Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage

The first time I made these for a Super Bowl party, my brother-in-law literally hovered over the slow cooker for three hours straight. Every time I walked past, there he was, toothpick in hand, claiming he was just checking if they were done yet. By halftime, the entire crock pot was empty, and I've learned to double the batch ever since.

Last winter, my neighbor smelled these cooking through our shared apartment wall and knocked on my door with a desperate look on her face. I ended up giving her a small container to take home, and now she texts me every time she hosts anything, begging me to bring my famous sausages.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail smoked sausages: Little Smokies work perfectly here and they hold up beautifully during slow cooking
• 1 cup barbecue sauce: Your go-to brand works great, but I prefer something with a little smoke for depth
• 1 cup apricot jam: This creates that irresistible sweet element that balances the tangy sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp bite that cuts through all the sweetness
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Essential for cutting through the rich flavors
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Deep, umami richness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough warmth to keep things interesting

Instructions

Mix up that magical sauce:

Whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.

Get your sausages settled:

Dump all those cocktail sausages into your crock pot and spread them into an even layer so they will cook evenly.

Coat everything in goodness:

Pour that beautiful sauce mixture right over the sausages and give everything a gentle stir to make sure each little sausage is swimming in flavor.

Let them get all bubbly and perfect:

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours, making sure to stir everything halfway through so nothing sticks to the sides.

Watch them vanish:

Serve these warm straight from the crock pot with plenty of toothpicks nearby, or transfer to a pretty serving bowl if you want to get fancy.

Save

These became my go-to contribution for every potluck after my mom asked me to bring them to her retirement community party. The seniors there were the toughest critics Ive ever fed, and they raved about them for weeks afterward.

Getting That Sauce Just Right

I have learned that the thickness of your barbecue sauce really matters here. If you use something really thin and runny, add a few extra minutes of cooking time to let everything reduce down slightly and get clingy.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can mix everything together the night before and keep it in the fridge in the crock pot insert. Then just pop it in the base and turn it on when you are ready to start cooking.

Serving Ideas That People Love

I started serving these with tiny slider buns and miniature cheese slices, turning them into the cutest little sandwiches ever.

• Set out some crusty bread slices for people who want to mop up extra sauce
• A bowl of pickles on the side cuts through all that richness beautifully
• Keep plenty of napkins nearby because these can get messy in the best way

Save

These little sausages have become my secret weapon for any gathering where I want people to feel welcomed and fed without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of sausages work best for this dish?

For this preparation, pre-cooked mini smoked sausages like "Little Smokies" are ideal. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce for the best results.

→ Can I prepare these cocktail sausages ahead of time?

Yes, they are excellent for make-ahead convenience. Cook them as instructed, allow to cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on low or in a microwave until warmed through.

→ What can I use if I don't have apricot jam?

Grape jelly is a classic and popular substitute that yields a similar sweet and tangy profile. Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or preserves you enjoy.

→ How can I adjust the flavor profile?

For more tang, slightly increase the apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard. If you prefer a sweeter taste, a little extra apricot jam can be added. A pinch of cayenne pepper also adds a nice spicy kick.

→ What are some good serving suggestions?

These are best served warm directly from the crock pot with toothpicks. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, pickles, or even potato chips for scooping up the savory sauce.

→ Is it possible to cook these on high heat?

While you can cook them on high, low heat for two hours allows the flavors to meld more deeply and prevents the sauce from scorching. If short on time, cook on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring frequently.