Saucy Little Smokies
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Little smokies (aka cocktail sausages or cocktail weenies) have always been a must‑have at my Christmas Eve gathering. For years, I had a go‑to recipe that everyone loved, but when one of the key ingredients disappeared from store shelves, I found myself on the hunt for a new favorite. I’ve tried countless versions over the years, hoping to find one that delivered the same magic—and this year, I finally found this saucy smokies recipe that earned its place on my holiday menu.
The best part? My new go‑to little smokies recipe uses just four simple ingredients. It couldn’t be easier, and the flavor is absolutely irresistible. My family gave it an enthusiastic thumbs‑up, and it’s a crowd pleaser. When I served it at a recent baby shower, guests were raving and asking for the recipe before the party even ended.
All you need to do is add the little smokies to your slow cooker, pour in some barbecue sauce, sprinkle in brown sugar, and finish with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a quick stir, pop on the lid, and let the crock pot work its magic. In about three hours, you’ll have warm, saucy, sweet‑and‑savory little smokies ready to serve. It truly doesn’t get easier—or more crowd‑pleasing—than this at your holiday parties. Oh, and don’t forget the toothpicks for serving. My daughter says they are a must!
Ingredients for Saucy Little Smokies
- LITTLE SMOKIES
- FAVORITE BBQ SAUCE (I USE SWEET BABY RAY’S)
- BROWN SUGAR
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
Instructions for Saucy Little Smokies
Combine the sauce ingredients – Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to your slow cooker. Stir until everything is well combined.
Add the little smokies – Pour in the little smokies and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Keep warm for serving – Give everything a good stir, then switch the slow cooker to warm to keep it ready for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can swap little smokies for mini chicken sausages, turkey sausages, or even sliced kielbasa. Just keep the cook time the same.
Do I need to cook the little smokies first?
No pre‑cooking needed. They’re fully cooked straight from the package—your slow cooker simply heats them through and lets the sauce thicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the little smokies earlier in the day, then keep them on the warm setting until serving. They reheat beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just make sure your crockpot is large enough. If it’s very full, add an extra 30 minutes to the cook time to ensure everything heats evenly.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Any style works, but a thicker, sweeter sauce gives the best glaze. Use your favorite brand or whatever you have on hand.
Can I make these without brown sugar?
The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize. You can reduce it, but skipping it entirely will change the flavor and texture.
How long can they stay on warm?
They can stay on the warm setting for 2–3 hours during a party. Just stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze the cooked smokies and sauce in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.
For more recipes like this, try:
Saucy Little Smokies
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 oz little smokies
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot. Stir together to combine.
- Add the little smokies and stir until coated.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until ready to serve. Stir and then turn to warm until ready to serve.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from I Heart Naptime.
