Little Smokies have long been a favorite appetizer. They are so moorish and tasty that I think most people enjoy them, or even when trying for the first time, will be pushed not to enjoy them. The best way to make them is low and slow in the crockpot.

This is a classic recipe, with a little sweet and tangy vibe going on. Lil smokies are perfect for party snack food, ideal for holidays and big game day gatherings.

I love serving them up for the kids as well as when we have friends over. They also make a great dish to serve in the summer months or as a buffet option for a party.

I love how easy this appetizer is to make with almost zero prep time. This is the perfect party appetizer for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, and parties celebrating all different types of events.

Keep them warm in your slow cooker once they’re cooked through, and you’ll have a snack that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

While you are making these incredible Crockpot Little Smokies, why not whip up some other appetizers to enjoy? Here are a couple more recipes that are always popular. These Cheese and Marmite Puff Pastry Twists and Teriyaki Chicken Puff Pastry Bites offer delicious flavors for your next get-together or party.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients together. This is a crockpot recipe so you are using everything all at once. Measure everything out first.

  • 56 Ounces of Lil Smokies
  • 2 Cups of BBQ Sauce
  • 1 Cup of Ketchup
  • ¾ Cup of Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 Tablespoon of Liquid Smoke
  • 1 Tablespoon of Granulated Garlic

You will also need a crockpot for this recipe.

Variations

  • I use Sweet Baby Ray’s as far as BBQ sauce goes as I find that the thicker BBQ sauce does best in this recipe. However, any BBQ sauce that’s your favorite will do just fine.
  • If you don’t have liquid smoke or you are not keen on using it, you can use Worcestershire sauce in its place or omit it altogether.
  • If you want to utilize one crockpot then you could add other things to the Lil smokies. Perhaps some cut-up vegetables like peppers or courgettes. They will have a similar smoky flavor and could make a great side dish for the food you are serving.
  • You could try some Asian flavors instead. Use Soy sauce instead of BBQ sauce and get a different flavor.
  • Try different marinades for the Lil Smokies. You could even add bacon and maple syrup for a different flavor sensation.
  • Another option to consider would be to give the Crockpot Little Smokies a kick with some chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a little bit of chili powder.

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to make the Crockpot Little Smokies

Place the little smokies in your crockpot and spread them evenly. This is so they can take on the flavors and cook evenly.

Place the BBQ sauce and ketchup on top before sprinkling the remaining ingredients over the top of the little smokies.

Stir well and make sure you spread them out once again to ensure they cook evenly. , Cover and cook on high for two hours, stirring well halfway through.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes and Tips

  • If you would like to cook these on low, you’ll want to cook them for about 4 hours.
  • Once cooked through, these will do really well in the warm setting without getting overcooked. That’s what makes these so great for parties and such.
  • I like to stir it halfway through so the ingredients get fully mixed and evenly distributed amongst the little smokies. However, you don’t have to do this, just as long as it gets stirred before serving.
  • There’s no need to heat up the brown sugar or other ingredients before adding them. They will dissolve in the cooking process.
  • As this is a crockpot recipe make sure you measure all your ingredients before starting. It makes things easier.

FAQs

How should I serve the Crockpot Little Smokies?
Serve these any time of year when you are entertaining. They are perfect for summer barbecues and holiday parties. There are so many other easy appetizers that you can whip up to serve at your gathering as well such as our Nacho Cups and Teriyaki Chicken Puff Pastry Bites.

Can they be made ahead of time?
Yes, they will need time to cook in the crockpot so are the perfect dish to make ahead of time. You can use the keep warm setting, if you have one, on your crockpot so that they remain at a decent temperature for serving when you need them

How do I store the Crockpot Little Smokies?
If you do have any leftovers then these can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure they have completely cooled before adding them to the fridge.

How can I reheat the Crockpot Little Smokies?
Yes, you can reheat the Crockpot Little Smokies. You could do this on the stove, using the microwave, or in the oven. Make sure they are hot all of the way through before serving again.

More Recipes You’ll Love

I hope you enjoy your Crockpot Little Smokies. If so, please leave a star ★★★★★ rating and a comment below!

5 from 1 vote

Crockpot Little Smokies

These addictive crockpot Little Smokies are super easy, make them low and slow in the crockpot and they will be the perfect appetizer at any get-together.
Servings: 26 people
Calories: 250kcal
PRINT PIN
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 56 Ounces Little Smokies
  • 2 Cups BBQ Sauce
  • 1 Cup Ketchup
  • ¾ Cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke
  • 1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic

Instructions
 

  • Place the lil smokies in your crockpot and spread even.
  • Place the BBQ sauce and ketchup on top before sprinkling the remaining ingredients over the top.
  • Stir well, cover, and cook on high for two hours, stirring well halfway through.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • I use Sweet Baby Ray’s as far as BBQ sauce goes as I find that the thicker BBQ sauce does best in this recipe. However, any BBQ sauce that’s your favorite will do just fine.
  • If you would like to cook these on low, you’ll want to cook them for about 4 hours.
  • Once cooked through, these will do really well on the warm setting without getting overcooked. That’s what makes these so great for parties and such.
  • If you don’t have liquid smoke or don’t prefer it, you can use Worcestershire sauce in its place or omit it altogether.
  • I like to stir it halfway through so the ingredients get fully mixed and evenly distributed amongst the lil smokies. However, you don’t have to do this, just as long as it gets stirred before serving.
  • There’s no need to heat up the brown sugar or other ingredients before adding them. They will dissolve in the cooking process.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, is intended to serve as an estimate only, and is provided for informational purposes. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.

Course: Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: game day, slow cooker
Vickie

The creator of A Crazy Family and a stay-at-home mom of a little boy with a big personality. I love to share real food recipes, parenting tips & encouragement, fun kids activities, and so much more! Plus, I am thrilled to provide you with a space to celebrate all that is awesome (and a little crazy) in the world.