Slow Cooker Sweet Teriyaki Cocktail Smokies Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more complex flavor profile, you can add a teaspoon of sesame seeds as a garnish just before serving. This adds a subtle crunch and a professional look to the appetizer.

If you want to lean into a spicier profile, a small dash of red pepper flakes can be added during the assembly phase. These adjustments are simple but can significantly elevate the presentation and taste of the dish for your guests.

If you are serving these at a party that lasts for several hours, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting. This ensures that the sausages remain at the perfect temperature and the sauce stays at the ideal consistency.

If the sauce thickens too much over time, a splash of water or a little extra teriyaki sauce can be stirred in to loosen it up. Always provide a small bowl for the discarded toothpicks to keep your serving area tidy.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Smokies: Add one tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the sausages. This provides a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Garlic-Infused Smokies: Add two cloves of minced garlic during the assembly phase. The garlic will mellow out during the slow cooking process, adding a savory depth that complements the teriyaki glaze perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through to 160°F (71°C). Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the sausages have cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When storing, try to keep as much of the sauce with the sausages as possible, as this will help keep them moist and flavorful when you are ready to reheat them for a future snack.

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble all 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 it. Simply remove the bowl from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before turning the slow cooker on. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for busy hosting days where you need to save time.

Serving ideas

When serving, present the cocktail smokies on a large, shallow white platter to make the dark, glossy glaze pop. Arrange the sausages in a neat, circular pattern or a dense pile for an inviting look.

Ensure that every sausage has a toothpick already inserted, which encourages guests to help themselves easily. If you have extra sauce remaining in the slow cooker, you can drizzle a small amount over the top of the platter just before bringing it out.

Consider serving these alongside other finger foods like fresh vegetable sticks or light crackers to provide a contrast in texture. The sweetness of the pineapple and the savory teriyaki make these a versatile appetizer that pairs well with various beverages.

Keep a stack of cocktail napkins nearby, as the glaze can be slightly sticky. The goal is to make the serving process as seamless as possible so you can spend your time enjoying the event with your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Teriyaki Cocktail Smokies

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail sausages
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cocktail sausages into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Scatter the drained pineapple tidbits over the sausages, then sprinkle the ground ginger uniformly across the top.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture, ensuring everything is lightly coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausages to heat through completely.
3. Once the cooking time is finished and the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C), transfer the cocktail smokies to a serving platter. Insert party toothpicks into each sausage for easy grabbing by guests while they are still warm.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

850 mg

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