Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Cocktail Sausages Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more sophisticated presentation, consider garnishing the finished dish with thinly sliced fresh chives or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add a subtle freshness and texture that contrasts beautifully with the sticky, sweet glaze.

If you are hosting a larger crowd, you can easily double this recipe, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume without overcrowding, which ensures even cooking across all the sausages.

If you find the sauce is becoming too concentrated, do not hesitate to add a tablespoon of water at a time to reach the desired consistency. It is always easier to thin a glaze than to thicken it once it has reached the ideal flavor profile.

Keep a set of toothpicks nearby for guests, as these cocktail sausages are best enjoyed as a bite-sized appetizer that is easy to pick up and eat while mingling at a party.

Variations

• Spicy Cherry Sausages: Add two tablespoons of chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the assembly phase for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the cola and cherries.
• Bourbon Glaze: Substitute half of the cherry cola with bourbon to add a deeper, oaky complexity to the glaze. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a sophisticated, concentrated flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain food safety.

The sauce will continue to develop flavor as it sits, making leftovers a delicious option for the following day. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the sausages from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.

This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate the entire unit overnight. When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This saves valuable time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations while the appetizers cook unattended.

Serving ideas

Serve these sausages directly from the slow cooker set to the warm setting to keep the glaze at the perfect consistency for the duration of your event. Provide a small serving spoon or tongs so guests can easily transfer the sausages to their plates. If you prefer to plate them in advance, use a shallow dish or a decorative platter that can accommodate the rich, sticky sauce without spilling over the edges.

Pair these cocktail sausages with other appetizers that provide a contrast in flavor and texture, such as a crisp vegetable platter with a cool ranch dip or a selection of sharp, aged cheeses.

The sweetness of the cherry cola glaze pairs exceptionally well with salty items, making them a versatile addition to any appetizer spread. Always provide plenty of napkins, as the sticky nature of the glaze is part of the fun but can be messy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Cocktail Sausages

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 10 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lb mini smoked sausages
• 1 cup pitted sweet cherries
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup dark cherry cola
• 1/2 cup ketchup

Instructions

1. Place the mini smoked sausages into the slow cooker insert. Add the pitted sweet cherries, brown sugar, and smoked paprika over the sausages. Pour the dark cherry cola and ketchup over the mixture. Stir everything gently until the sausages are well coated in the sauce mixture.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 3 hours. Periodically check that the sauce is bubbling gently. Once the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 160°F (71°C), the dish is ready to be served.
3. Once finished, turn off the slow cooker and let the sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving. Stir once more to ensure the glaze is consistent and coats each sausage thoroughly. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

24 g

Sodium

850 mg

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