Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage

My neighbor brought these to a block party three summers ago, and I watched the entire batch disappear in under twenty minutes. People kept circling back to the slow cooker, toothpicks in hand, pretending they were just passing by. The sweet-tangy glaze clung to each little sausage like candy, and I knew I had to learn the secret. She laughed and said it was barely a recipe, just a few things mixed together, but that simplicity is exactly what made it genius.

I made these for a football watch party last fall, and halfway through the game I realized the crock pot was empty. No one had touched the chips or the seven-layer dip I spent an hour assembling. Just the sausages, gone, with a small pile of toothpicks left behind as evidence. My friend joked that I should just make a double batch next time and skip the rest, and honestly, she was right.

Ingredients

• Cocktail smoked sausages: Little Smokies are the classic choice, already smoky and perfectly bite-sized, so no cutting required.
• Barbecue sauce: Use whatever brand you love because that flavor will shine through, whether it is sweet, smoky, or tangy.
• Apricot jam or preserves: This adds a fruity sweetness that balances the barbecue sauce and gives the glaze a beautiful sheen.
• Dijon mustard: A small amount brings depth and a hint of sharpness that keeps the sauce from being one-note sweet.
• Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens everything with just a tablespoon.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami that makes people wonder what the secret ingredient is.
• Black pepper: A little warmth in the background that ties all the flavors together.

Instructions

Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Mix the sauce:

Whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The jam might be a bit stubborn at first, but it will blend in with a little persistence.

Add the sausages:

Place all the cocktail sausages in your slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, stirring gently to coat every piece. They should be swimming in that sweet, tangy goodness.

Slow cook:

Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW for 2 hours, giving everything a stir at the one-hour mark to keep the sauce evenly distributed. The sauce will bubble gently and thicken as it cooks, clinging to each sausage like a glaze.

Serve warm:

Keep the slow cooker on warm and set out a cup of toothpicks right beside it so guests can help themselves. If you are transferring to a serving dish, use a slotted spoon and pour some of that beautiful sauce over the top.

Save

The first time I made these for a family gathering, my uncle ate so many he had to sit down for a while. He kept saying he was done, then wandering back to the kitchen for just one more. That became the running joke every time I bring them now, and honestly, I take it as the highest compliment. Food that makes people lose track of how much they have eaten is food that has done its job.

Choosing Your Barbecue Sauce

The barbecue sauce you pick will set the whole flavor direction, so use one you would happily eat straight from the bottle. I have tried this with sweet Kansas City-style, tangy Carolina mustard sauce, and even a smoky mesquite version, and each one turned out differently but delicious. If you like heat, grab a spicy barbecue sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. The apricot jam will mellow it just enough to keep things balanced.

Make-Ahead and Serving Tips

You can mix the sauce and toss it with the sausages the night before, then store everything in the fridge until you are ready to turn on the slow cooker. This is a lifesaver when you are hosting and need to free up oven space or just want one less thing to think about. If you are bringing these to a potluck, keep the crock pot plugged in on the warm setting and they will stay perfect for hours. Just remember to bring extra toothpicks because people go through them faster than you would expect.

Variations and Swaps

Swapping apricot jam for grape jelly is a classic move that makes the sauce a little sweeter and more nostalgic, like the appetizers your mom made in the 90s. You can also try pineapple preserves for a tropical twist or even orange marmalade if you want a hint of citrus. For a spicy version, stir in a quarter teaspoon of cayenne or a tablespoon of sriracha, and watch people reach for their drinks between bites.

• Use turkey or chicken sausages if you want a lighter option that still soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Add a tablespoon of brown sugar if your barbecue sauce leans more tangy than sweet.
• Toss in a few slices of jalapeño for heat that builds with each bite.

Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.

Check price on Amazon

Save

This recipe has become my go-to whenever I need to show up with something that looks like effort but feels like ease. It never fails to make people happy, and that is all I really want from party food.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use a different type of jam instead of apricot?

Yes, you can substitute grape jelly, peach preserves, or pineapple jam for a different flavor profile while maintaining the sweet and tangy balance.

→ How long can I keep the sausages warm in the crock pot?

Once cooked, you can keep them on the WARM setting for up to 2-3 hours for serving at parties without drying out.

→ Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a large skillet or saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and sauce thickens.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne and adjust to taste.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can mix the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, combine with sausages in the crock pot and cook as directed.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Any style works well - sweet, smoky, or tangy. Choose your favorite brand or use homemade barbecue sauce for best results.