If there’s one appetizer that never fails to disappear faster than you can say “Who’s hungry?”, it’s this Lil Smokies Recipe. Seriously—these tiny sausages are the overachievers of the snack table. They’re sweet, saucy, a little smoky, and basically designed to make people hover around your slow cooker with a toothpick in hand.
Whether you’re hosting game day, heading to a potluck, or just need something easy that makes everyone happy (including you), this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, comforting, and blissfully low-effort. As a chef, I love recipes that deliver big flavor without demanding all your time—and this one is exactly that.
So grab your crockpot, pour yourself something fun to sip on, and let’s make a Lil Smokies Recipe that’ll earn you repeat requests.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lil Smokies Recipe
Let’s be honest—we all need a few go-to recipes that feel like a win every single time. This is one of those.
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy (your slow cooker does the heavy lifting)
- Sweet and savory perfection thanks to BBQ sauce and brown sugar
- Crowd-friendly for parties, holidays, and last-minute guests
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- Flexible enough to tweak based on what’s in your pantry
I’ve made these for everything from family movie nights to holiday gatherings, and every time, someone asks, “Can you send me this recipe?” That’s when you know it’s a keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients. No fancy shopping trips. Just classic comfort food vibes.
- Little Smokies (Lil Smokies):
These mini pork cocktail sausages are the star of the show. I love the Hillshire Farm brand for their flavor and texture, but any quality brand will work beautifully. - BBQ Sauce:
Sweet Baby Ray’s is my go-to for this Lil Smokies Recipe. It’s rich, slightly tangy, and balances perfectly with the sweetness. You can also add a small squeeze of ketchup if you like things extra saucy. - Brown Sugar:
This adds that irresistible sweetness that makes people go back for “just one more.” You can reduce it slightly or swap it for grape jelly if that’s your style. - Worcestershire Sauce (Optional):
Just a dash adds depth and a savory boost. I sometimes toss in a pinch of garlic powder too, especially when I’m feeling a little extra.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make This Easy Crockpot Lil Smokies Recipe
This is where the magic happens—and by magic, I mean your slow cooker doing all the work while you enjoy your day.
Step 1: Combine
Add the BBQ sauce and brown sugar to the bottom of your crockpot. Give it a good stir until the sugar starts to dissolve and everything looks glossy and smooth.
Step 2: Add the Lil Smokies
Drop in your Lil Smokies and stir until they’re fully coated in that sweet, smoky sauce. Don’t rush this part—every sausage deserves some love.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 1–2 hours. That’s it. You can serve them right away or keep the slow cooker on warm until your guests are ready to dig in.
Your kitchen will smell amazing. Fair warning: people may start wandering in early.
Chef Omar’s Pro Tips for Perfect Lil Smokies
Because even the easiest recipes deserve a few insider secrets:
- Don’t overcook.
Lil Smokies are already cooked, so you’re just warming them and letting the flavors mingle. Too long and the sauce can get thick and sticky. - Adjust the sweetness.
Love it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar. Prefer less sweet? Cut it back or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance things out. - Spice it up.
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce gives this Lil Smokies Recipe a fun kick. - Sauce too thick?
Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce and stir. Problem solved.
And don’t worry if your sauce looks a little rebellious at first—it always settles down once everything heats through.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This recipe became a staple after one of those “friends dropped by unannounced” moments. You know the ones—no plan, empty fridge, mild panic. I had Lil Smokies in the freezer, BBQ sauce in the pantry, and a crockpot begging to be used.
Two hours later, we were standing around the kitchen, laughing, eating straight from the slow cooker, and wondering why we don’t do this more often. That’s the beauty of recipes like this—they bring people together without making you stress.
Serving Ideas That Go Beyond the Toothpick
Sure, toothpicks are classic—but here are a few fun ways to serve Lil Smokies:
- Pile them onto a platter with mini slider buns
- Serve alongside mac and cheese for a cozy combo
- Add them to a game-day spread with wings and dips
- Spoon leftovers over rice or mashed potatoes the next day
Yes, leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any.
FAQs About Lil Smokies
Can I make this Lil Smokies Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make them earlier in the day and keep them on warm until serving. They actually taste even better as the flavors sit.
Can I use grape jelly instead of brown sugar?
Yes! Many people love that classic combo. Swap the brown sugar for grape jelly if you want a slightly fruitier sweetness.
How long do Lil Smokies last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
You can, but Lil Smokies work best because of their size and texture. Larger sausages may need slicing and slightly longer heating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels. Many brands offer gluten-free options.
Ready to Make This Lil Smokies Recipe Your Go-To Favorite?
If you’re craving something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to please, this Lil Smokies Recipe is calling your name. It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—and that sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles.
So dust off that crockpot, grab your Lil Smokies, and let the sauce do its thing. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you. Happy cooking!
Make It a Party-Worthy Spread
If you’re already serving this Lil Smokies Recipe, why stop there? Turn your table into a “wow, who hosted this?” moment by adding a few more reader-favorite dishes that pair perfectly with these sweet and smoky bites. Here are some delicious ideas your guests will genuinely love clicking through and trying next:
- Looking for another cozy, saucy appetizer? These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a slow-cooker favorite with a tangy twist that fits right in next to Lil Smokies.
- Want something rich and irresistible on the side? You can’t go wrong with Million Dollar Bacon Deviled Eggs—they disappear almost as fast as the sausages.
- Every snack table needs a sweet crunch, and Christmas Crack is that dangerously good treat everyone keeps sneaking “just one more” of.
- For a fun, no-bake option that kids and adults both adore, try Reindeer Chow—it’s perfect for grazing while the slow cooker does its thing.
Mix and match a few of these with your Lil Smokies, and you’ve got an easy, stress-free spread that keeps everyone happy, full, and coming back for seconds.
Print
Lil Smokies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This easy Lil Smokies Recipe is a classic crockpot appetizer made with mini sausages simmered in sweet BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Perfect for parties, game day, holidays, or anytime you need a no-stress crowd-pleaser that everyone loves.
Ingredients
28 ounces little smokies
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Add the BBQ sauce and brown sugar to the bottom of a slow cooker and stir until combined.
Add the little smokies and mix well until all sausages are evenly coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 1–2 hours, stirring once if desired.
Serve immediately or switch the slow cooker to WARM until ready to serve
Notes
Lil smokies are fully cooked, so avoid overcooking to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or swap it for grape jelly.
A pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce adds a nice spicy kick.
Perfect for keeping warm during parties and serving with toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg