Save The smoky sweetness hit me before I even opened the lid. My neighbor had brought these glossy little sausages to a potluck, and I watched them disappear in minutes while my carefully arranged cheese platter sat untouched. I asked for the recipe expecting some complicated process, but she just laughed and said it was three ingredients and a slow cooker. That night I went home and bought a bag of cocktail sausages, determined to crack the code.
I made these for a Super Bowl party where I knew absolutely no one except my friend who dragged me along. I plugged in the crock pot in the corner, and within an hour it became the unofficial gathering spot. People kept drifting over with toothpicks, and suddenly I had four new friends debating whether grape jelly or apricot jam made the better version. Turns out, sausages are excellent icebreakers.
Ingredients
- Cocktail smoked sausages: Little Smokies are the classic choice, but any mini smoked sausage works beautifully as long as theyre fully cooked and just need heating through.
- Barbecue sauce: Your favorite style sets the tone, whether thats smoky, spicy, or sweet, so dont be shy about using what you already love on ribs or chicken.
- Apricot jam or preserves: This is where the magic happens because the fruit sweetness balances the tang and creates that irresistible glaze that clings to every bite.
- Dijon mustard: It adds a sharp little kick that keeps the sauce from being one-dimensional, and regular yellow mustard works in a pinch though it will be milder.
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a tablespoon cuts through the sweetness and brightens everything up, making the sauce taste more complex than it actually is.
- Worcestershire sauce: This brings a savory depth that anchors all the sweet elements, and a little goes a long way so dont skip it.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, giving a gentle warmth that ties the whole sauce together without overwhelming the other flavors.
Instructions
- Mix the sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until everything is smooth and the jam has broken down completely. It should look glossy and unified, with no stubborn jam clumps hiding at the bottom.
- Add the sausages:
- Place the cocktail sausages directly into your crock pot, then pour the sauce mixture over them and give everything a good stir to coat each sausage evenly. They should be swimming in sauce, which will thicken and cling as it cooks.
- Slow cook:
- Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW, letting it cook for 2 hours and stirring halfway through to make sure the sausages on top get their turn in the sauce. Youll know theyre ready when the sauce is bubbling gently and the sausages are heated all the way through.
- Serve warm:
- Keep the crock pot on the warm setting and serve directly from it with toothpicks nearby, or transfer to a serving dish if you need the counter space. Either way, have extra toothpicks ready because people will come back.
Save My dad, who usually avoids anything sweet in his savory food, stood by the crock pot for twenty minutes pretending to supervise while systematically eating his way through a dozen sausages. When I pointed it out, he just shrugged and said he was quality testing. Now every time I make them, he shows up early to help set up, which we both know is code for getting first dibs.
Flavor Variations to Try
Swapping apricot jam for grape jelly gives you a more traditional sweet glaze that tastes like childhood parties, while pineapple preserves add a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with a smoky barbecue sauce. If you want heat, stir in a quarter teaspoon of cayenne or a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce until the sauce has just enough bite to keep people guessing. I once added a tablespoon of bourbon to the mix for a grown-up version, and it added this warm, oaky note that made everyone ask if Id suddenly become a gourmet cook.
Keeping Them Warm for Parties
The beauty of these sausages is that they can sit on the warm setting for up to four hours without drying out or losing their shine. I learned to start them about an hour before guests arrive so the house smells amazing when people walk in, which sets the tone better than any playlist ever could. If the sauce starts to thicken too much after a few hours, just stir in a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it back up. Keep a small stack of napkins nearby because no matter how carefully people try to eat them, that sticky glaze has a way of ending up on fingers.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
These sausages shine brightest alongside crispy things that can handle the sauce, like thick-cut potato chips, buttery crackers, or slices of crusty baguette for people who want to soak up every drop. Pickles and pickled vegetables offer a sharp, briny contrast that cuts through the sweetness and gives your taste buds a break between bites. I also like setting out a small bowl of extra Dijon mustard for anyone who wants an additional tangy kick, though most people are perfectly happy with the sausages exactly as they are.
- Set out small plates and plenty of toothpicks so people can grab a few at a time without camping at the crock pot.
- If youre serving these as part of a larger spread, plan for about six to eight sausages per person because they go faster than you think.
- Leftover sausages reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Save These little sausages have become my signature move for any gathering where I want to look like I tried without actually spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe, and I love watching their face when I tell them how simple it really is.
Recipe FAQs
- → 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. Grape jelly is a classic alternative that creates a sweeter sauce.
- → How do I make these sausages spicier?
Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
- → Can I cook these on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 1 hour instead of LOW for 2 hours. Stir halfway through and check that the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, combine with sausages in the crock pot and cook as directed.
- → What can I serve alongside these sausages?
Serve with toothpicks for easy eating, alongside crusty bread, pickles, cheese cubes, crackers, or potato chips. They also pair well with other party appetizers.