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

Tips for success

To keep your appetizer warm throughout a long party, leave the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting after the cooking time is complete. This prevents the sauce from cooling down and thickening too much, ensuring every guest gets a perfectly glazed sausage.

If the sauce begins to look a little dry after a few hours on warm, add a tablespoon of water or a splash of apple cider vinegar to loosen the consistency back to a glossy finish.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. This provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar and barbecue sauce. For a more sophisticated flavor, you can also stir in a small amount of bourbon or apple juice, which adds depth to the glaze. These simple adjustments allow you to customize the recipe to your specific preferences.

Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Smokies: Add two tablespoons of chopped jalapeños or a generous dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. This adds a bold kick that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and creates a popular flavor profile for those who enjoy spicy appetizers.
• Honey Mustard Smokies: Replace the barbecue sauce with a mixture of equal parts honey and yellow mustard. This change offers a tangy and sweet alternative that is equally delicious and provides a nice variety if you are serving multiple appetizers at your party.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a saucepan over medium heat until hot.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the sausages in their sauce to ensure they stay moist and flavorful when you are ready to enjoy them again.

Proper storage in the refrigerator will maintain the quality of the dish for up to three days, making it a great option for quick snacks throughout the week or for preparing in advance for a future gathering.

These cocktail smokies are an excellent make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process when you are ready. This is a perfect strategy for busy hosting days, as it allows you to have everything prepped well before your guests arrive.

Serving ideas

Serve these cocktail smokies straight from the slow cooker with a bowl of toothpicks nearby for easy grazing. The slow cooker keeps them at a safe and pleasant temperature, making it the most convenient way to present them to guests.

If you prefer a more formal presentation, transfer the sausages to a festive serving platter and drizzle a little extra sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over them right before placing them on the table.

For a balanced spread, consider serving these alongside fresh vegetable sticks, crackers, or a simple coleslaw. The richness of the barbecue glaze pairs beautifully with crisp, cool, or acidic sides, which helps to cleanse the palate.

By providing a variety of textures and temperatures, you ensure that your appetizer spread is well-rounded and satisfying for all your guests, regardless of their individual preferences or dietary needs during the event.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bourbon Barbecue Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail mini sausages
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cocktail mini sausages into the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Add the brown sugar and onion powder directly over the sausages.
2. Pour the barbecue sauce over the layered sausages and aromatics. Ensure the sauce covers as much of the surface as possible for a consistent glaze.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Once the time is up, stir the mixture thoroughly to coat the sausages in the caramelized glaze, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

240

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

650 mg

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