Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage

The first time I made these BBQ cocktail sausages was for a Super Bowl party years ago. I had forgotten to plan an appetizer until an hour before guests arrived, but these little smokies saved the day. They disappeared so fast that I barely got to taste one myself, and my friends still ask me to make them for every gathering since.

Last Thanksgiving I set up a small slow cooker station on the kitchen counter with these sausages bubbling away. My uncle hovered near that crock pot for most of the evening, claiming he was just keeping an eye on the temperature. Between the aroma filling the house and how quickly people gravitated toward them, these have become my go to for any casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail smoked sausages: Little Smokies work perfectly here but any miniature smoked sausage will do, just look for ones that will easily fit on a toothpick
• 1 cup barbecue sauce: Use whatever brand you love most, the sweetness level here really impacts the final flavor
• 1 cup apricot jam: This fruit preserves element adds a lovely depth that balances the savory sausage, though grape jelly works in a pinch
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds just enough sharpness to cut through all that sweetness
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Essential for cutting through the rich ingredients and brightening the overall sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami flavor and gives it that classic barbecue notes
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference here

Instructions

Whisk the sauce base:

In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until completely smooth and the jam is fully incorporated into the sauce.

Prepare the slow cooker:

Place all the cocktail sausages in your crock pot, spreading them into an even layer so they will cook uniformly.

Coat and combine:

Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is covered in that sweet, tangy glaze.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking. The sausages should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling lazily around the edges.

Get ready to serve:

Set out toothpicks alongside the crock pot and let guests help themselves directly from the slow cooker to keep everything warm and easy.

Save

These sausages have become such a staple at my house that my kids actually cheered when they walked in from school and smelled them simmering. Something about that sweet barbecue aroma makes everyone feel welcome and hungry.

Making It Your Own

Once you have the basic method down, do not be afraid to experiment with different fruit preserves or adjust the spice level. I have made these with peach preserves and added cayenne for a spicier version that was just as popular. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is while still delivering impressive results every single time.

Serving Suggestions

While these sausages are delicious on their own, serving them alongside crusty bread, pickles, or even potato chips creates a more substantial appetizer spread. The contrast of cool, crisp pickles with the warm, sticky sausages is particularly satisfying and gives guests something to cleanse their palate between bites.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can easily prepare the sauce mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This means when party day arrives, you simply need to dump everything in the slow cooker and turn it on.

• Set out everything you need the night before so you can assemble in under 5 minutes
• If serving over several hours, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting after the initial cooking time
• These reheat beautifully, so leftovers (if there are any) can be refrigerated and gently warmed up the next day

Save

Whether it is game day, a holiday gathering, or just a Tuesday when you need something comforting, these BBQ cocktail sausages never fail to bring people together. They are simple, satisfying, and always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of cocktail sausages are best for this dish?

Most brands of pre-cooked mini smoked sausages, often called Little Smokies, work wonderfully. Choose your favorite brand, ensuring they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can whisk together all the sauce ingredients a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day you plan to cook.

→ What can I substitute for apricot jam?

Grape jelly is a classic alternative and creates a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. You could also try peach preserves or even a little brown sugar if you're out of fruit spreads.

→ How can I make these sausages spicier?

For a kick, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.

→ Can I cook these in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook on High for 5-7 minutes, then do a quick release. Keep on "Keep Warm" setting until ready to serve.

→ What are good serving suggestions for these BBQ sausages?

These are fantastic served straight from the crock pot with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They also pair well with crusty bread for dipping, alongside pickles for a tangy contrast, or with potato chips for a satisfying crunch.