Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies (Easy Appetizer!)

🍎 Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies (Easy Appetizer)

Looking for an effortless appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast? These Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies are sweet, smoky, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, potlucks, and family parties.

The apple butter adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with smoky cocktail sausages and your favorite barbecue sauce.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours
  • Total Time: About 3 hours
  • Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (14 ounces / 396 g each) Little Smokies cocktail sausages (about 28 ounces total)
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Apple butter
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika (if using)

Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add to the Crockpot

Place the Little Smokies into the slow cooker.

Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir until they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

  • Low: 2–3 hours
  • High: 1–2 hours

Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the sausages are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Serve

Switch the slow cooker to the Warm setting to keep the appetizer hot throughout your gathering.

Serve directly from the crockpot with toothpicks or small appetizer forks.

Serving Suggestions

These Little Smokies pair well with:

  • Cheese and cracker trays
  • Vegetable platters
  • Potato chips
  • Soft dinner rolls
  • Coleslaw
  • Macaroni salad
  • Baked beans

They also make a delicious filling for mini slider buns.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker until heated through.

Tips for Success

  • Choose a barbecue sauce you enjoy, as it will greatly influence the final flavor.
  • Stir the sausages occasionally during cooking for even coating.
  • Keep the slow cooker on the Warm setting for parties so guests can serve themselves.
  • Double the recipe easily for larger gatherings.

Variations

Spicy Apple Butter Smokies

Add:

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper

Honey BBQ Version

Replace the brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Maple Twist

Substitute pure maple syrup for the brown sugar to add a warm, rich flavor.

Bacon Upgrade

Wrap each cocktail sausage with half a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, bake until the bacon is nearly crisp, then finish them in the slow cooker with the sauce.

The Result

These Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies are juicy, smoky, sweet, and perfectly glazed with a rich barbecue sauce infused with apple butter. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them one of the best appetizers for holidays, tailgates, potlucks, birthday parties, and casual get-togethers.

🍎🌭 Serve warm and watch them disappear!

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