Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce – Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect texture and glaze. The warm, rich aroma will fill your home and make your guests beg for the recipe. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling and Creamy Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake Recipe.
Why This Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Easy to make in the slow cooker
- Perfect for game day or parties
- Tender and full of flavor
- Better than store-bought
What You'll Need for Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Little Smokies
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chili sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Little Smokies: You can use any brand, but I prefer Hebrew National.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow Cooker — Cooks food evenly and frees up your oven for other dishes. → See on Amazon
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked Little Smokies every time. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Step 3: Stir occasionally to coat the Little Smokies in the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the Little Smokies. They can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
- Pro tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storing & Reheating Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make this recipe ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting.
Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Freeze cooked Little Smokies in BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the Little Smokies with cocktail wieners or smoked sausages.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and Little Smokies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the slow cooker. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or beer.
Want to level up this recipe?
Slow Cooker Liners — Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Little Smokies
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chili sauce
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Step 3: Stir occasionally to coat the Little Smokies in the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the Little Smokies with cocktail wieners or smoked sausages.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and Little Smokies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the slow cooker. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or beer.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked Little Smokies in BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Make ahead: You can make this recipe ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and Little Smokies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
Overcooking can cause Little Smokies to become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
Yes, you can freeze cooked Little Smokies in BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
No, this recipe is best made in the slow cooker. The air fryer does not have the same cooking environment as a slow cooker.
Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizer portions. They also pair well with celery sticks, crackers, or a side of coleslaw.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
