Slow Cooker Root Beer Mini Smoked Sausages Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. This provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the root beer and brown sugar.

If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a tiny drop of liquid smoke, though be careful as it is very potent and can easily overpower the other delicate ingredients.

Serving these sausages is best done straight from the slow cooker set to the warm setting. This keeps the glaze at the perfect consistency and temperature for your guests throughout the party. Provide a small bowl of toothpicks nearby so guests can easily pick up the sausages without making a mess, and consider having napkins ready as the sauce can be quite sticky.

Variations

• Spicy Root Beer Sausages: Add 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking to introduce a welcome heat that balances the sweetness.
• Bourbon Infused Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon whiskey with the barbecue sauce. The alcohol will cook off during the long slow-cooking process, leaving behind a sophisticated, oaky depth of flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

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

Reheat

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

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Allow them to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing them into the refrigerator to ensure food safety.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead of time. You can assemble 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 whenever you are ready. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for hosting parties or busy evenings.

Serving ideas

Serve these sausages warm as an appetizer at any casual gathering. They pair exceptionally well with other finger foods like cheese platters, fresh vegetable sticks, or crunchy crackers.

Because the sauce is quite rich and sweet, they contrast beautifully with salty or tangy sides, providing a well-rounded experience for your guests that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings.

If serving as part of a larger meal, consider offering these alongside coleslaw or potato salad. The acidity in the coleslaw cuts through the richness of the root beer glaze, creating a balanced bite.

Ensure you have plenty of toothpicks available for easy serving, and perhaps provide small appetizer plates so guests can enjoy them comfortably while mingling at your event.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Root Beer Mini Smoked Sausages

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 32 count mini smoked sausages
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 12 oz root beer

Instructions

1. Place the mini smoked sausages into the slow cooker insert. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the sausages to ensure they are coated.
2. Pour the barbecue sauce over the sausages, followed by the root beer. Use a spoon to gently stir the ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the sausages are well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the cooker to the low heat setting and cook for 3 hours. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are thoroughly heated through.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

750 mg

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