Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Cocktail Smokies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor profile, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard before pouring it over the smokies. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. If you prefer a tangier bite, a splash of apple cider vinegar can also be added to the sauce mixture before cooking, which helps to balance the richness of the honey mustard perfectly.

Presentation matters even for simple appetizers. When serving these, use a decorative platter and provide a generous amount of toothpicks or small cocktail forks.

If you have guests with different dietary preferences, you can keep a small portion of the smokies separate and serve them with a variety of dips on the side. This allows everyone to enjoy the dish while catering to individual tastes, making your appetizer spread more versatile and inclusive for all your guests.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the honey mustard mixture before pouring it over the smokies for a spicy kick.
• Smoky BBQ Twist: Replace half of the honey mustard sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce to create a deeper, smokier flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the cocktail sausages.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, about 160°F (71°C).

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

The glaze will thicken as it cools, which is normal. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them gently in a saucepan or microwave until they are warmed through, adding a tiny splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.

These cocktail smokies are an excellent make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker bowl, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook them.

When you are ready, simply place the bowl into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process as directed. This saves you significant time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations while the slow cooker works its magic.

Serving ideas

Serve the cocktail smokies directly from the slow cooker if you are hosting a casual gathering. Keep the unit on the 'warm' setting to ensure they stay at the perfect temperature for your guests.

Provide small appetizer plates and toothpicks nearby so guests can easily serve themselves. The combination of the warm, sticky glaze and the savory sausage makes this a highly portable and satisfying snack that works well for standing-room-only parties or seated events.

If you prefer a more formal presentation, transfer the cooked smokies to a heated serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top for an extra glossy finish. You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. This elevated presentation makes the dish feel special and is sure to be a highlight of your appetizer selection for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb cocktail smokies
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup honey mustard sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cocktail smokies into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out in an even layer. This allows the sauce to coat every piece evenly during the cooking process.
2. Scatter the brown sugar over the smokies, followed by the garlic powder. Distribute these ingredients as evenly as possible to ensure that every smokie receives a balanced flavor profile when the sauce begins to melt.
3. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the top of the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure the ground meat is thoroughly heated. Serve warm.

Contains: gluten, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

10.5 g

Carbohydrates

18.2 g

Fat

19.5 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

16.5 g

Sodium

650 mg

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