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BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot

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This dish features smoky cocktail sausages slow-cooked in a rich blend of barbecue sauce, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices. The mixture creates a sweet and tangy glaze that seeps into the meat, making each bite flavorful and juicy. Cooking in a crock pot ensures the sausages become tender and infused with the sauce over two hours, making it an ideal warm appetizer for casual get-togethers. Serve with toothpicks directly from the pot for easy sharing.

The sauce balances sweetness and acidity, with apricot jam adding a hint of fruitiness, while Dijon mustard and vinegar contribute depth and slight sharpness. This simple method frees you from constant supervision, letting flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for small parties or larger groups if doubled, it offers a fuss-free, tasty option for various occasions.

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Luna chef wearing a white shirt.
Crafted By Luna
Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:24:17 GMT
A plate of BBQ Little Smokies in a crock pot. Save
A plate of BBQ Little Smokies in a crock pot. | myhomemademeal.com

This easy BBQ Little Smokies recipe brings together just a few simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering. The slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare, while the combination of barbecue sauce and apricot preserves adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

I first made this recipe for a casual game night and everyone went back for seconds. It has since become my go-to dish for get-togethers because it frees me up to spend time with guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Two pounds cocktail smoked sausages: the star of the dish make sure they are quality sausages with good smoky flavor
  • One cup barbecue sauce: choose your favorite variety for a hands-off sauce base
  • One cup apricot jam or preserves: adds a lovely fruity sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce
  • Two tablespoons Dijon mustard: provides a subtle tanginess that cuts through the sweetness
  • One tablespoon apple cider vinegar: lifts the sauce with a bit of acidity
  • One teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: brings a hint of umami richness
  • Quarter teaspoon black pepper: adds a gentle spice note

Ingredients

Choose jam that is smooth and not too chunky for an even sauce texture. I always opt for a smoky barbecue sauce that is not overly sweet to avoid clashing flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spoon the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth without any lumps. This ensures the sauce will evenly coat the sausages.
Add the Sausages to the Crock Pot:
Place all the cocktail smoked sausages in the crock pot in a single layer or loosely piled. The sausages are the base so be sure they are evenly spread for consistent cooking.
Combine and Coat Evenly:
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the sausages in the crock pot. Use a spoon or spatula to stir gently and coat every sausage well with the sauce. This helps the flavors meld as they cook.
Set and Cook:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours. Halfway through cooking pause to give the sausages a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Serve Warm:
Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly serve them straight from the crock pot with toothpicks for easy snacking or transfer them to a serving dish. They are perfect as party finger food.
A plate of BBQ sausages in a crock pot. Save
A plate of BBQ sausages in a crock pot. | myhomemademeal.com

My favorite part is the apricot jam because it creates such a unique sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smoky sausages perfectly. Whenever this is on the menu, it always sparks happy memories of lively parties and laughter shared over these little bites.

Storage Tips

After cooling completely store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat to avoid drying them out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have apricot jam try peach preserves or orange marmalade for a similar fruity note. For a vegetarian twist swap cocktail sausages for plant-based sausage bites—just check cooking times.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these BBQ Little Smokies alongside crisp celery sticks and ranch dressing for a classic snack spread. They also pair nicely with soft pretzels or even as sliders with small buns and coleslaw.

Cultural Context

This recipe is rooted in American party traditions where finger foods and slow cooker meals keep things easy and social. The blend of barbecue and jam shows a Southern influence, where sweet and savory combinations are celebrated.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausages work best?

Cocktail smoked sausages like Little Smokies hold up well in slow cooking and absorb the sauce flavors nicely.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the sauce and sausages in advance and slow cooking later helps develop deeper flavors.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Reducing apricot preserves or adding a splash more vinegar can balance sweetness to your taste.

→ Is it necessary to stir during cooking?

Stirring halfway through ensures even coating and heat distribution for consistently cooked sausages.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve warm with toothpicks, alongside crunchy vegetables or crusty bread to complement the flavors.

BBQ Little Smokies Crock

Tender Little Smokies simmered in a flavorful BBQ sauce for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
120 minutes
Overall Time
130 minutes
Crafted By: Luna

Recipe Type: Special Occasions

Preparation Complexity: Beginner-Friendly

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 7 Serving Size (6-8 servings)

Dietary Choices: Gluten-Free Alternative, Dairy-Free Alternative

Everything You’ll Need

→ Sausages

01 2 lbs cocktail smoked sausages

→ Sauce

02 1 cup barbecue sauce
03 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
04 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Cook

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 02

Place the cocktail sausages in the crock pot.

Step 03

Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and stir to coat evenly.

Step 04

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring halfway through, until sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 05

Serve warm with toothpicks directly from the crock pot or transfer to a serving dish.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Ensure sausages are fully heated before serving.
  2. This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
  3. Consider pairing with complementary sides or snacks.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Crock pot
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains mustard and Worcestershire sauce which may contain anchovies

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 250
  • Fat Breakdown: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 18 grams
  • Protein Count: 9 grams