Slow Cooker Apple Bourbon Cocktail Smokies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a subtle heat to the dish, you can incorporate a small amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce before cooking. This provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apple butter and the barbecue sauce without overpowering the dish.

Adjust the amount based on your preference for heat, starting with a small pinch and tasting the sauce before adding more to ensure the balance remains exactly where you want it for your guests.

If you find the sauce is becoming too dark or thick during the final stages of cooking, you can stir in a tablespoon of water or apple cider to loosen the glaze. This is particularly helpful if you are keeping the sausages on the warm setting for an extended period, as the heat can continue to evaporate moisture. Keeping the sauce at the right consistency ensures the sausages remain succulent and easy to serve throughout the duration of your event.

Variations

• Spicy Apple Smokies: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture before cooking to introduce a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the apple butter.
• Bourbon Glazed Smokies: Stir in two tablespoons of your favorite bourbon during the final hour of cooking to add a sophisticated depth of flavor and a subtle oaky undertone to the glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the slow cooker on low until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Store any leftover cocktail smokies in an airtight container. Allow the leftovers to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to the refrigerator. This ensures the food remains safe while preventing the growth of bacteria. When storing, ensure the sausages are fully covered by the remaining sauce to prevent them from drying out. If you plan on storing them for longer than a few days, it is recommended to freeze them.

These cocktail smokies are an excellent make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare them fully the day before your event and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply transfer the contents back to the slow cooker and reheat on the low setting until they are thoroughly warmed through.

This allows the flavors to meld even further overnight, often resulting in a more intense and delicious final dish than if served immediately after the initial cooking.

Serving ideas

When serving, place the slow cooker in a central, accessible location so guests can help themselves easily. Provide a small bowl for used toothpicks to keep the serving area clean and tidy.

If you prefer a more formal presentation, arrange the glazed sausages on a decorative platter, drizzling a little of the extra sauce from the slow cooker over the top just before bringing them out. This makes for a beautiful and professional look that highlights the glossy finish of the glaze.

Pair these cocktail smokies with other appetizers that offer a different texture or flavor profile, such as crisp fresh vegetables or light crackers. The richness of the smoky, sweet sauce is best balanced by items that provide a crunch or a refreshing contrast.

Consider setting out a small dish of mustard or a side of creamy dip to offer your guests a variety of flavor combinations, allowing them to customize their experience as they enjoy the cocktail sausages throughout the party.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Bourbon Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb mini sausages
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the mini sausages into the base of the slow cooker. Add the apple butter, ground cinnamon, and barbecue sauce over the top of the sausages.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low. Cook the sausages for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure they are fully glazed in the sauce, until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
3. Once cooked, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting. Serve the cocktail smokies directly from the cooker or transfer them to a clean serving platter.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

750 mg

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