Crockpot Chili Cheese Cocktail Sausages Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or diced pickled jalapeños to the mixture before serving. This provides a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the sausages.

Adjust the spice level according to the preferences of your guests, keeping in mind that the chili powder already provides a baseline level of flavor.

If the sauce becomes too thick after sitting on the warm setting for an extended period, you can add a small splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This simple trick ensures that your appetizer remains perfect and inviting throughout the entire duration of your party.

Variations

• Spicy Chili Cheese: Add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture before cooking for an extra kick of heat that complements the savory sausages.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in a half-cup of drained black beans and a tablespoon of taco seasoning instead of chili powder for a distinct Tex-Mex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout and smooth again.

If you have leftovers, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container.

Properly stored, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and store the insert in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process.

This is a great way to save time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations while the appetizer cooks itself.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the slow cooker to keep it at the ideal temperature throughout your party. Provide guests with small appetizer plates and toothpicks or cocktail forks for easy serving.

The rich, cheesy sauce is best enjoyed while warm, so keeping the slow cooker on the warm setting is highly recommended for the best experience.

For a complete snack spread, offer a side of crusty bread, pita chips, or even vegetable sticks for dipping. These additions help balance the saltiness of the sausages and chili, offering guests a variety of textures. A small bowl of fresh chopped scallions or cilantro as a garnish can also add a bright, fresh finish to the savory dish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Chili Cheese Cocktail Sausages

Prep 5 minCook 2 hTotal 2 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs mini smoked sausages
• 2 cups orange melting cheese, cubed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 15 oz canned beanless beef chili

Instructions

1. Place the mini smoked sausages into the slow cooker insert. Add the cubed melting cheese on top of the sausages to ensure even distribution as it melts.
2. Sprinkle the chili powder over the sausages and cheese. Spoon the canned beanless beef chili over the entire mixture. Cover the slow cooker and heat on low for two hours until completely hot and bubbling.
3. Remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy sauce. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.