Slow Cooker Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Sausages Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more refined presentation, you can sprinkle a small amount of chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the sausages just before serving. This adds a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the deep red glaze.

If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking, though the chipotles generally provide enough kick for most guests.

If you find the sauce is slightly too spicy for your preference, you can balance it by adding a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. Conversely, if it is too sweet, a small splash of apple cider vinegar can help cut through the richness and add a necessary tang.

Always adjust these additions in small increments, tasting the sauce as you go, to ensure the balance remains exactly where you want it.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Glaze: Replace the raspberry preserves with apricot preserves and add two tablespoons of bourbon to the slow cooker. This variation offers a deeper, more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotles and works exceptionally well with cocktail sausages.
• Tangy Cranberry Twist: Substitute the raspberry preserves with whole-berry cranberry sauce. The natural tartness of the cranberries provides a sharp contrast to the heat of the chipotles, resulting in a slightly more acidic and bright appetizer that is particularly popular during the winter months.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Store any leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze will thicken further once chilled, so be mindful of this when reheating. It is best to consume the leftovers within three to four days for the best quality and safety.

Always ensure the leftovers have cooled to room temperature before placing them in the fridge, but do not leave them out for more than two hours after cooking.

This recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate the whole thing overnight. When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cook time to account for the chilled starting temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve these sausages warm, straight from the slow cooker if possible, to keep the glaze at the perfect consistency. A slow cooker set to the 'warm' setting works well for parties, allowing guests to serve themselves throughout the event. Provide plenty of small napkins, as these are meant to be eaten by hand and can be quite messy.

Pair these with other simple appetizers like a vegetable platter, a cheese board, or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining glaze. The sweetness of the raspberry makes them a great contrast to saltier snacks like pretzels or nuts.

Because they are so flavorful, they do not require any dipping sauces, though a side of mild mustard can be a nice optional accompaniment for those who enjoy the classic combination.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Raspberry Chipotle Cocktail Sausages

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs mini smoked sausages
• 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup raspberry preserves

Instructions

1. Place the mini smoked sausages into the slow cooker insert. Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, and the raspberry preserves directly over the sausages.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure the sausages are thoroughly coated in the thickening glaze.
3. Transfer the finished sausages to a serving plate using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any excess thin liquid. Serve warm, ensuring the internal temperature is at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

750 mg

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