Slow Cooker Little Smokies Recipe (co*cktail Weenies) | foodiecrush.com (2024)

This easy and addictive little smokies recipe is made even simpler thanks to the Crockpot and is perfect for game days and parties.

CrockPot Little Smokies Appetizer

Every year around this time, it’s the same thing.

The phone rings. Well, it used to ring. Now it just buzzes with texts.And then I hear read, “Heidi, can you send me your Little Smokies recipe again?”

Yep, like clockwork.

As the big game daydraws near, I starthearing—make that seeing—the requests. And every year I sendthe same little smokies recipeout to friends who have had these sweet little barbecued sausages in the crockpot (or my new Instant Pot) on game days of yearspast.

They’recraving them again, but this time in the comfort of their own home where the game day bets are a little looser, and a whole lot more forgiving.

I never thought this humble lil smokies recipe was worthy ofa blog post, but given the requests I stillreceive, andthe fact thatI crack open my war-torn recipe binderfor the recipeeachyear, I realized me and my friends might notbethe only ones in need of a super simple, slow cooker game dayappetizer.

What’s in This Little Smokies Recipe?

These days there are a variety of co*cktail weiner flavors out there. Turkey. Beef. Sausage, and combos of them all. I chose traditionalpork sausages but also threw in a package of cheddar-stuffed weiners for a little once-in-a-few-bites surprise.

A basic store-bought barbecue sauce is the base for this sauce, so Ichoose a quality, honey sweetened version tolendthesmoky, sweet flavor.

White vinegar adds tang and a puckery punch. I don’t use apple cider vinegar because it comes off a little too strong.

And then there’s beer. What would game day be like without another layer of it?

How to Make Little Smokies

This game day appetizer couldn’t be simpler. Just add everything to your slow cooker, pop the lid on, and let the co*cktail weenies cook on high for 2 to 3 hours until warmed through.

Once cooked, turn the heat to “warm” to keep the lil smokies warm all afternoon.

Can I Omit the Beer?

The alcohol from the beer cooks out of the co*cktail sausages, but if you’d rather not add the beer, addthe same amount ofwater or sparkling cider in its place.

What Type of Beer Should I Use?

You want to use a light beer in this recipe. Bud Light or something similar will work.

Tips for Making Little Smokies

I add ½ cup brown sugar to the lil smokies sauce to amp up its sweet flavor. If you don’t like your little smokies to be too sweet, scale back the amount of sugar you use.

I don’t recommend using granulated sugar in place of brown sugar, as brown sugar’s caramel-y flavor pairs better with the honey barbecue sauce.

If serving this little smokies recipe to guests, be sure to plonk a serving spoon into the slow cooker so they can easily serve themselves. A stash of clean toothpicks to eat these co*cktail weenies with also makes for less cutlery to clean after the big game.

More Easy Appetizers You’ll Love

  • Bacon Beer Cheese Dip
  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip
  • Easy Yogurt Fruit Dip
  • French Onion Dip
  • Pigs in a Puff Pastry Blanket

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Bookmark this recipe and leave a comment below, or take a photo andtag me on Instagramwith #foodiecrusheats.

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4.13 from 358 votes

Slow Cooker Little Smokies

This easy and addictive little smokies recipe is made even simpler thanks to the Crockpot and is perfect for game days and parties.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword little smokies, slow cooker

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 28

Calories 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 14- ounce packages co*cktail sausages
  • 16- to 18- ounce bottle honey-flavored barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 12- ounce bottle lager beer

Instructions

  • Place the sausages in the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and beer and stir to combine.

  • Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until the sausages are warmed through.

  • Lower heat and keep warm to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Master

  • Slow Cooker Healthy Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa
  • Slow Cooker Sriracha Meatballs
  • Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

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Slow Cooker Little Smokies Recipe (co*cktail Weenies) | foodiecrush.com (2024)

FAQs

Are co*cktail franks the same as little smokies? ›

Rather, they are smaller, bite-sized versions of full-size frankfurters. Their size makes them great for appetizers, which are typically just one or two bites. Conversely, little smokies, a smoked version of a co*cktail frank, are half their size.

Are co*cktail smokies precooked? ›

Yes! Like most smoked sausages, little smokies are already fully cooked. You'll want to heat them through before serving.

How long are cooked co*cktail weenies good for? ›

With proper storage, cooked hot dogs will last for three to four days. To help keep them fresh, place them in an airtight bag or container and then store them in the refrigerator.

How to tell if little smokies are bad? ›

Strong or unpleasant odor: A strong or unsavory smell is the first sign your sausage has gone bad. If your sausage has a fish-like, acidic or sour smell, you'll likely want to throw it away.

Is a Vienna sausage the same as a co*cktail Weiner? ›

Canned Vienna Sausages Are All You Need For Sophisticated co*cktail Franks. co*cktail franks, sometimes also called co*cktail sausages or co*cktail weiners, aren't a specific type of sausage. Rather, they are smaller, bite-sized versions of full-size frankfurters.

Are Lil Smokies healthy? ›

Contains a high level of saturated fat

Saturated fat is not an essential nutrient and with increasing intakes there is a increased risk of coronary heart disease (IOM 2005a; USDA and DHHS 2010). For this reason it has long been known as a "bad" fat that raises the "bad" cholesterol, LDL.

Are little smokies ready to eat? ›

Whether you need charcuterie sausage for a co*cktail party or are looking for a savory snack bite, Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies Smoked Sausages are a tasty delight! Perfectly seasoned and smoked to perfection, these delicious mini smoke sausages are fully cooked, ready in minutes and bursting with flavor.

How do you know when Smokies are done? ›

Use a meat thermometer to make sure your sausage is between 160 and 165 °F (71 and 74 °C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, check that the sausage is firm and has clear, runny juices. Cut it open and make sure the inside is brown, not pink.

Do you have to cook little smokies? ›

Little smokies come pre-cooked, all you have to do is warm them up! While I like cooking these sausages in the slow cooker, they can also be heated through in the oven or microwave.

What is another name for Lil Smokies? ›

You may know them as co*cktail wieners, co*cktail weenies, co*cktail franks, lil smokies, or as my grandma says “baby wursts.” They're small smoked sausages sold in 12- to 14-ounce packages at the store, in the deli section.

What are co*cktail franks? ›

This mini but mighty version of our legendary German Brand Franks is the perfect size for appetizers or snack time… feed one or many. These tiny franks are still handcrafted the old-fashioned way with the highest quality blend of meats and spices for the incredible flavor you've come to expect from Hofmann.

What is another name for co*cktail frankfurts? ›

A co*cktail sausage is a smaller version of the saveloy, about a quarter of the size; in Australia sometimes called a "baby sav", a "footy frank" or a "little boy", and in New Zealand and Queensland called a "cheerio".

What is a substitute for little smokies? ›

Any Sausage

You can easily substitute little smokies with large smoked sausage cut into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds.

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