Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage

The smoky scent hit me before I even opened the front door. My neighbor was hosting one of those casual Saturday gatherings where everyone drifted between the kitchen and the backyard, and her slow cooker sat on the counter surrounded by toothpicks and empty napkins. She waved me over with a grin and said these little sausages had been disappearing faster than she could refill the bowl. I grabbed one, tasted the sweet tang with that hint of smoke, and immediately asked for the recipe.

I made this for the first time during a playoff game at my place, and by halftime the crock pot was nearly empty. My brother kept circling back with a toothpick in hand, insisting he was just checking if they were still warm. By the end of the night, he had texted me asking for the recipe, and I knew it had earned a permanent spot in my appetizer rotation.

Ingredients

• Cocktail smoked sausages: Look for mini smoked links labeled Little Smokies or any cocktail wieners, they soak up the sauce and stay tender without drying out.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite style, whether its sweet, smoky, or tangy, because it forms the backbone of the glaze.
• Apricot jam: The fruit preserves bring a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness, and they melt into the sauce beautifully.
• Dijon mustard: A small spoonful adds a sharp, savory note that keeps the sweetness in check.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a tablespoon lifts the whole sauce with a hint of acidity.
• Worcestershire sauce: It deepens the umami and ties all the flavors together.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a gentle kick without overwhelming the sweeter elements.

Instructions

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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Mix the sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and glossy. It should smell sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.

Add the sausages:

Place the cocktail sausages into your crock pot and pour the sauce over them, stirring gently to coat every piece. The sausages will look a little crowded, but theyll settle as they cook.

Slow cook:

Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through to redistribute the sauce. The sauce will bubble gently and thicken as it heats.

Serve warm:

Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is glossy, transfer them to a serving dish or leave them in the crock pot on the warm setting. Set out a cup of toothpicks and watch them disappear.

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One year I brought these to a potluck and set them down next to a tray of fancy cheeses and charcuterie. By the end of the evening, the cheese was untouched and my crock pot was scraped clean. Someone joked that I should have brought two batches, and honestly, they were right.

Flavor Variations

If you want a little heat, stir in a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when you mix the glaze. I have also swapped the apricot jam for grape jelly, which gives the sauce a slightly deeper sweetness and a more traditional cocktail sausage vibe. Both versions have their fans, so it is worth trying each to see which one you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These sausages are perfect on their own with toothpicks, but I like to set out a basket of crusty bread or buttery crackers for anyone who wants to soak up the extra sauce. A small bowl of tangy pickles or a handful of potato chips on the side adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you are feeding a crowd, keep the crock pot on the warm setting so guests can help themselves throughout the event.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can mix the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then just pour it over the sausages and turn on the crock pot when you are ready. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat well in the microwave or back in the slow cooker. I have even frozen the cooked sausages in their sauce and thawed them for a quick appetizer later, though the texture of the sauce can separate slightly and may need a quick stir.

• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch more mustard or a drizzle of vinegar if it needs more tang.
• Use a liner in your crock pot for easier cleanup, especially since the sauce can get sticky.
• Keep a small bowl of extra toothpicks nearby because they tend to run out faster than you expect.

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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These little sausages have a way of bringing people together, whether it is a game day gathering or a quiet evening at home. Make a batch, set them out, and enjoy the compliments.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use regular sausages instead of cocktail sausages?

Yes, you can use regular sausages cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they're heated through completely.

→ Can I make this on high heat to cook faster?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 1 hour instead of LOW for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

→ What can I substitute for apricot jam?

Grape jelly, peach preserves, or pineapple jam work wonderfully. Each provides a different sweet flavor that complements the tangy barbecue sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker until warmed through.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce mixture and combine with sausages up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then cook when ready to serve.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra heat and texture.