooked, you are just warming and letting flavors blend. Give them a quick stir once or twice if you remember. No stress if you forget.

When the sauce looks glossy and slightly thick, switch to warm. That is it. If you want extra-thick sauce, crack the lid open for the last 20 minutes. The mixture will reduce a bit and cling like a dream. This is precisely why I call this recipe Easy Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sweet BBQ Sauce, because it truly is.

Make ahead, storage, and reheating.

Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in a jar in the fridge. On the day you need it, pour the sauce and sausages into the slow cooker and heat as usual. Leftovers cool well and can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce got too thick.

“I brought these to a neighborhood potluck and they vanished in under 20 minutes. Several people asked for the recipe and could not believe it came from a slow cooker. This is my new go to party snack.”

Recipe Tips

Warm the slow cooker first if you are in a rush. A 10-minute preheat helps the sauce come together faster.

Too sweet for your taste. Stir in another teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon to balance it.

Too tangy. Add a spoon of brown sugar or an extra drizzle of honey to mellow it out.

Want a smoky upgrade. Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika and add a tiny drop of liquid smoke. A little goes a long way.

Serving a crowd. Set out small forks or toothpicks and keep a stack of napkins nearby. A warm setting on the slow cooker keeps everything just right for hours.

Transporting to a party. Tape the slow cooker lid with painter’s tape, set the pot in a box or laundry basket, and plug it in when you arrive. Easy and tidy.

Doubling the recipe. Use a larger slow cooker so the sausages sit mostly in the sauce. If the pot is very complete, plan on a bit more time for everything to heat evenly.

Freezer-friendly option. Combine sauce and sausages in a freezer bag, lay flat, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as directed. That is weeknight magic waiting in your freezer.

For potlucks, label a little card with ingredients. It helps friends with allergies and makes you look extra thoughtful. Recipes like Easy Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sweet BBQ Sauce are friendly to most guests when you keep the heat mild.

What to Serve With

Soft slider buns for quick mini sandwiches
Mac and cheese or buttered noodles for a cozy plate
Potato wedges, tater tots, or simple oven fries
Coleslaw or a crisp green salad for balance
Pickles and sliced jalapeños for a punchy topper
Cheese cubes, crackers, and fresh fruit on a snacking board
Baked beans or cornbread for a backyard vibe

For drinks, I like to keep it easy with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. If you want to dress things up, sprinkle the finished dish with sliced green onion or chopped parsley. It adds color and a fresh bite. Leftovers make an amazing baked potato topper the next day. If you have any left, that is.

Common Questions

Can I swap the BBQ sauce

Yes. Use your favorite sweet style, or try a smoky or spicy bottle. Just balance with extra sugar or vinegar based on taste.

How long can they stay on warm

Up to 3 hours is my comfort zone. Stir now, and then so the sauce does not thicken unevenly.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes. Combine everything in a pot, simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often. Keep the heat gentle, since the sausages are already cooked.

What if my sauce is too thick after sitting

Add a splash of water or apple juice and stir. It thins out quickly and stays flavorful.

Are turkey or chicken sausages OK

Absolutely. They are lean, so watch the heat and do not overcook. The sauce keeps them juicy.

Let’s Get a Little Saucy

There is a reason these keep showing up at my gatherings. They are easy, they make the house smell great, and everyone goes back for seconds. If you want a sure bet for game day or a laid back potluck, Easy Crock Pot Little Smokies with Sweet BBQ Sauce delivers every time.

For another take and even more ideas, check out this helpful guide on Crockpot Little Smokies. Grab your slow cooker, stir up that sweet sauce, and let it do the work while you enjoy your people.