Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe Perfect for BBQ Parties

Name: Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies Recipe Perfect for BBQ Parties
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490899H15M25S
Total time: PT-490899H15M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Little Smokies Sausages (about 900 g); 1 cup BBQ Sauce (240 ml); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (50 g); 2 tablespoons Honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Written by

lara

Posted on December 31, 2025

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Crockpot Recipes

December 31, 2025

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Let me tell you, the smell of smoky, sweet BBQ sauce mingling with those little sausages cooking low and slow in my crock pot is the kind of aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen like a magnet. Honestly, the first time I made these Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. When I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma used to make a version of this for every family gathering, and years ago I tried to recreate it with my own twist. I wish I’d discovered how dangerously easy this recipe is way sooner!

My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). You know what? These little sausages are perfect for potlucks, game day snacks, or just brightening up your Pinterest party board with something sweet, sticky, and downright addictive. After testing this recipe multiple times—in the name of research, of course—it’s become a staple for family gatherings and gifting during the holidays. It honestly feels like a warm hug in appetizer form, and you’re going to want to bookmark this one for every BBQ party this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s the thing: this Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies recipe isn’t just your run-of-the-mill party snack. I’ve put it through the paces in my kitchen, tweaking and tasting until it hit that perfect sweet-and-savory balance that keeps folks coming back for more. Plus, this recipe is family-approved and super simple to pull together, even on your busiest days.

Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 5 minutes of prep, then you let the crock pot do the magic for 2-3 hours.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy trips; most of these are pantry staples or easy to grab from your local store.
Perfect for BBQ Parties: Great for game days, casual get-togethers, or holiday appetizers that impress without stress.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike gobble these up—seriously, they vanish fast.
Unbelievably Delicious: The sticky BBQ glaze clings just right, making every bite an explosion of flavor and comfort.

What makes this recipe different? Well, blending your favorite smoky BBQ sauce with a touch of sweetness (hello, brown sugar!) and a splash of tangy mustard gives these little smokies that perfect sticky coating. No fuss, no complicated ingredients, just pure, nostalgic comfort with a modern crock pot twist. This recipe isn’t just good; it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat or for turning a simple snack into something memorable.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, so you can whip this up on short notice and still wow your crowd.

Little Smokies Sausages: 2 pounds (about 900 g) – I prefer Hillshire Farm for consistent size and flavor.
BBQ Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) – Choose your favorite smoky BBQ sauce; sweet or spicy works well.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g) – Adds that perfect caramelized sweetness to the glaze.
Honey: 2 tablespoons – For natural sweetness and extra stickiness.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon – Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and a subtle umami kick.
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – For a mild savory note.
Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances overall flavor complexity.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon – Adds a bright, tangy finish to cut through richness.

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works fine, though it’s a bit milder. For a gluten-free version, just check your BBQ sauce label (most are naturally gluten-free, but some brands sneak in wheat). You can swap honey with maple syrup if you’d like a different sweetness profile. In summer, try mixing in a handful of fresh chopped pineapple for a tropical twist that’s surprisingly good!

Equipment Needed

Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): A 4-6 quart (3.8-5.7 liters) size works perfectly—big enough to hold all the little smokies with room to spare.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy—especially with your brown sugar and sauces.
Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the BBQ sauce and other ingredients before pouring over the sausages.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For mixing the sauce and stirring gently.
Serving Spoon or Slotted Spoon: To dish out those sticky little smokies without leaving behind too much sauce.

No fancy gadgets needed here, which is part of the charm. If you don’t have a crock pot, a heavy-bottomed slow cooker insert or even a Dutch oven with low heat can work, but keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out the sausages. I’ve tried both and honestly, the crock pot just nails the perfect low-and-slow sticky texture every time.

Preparation Method

Prep Your Sauce (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth and glossy.
Add the Little Smokies (2 pounds / 900 g) to the Crock Pot: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the sausages. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir, making sure every little smokie is coated in that sticky goodness.
Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours: This slow cooking melts the sugars into a luscious glaze and warms the sausages through without drying them out. Avoid lifting the lid too often, or you’ll lose that precious heat (and sticky sauce magic).
Check and Stir at the 2-hour mark: Give the smokies a gentle stir to redistribute sauce and check consistency. If sauce looks too thin, turn the crock pot to HIGH for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken it up.
Serve Warm: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sticky little smokies to a serving bowl. Spoon some of the extra sauce over the top for that irresistible glossy finish.

Pro tip: If your sauce thickens too much while resting, just stir in a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to loosen it up. Also, if you want to prepare ahead, you can assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 30 minutes of cooking time the next day.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting these Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies just right is all about balance and patience. Let me share a few lessons I picked up along the way.

Don’t rush the low and slow: Cooking on LOW for the full 2-3 hours lets the sugars caramelize gently and the sausages soak up that tangy-sweet flavor. Cranking the heat too high risks burning the sauce or drying out the smokies.
Use quality BBQ sauce: The sauce is the star here. I’ve tried everything from sweet honey BBQ to spicy chipotle, and each gives a unique twist. Avoid watery sauces; thicker ones cling better and create that sticky finish.
Stir gently: When mixing the sausages and sauce, use a gentle hand to avoid breaking the little smokies apart—no one wants mushy bites!
Watch the sugar: Brown sugar and honey can burn if cooked too hot or too long. That’s why the crock pot’s gentle heat is perfect. If you notice dark spots, stir immediately and lower the heat if possible.
Timing matters: If you’re juggling multiple dishes, start these smokies first. They’re hands-off but benefit from slow cooking, so they’re ready when the party kicks off.

Honestly, the first time I tried a shortcut by cooking on HIGH from the start, the sauce got sticky but a little bitter, so patience really pays off here. Also, don’t skip the vinegar—it cuts through the sweetness, giving the sauce a brightness that stops it from tasting cloying.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations I’ve personally tried or recommend:

Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a smoky heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Sweet & Tangy Pineapple: Stir in 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained) during the last hour of cooking for a tropical twist that’s surprisingly addictive.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Honey Mustard Smokies: Swap BBQ sauce for a mixture of honey and mustard (2:1 ratio) for a bright, tangy spin.
Vegetarian Option: Replace little smokies with vegan sausage bites and use a plant-based BBQ sauce to keep it plant-friendly.

I once tried adding chopped jalapeños mid-cook for a spicy-sweet combo that disappeared faster than I could plate it. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors or sauces—this recipe is forgiving and fun!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these sticky little smokies warm right from the crock pot—perfect for buffet tables or casual get-togethers. They pair beautifully with crisp celery sticks, tangy pickles, or a simple coleslaw to cut through the richness. For drinks, a cold beer or a sweet iced tea complements the smoky, sweet flavor effortlessly.

If you have leftovers (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or back in the crock pot on LOW for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep that sticky sauce luscious.

Pro tip: The sauce thickens and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, so leftovers can be a real treat. Just gently reheat and add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to loosen things up.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of these Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies (about 1/4 cup or 4-5 sausages) contains approximately 180-220 calories, with protein from the sausages and some sugars from the honey and brown sugar. The recipe is naturally high in protein and offers a good energy boost for parties or game days.

Using a BBQ sauce with natural ingredients and moderate sugar helps keep it balanced. The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of digestion-friendly acidity. For those watching carbs, swapping to a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce cuts down on the sugar content significantly.

Note: Contains pork and possible allergens depending on your BBQ sauce brand (check labels for gluten, soy, or other additives). This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets with simple substitutions.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—Easy Sticky Crock Pot Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce that are practically foolproof, irresistibly tasty, and always a hit wherever you bring them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a little sticky, smoky comfort food, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Feel free to tweak the sweetness, spice, or tang to suit your taste buds—after all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. I love this recipe because it’s quick, reliable, and brings everyone together around the table. Now, it’s your turn! Give it a try and let me know how your batch turned out. Don’t forget to share your tweaks or favorite serving ideas in the comments—I’m always excited to hear from fellow snack lovers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before and refrigerate. Just add extra cooking time (about 30 minutes) the next day for thorough heating.

What if I don’t have a crock pot?

You can cook this on the stove in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cooking time will be shorter, around 30-40 minutes.

Can I use frozen little smokies?

It’s best to use thawed sausages for even cooking and proper sauce absorption, but if frozen, add extra cooking time and stir occasionally.

How sticky will the sauce be?

The sauce should be glossy and sticky but not too thick or syrupy. If it gets too thick, loosen with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce before serving.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids tend to love the sweet and smoky flavors. If you want to tone down the tang, reduce the vinegar slightly.

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