Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Little Smokies

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Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Little Smokies

Description

Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Little Smokies are a sweet, smoky, and savory appetizer made with tender cocktail sausages simmered in a rich cherry barbecue sauce. The combination of tangy BBQ flavor, fruity cherry sweetness, and a touch of spice makes this an easy crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, game days, potlucks, and family gatherings. The slow cooker keeps them warm and flavorful for hours, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.

Servings

Serves: 10–12 people
Serving size: About 6–8 little smokies

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours (slow cooker)
  • Total Time: About 3 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (14 oz each) cocktail sausages/little smokies
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ¾ cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce
    • In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, cherry preserves, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
    • Place the little smokies into the slow cooker.
    • Pour the cherry BBQ sauce over the sausages and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Slow Cook
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1½ hours.
    • Stir occasionally if possible.
  4. Serve
    • Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting for serving.
    • Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • Use a good-quality BBQ sauce because it forms the main flavor of the dish.
  • Cherry preserves create a glossy sauce and add natural sweetness.
  • For a deeper smoky flavor, use smoked BBQ sauce or add a few drops of liquid smoke.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors blend.

Tips for Best Results

  • Balance sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, reduce the brown sugar.
  • Add spice: Mix in jalapeño jelly, hot sauce, or extra chili flakes for a spicy version.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the sauce and sausages a day before, then slow cook when needed.
  • Prevent watery sauce: Avoid adding extra liquid; the sausages release moisture while cooking.
  • Party serving: Provide toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Variations

Spicy Cherry BBQ Little Smokies

Add:

  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Honey Cherry BBQ Little Smokies

Replace brown sugar with:

  • 3 tablespoons honey

Bacon-Wrapped Version

Wrap each sausage with a small piece of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and cook until caramelized.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Serving size: 6–8 little smokies

  • Calories: 220–280
  • Protein: 8–10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18–25 g
  • Fat: 12–16 g
  • Sugar: 12–18 g
  • Sodium: 700–900 mg

Nutritional values vary depending on sausage and BBQ sauce brands used.

Benefits

  • High in protein: Cocktail sausages provide protein that helps support muscle maintenance.
  • Easy meal prep: Minimal preparation and hands-off cooking make it convenient.
  • Party-friendly: A warm appetizer that can feed a crowd.
  • Customizable: Easily adjusted for sweet, smoky, or spicy preferences.
  • Energy source: Provides carbohydrates and fats for quick energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A)

Q: Can I use frozen little smokies?
A: Yes. You can cook them from frozen, but add about 30–45 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Simmer everything in a covered pot over low heat for about 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q: Can I freeze Cherry BBQ Little Smokies?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Q: What can I serve with these?
A: They pair well with sliders, chips, vegetable trays, cheese boards, potato wedges, and party salads.

Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Reduce cherry preserves and brown sugar, then add extra BBQ sauce or a splash of vinegar for balance.

Q: Can I use another type of sausage?
A: Yes. Turkey, chicken, or smoked sausage pieces work well.

Enjoy these sweet, smoky, and sticky Slow Cooker Cherry BBQ Little Smokies as an easy appetizer everyone will love!

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