Easy Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Cocktail Smokies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of heat to this dish, consider stirring in a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes before starting the slow cooker.

This provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple and the teriyaki sauce, catering to those who prefer a little kick in their appetizers. Always adjust the seasoning at the very end to ensure it meets your specific flavor preferences.

If you find that your sauce is not thickening as much as you would like toward the end of the cooking time, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate, which will naturally concentrate the sauce and result in a stickier finish. Keep a close eye on it during this time to prevent the sugars in the teriyaki sauce from scorching.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Smokies: Stir in two tablespoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce along with the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick that balances the pineapple sweetness.
• Sesame Ginger Smokies: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the pot for an aromatic, depth-filled flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Allow the sausages to cool for no more than two hours at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Once properly cooled, they can be kept for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until they are heated through.

These are excellent for making ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

When ready to serve, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. This makes them a stress-free option for hosting events where you need to minimize last-minute kitchen time.

Serving ideas

Serve these smokies on a decorative platter to make them the centerpiece of your appetizer spread. Since they are glazed, they can be quite sticky, so provide plenty of napkins for your guests. Using high-quality, sturdy toothpicks is essential, as the sausages can be slightly heavy and you want to ensure they stay on the pick until they reach the guest's plate.

Consider serving these alongside other finger foods to create a balanced appetizer menu. They pair particularly well with crunchy vegetables like celery or carrot sticks, which provide a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the savory, glazed sausages.

If hosting a larger party, you can keep the slow cooker on the warm setting throughout the event, allowing guests to serve themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lb cocktail sausages
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cocktail sausages into the base of the slow cooker. Scatter the pineapple chunks evenly over the sausages, sprinkle the garlic powder over the top, and pour the teriyaki sauce over the entire mixture to coat everything thoroughly.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for 3 hours, or until the sausages are heated through and reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C), ensuring the glaze has thickened and become glossy.
3. Carefully remove the smokies from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a warm serving platter and provide toothpicks for guests to easily pick them up. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Contains: gluten, soy, fish

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

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