Description
Zesty Little Smokies are a delicious and easy-to-make party appetizer featuring cocktail sausages smothered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy barbecue sauce. Cooked slowly in a crockpot, they are perfect for gatherings and stay warm throughout the event.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausages
- 1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the cocktail sausages into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for consistent heating.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat all the sausages evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the sausages occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure that the sauce coats the sausages uniformly.
- Serve Warm: Once fully heated through and the sauce is deliciously thickened, serve the little smokies warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a serving dish for easy party access.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- You can substitute regular cocktail sausages with turkey or plant-based options for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- These make a perfect party appetizer and can be kept warm in the slow cooker throughout your event without drying out.
