Appetizers

BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

This easy BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot recipe makes a sticky, sweet, and smoky appetizer your guests will love. The sauce glistens on the small sausages and gives a sweet grape-jelly brightness that balances the savory meat. It smells like a warm barbecue party and the sausages stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. If you like simple slow-cooker crowd-pleasers, pair this with a hearty main like Crockpot Apple Cider Chicken Thighs for a full comfort-food spread.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) / 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
Servings: 8 appetizer servings
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 275 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

This recipe is fast to assemble and perfect for parties, game day, or a simple family appetizer. You only need four pantry-friendly ingredients. The slow cooker does the work so the sausages soak up sweet and tangy flavors. The sauce becomes glossy and sticky, coating each bite. It smells rich and savory while the grape jelly adds a fruity lift. You’ll get juicy sausage texture with a caramelized sauce that looks and tastes indulgent without fuss.

How to Make BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

Start by combining the sauces so they blend smooth and glossy. Add the sausages and make sure each piece gets coated. Set the slow cooker and walk away — the low, steady heat softens the meat and thickens the sauce. Stir once or twice so nothing sticks. Finish by serving warm and sticky.

Ingredients:

1 pound cocktail sausages
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup grape jelly
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth and well mixed.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the cocktail sausages to the slow cooker. Use a spoon to toss them gently so each sausage gets coated in the sauce. Make sure they sit in one layer if possible for even cooking.

Step 3: Cooking

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally if you can to keep the sauce from sticking and to evenly glaze the sausages. The sauce should thicken and become shiny.

Step 4: Finishing

Turn the slow cooker to warm. Spoon the sticky sausages into a serving dish or leave them in the crock for self-serve. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer.

How to Serve BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

Serve these sausages hot from the crock in a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking. They pair well with crusty bread, soft slider rolls, or skewers for a party platter. Add pickles or sliced jalapeños on the side to cut the sweetness. For holiday parties, set them next to a cheese board and fresh fruit to balance flavors.

How to Store BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
Freezer: Place cooled sausages and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating tip: Reheat slowly and add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if the mixture has thickened too much.

Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot

Use fully cooked cocktail sausages (little smokies) for best results and quick prep.
If your grape jelly is very firm, warm it slightly before adding so it blends smoothly.
Stir once or twice during cooking to keep the sauce evenly glossy.
For a thicker glaze, remove the lid in the last 20–30 minutes and cook on high to reduce the sauce.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the sauce if it tastes too sweet.
Taste the sauce before adding the sausages and adjust salt or heat with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.
Tangy Mustard: Mix 2 tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard into the sauce for tang.
Pineapple Twist: Substitute 1/2 cup pineapple preserves for grape jelly for tropical flavor.
Brown Sugar Bourbon: Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional) for depth.
Glazed Veggie Mix: Add bite-sized potatoes or carrots in the slow cooker for a heartier appetizer or side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh sausage links instead of cocktail sausages?
A: Yes. If the links are raw, brown them first in a skillet and then add to the slow cooker. Raw sausage needs more careful cooking; cook on low until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the sauce and sausages in the crock the night before, keep covered in the fridge, and cook the next day. Or fully cook, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
A: Reduce the grape jelly to 1/4 cup and add 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to balance sweetness.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and use a large slow cooker. Cooking time stays about the same, but check sauce thickness and stir once or twice.

Q: Is there a vegetarian swap for this recipe?
A: Try plant-based smoked sausages. Use the same sauce and cook on low for 1–2 hours until heated through and coated. Check package cooking guidance.

Q: Will the sauce burn on the bottom of the slow cooker?
A: It can if cooked too long on high without stirring. Cook on low for best results and stir once or twice. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.

Q: Can I use homemade BBQ sauce or jelly?
A: Yes. Homemade sauce and jelly work well and let you control sugar and salt levels. Adjust amounts to taste.

Conclusion

This BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot is a fuss-free appetizer that delivers sweet, smoky, and sticky bites every time. It works for quick weeknight entertaining or big gatherings. For more slow-cooker inspiration and a similar crowd-pleasing idea, check out the Crockpot BBQ Little Smokies Recipe – Savory Nothings. Give it a try — the sauce is irresistible and the sausages disappear fast.