ULTIMATE PARTY CROCKPOT APPETIZERS

Picture this: your party is in full swing, laughter fills the air, and nestled on a side table is your trusty slow cooker, quietly keeping a warm, savory, and irresistibly cheesy dip at the perfect temperature for every guest to enjoy. That’s the effortless magic of planning your spread around Party Crockpot Appetizers, and I’m here to share my ultimate, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone gathered around the pot all night long.

What You’ll Need: The Little Smokies & Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This recipe is my secret weapon for a reason. It takes the classic “little smokies in a blanket” concept and transforms it into something deeply flavorful, hands-off, and perfect for a crowd. The bourbon adds a subtle, smoky sweetness that elevates the whole dish from simple to spectacular. Trust me, these disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”

Ingredients for Bourbon BBQ Little Smokies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to stress-free hosting. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this addictive appetizer.

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup bourbon (a good mid-shelf brand is perfect)
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

For the Smokies & Assembly

• 2 (14-ounce) packages cocktail smokies (little smoked sausages)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Effortless Elegance

Don’t let the homemade sauce scare you—it comes together in minutes and makes all the difference. I’ll walk you through each simple step.

Step 1: Craft Your Signature BBQ Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all of the sauce ingredients: ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
2. Whisk everything together until smooth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded beautifully. The bourbon will cook off, leaving behind its wonderful flavor.

Step 2: The Slow Cooker Magic

1. Place the cocktail smokies into your slow cooker insert.
2. Pour the warm, homemade bourbon BBQ sauce over the smokies and stir gently to ensure every little sausage is coated.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours. You just want everything heated through and bubbling gently. The longer, slower cook allows the smokies to really soak up the sauce.

Step 3: Final Touches & Serving

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings to the smokies, give the cornstarch-and-water slurry a quick stir and then mix it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on HIGH until the sauce glazes nicely.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve directly from the slow cooker set to the WARM setting. Provide toothpicks or small forks and plenty of napkins!

Why This is the Ultimate Party Appetizer

Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe embodies everything we want as hosts. It’s the set-it-and-forget-it nature of the crockpot that truly sets it apart. No last-minute frying or baking. Your appetizer stays perfectly warm, saucy, and ready for guests arriving early or late. It frees you up to mingle, enjoy your own party, and be the relaxed host everyone loves. This dish is a conversation starter in itself, and when someone asks for the recipe, you can smile knowing how simple it truly was.

Pro-Tips from Your Kitchen Bestie

I’ve made this more times than I can count, and here are my insider secrets to guarantee your success:

• Make-Ahead Marvel: The BBQ sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. On party day, just combine it with the smokies in the crockpot and heat.
• Protein Swap: This sauce is also fantastic with meatballs! Use a 2-pound bag of frozen, fully-cooked homestyle meatballs and follow the same cooking instructions.
• Keep it Warm: If your slow cooker’s WARM setting runs hot, prop the lid open slightly with a wooden spoon to prevent the sauce from reducing too much.
• Double the Batch: For a larger crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

Building Your Ultimate Crockpot Appetizer Spread

While these Bourbon BBQ Little Smokies can absolutely stand alone, why stop at one pot? The beauty of Party Crockpot Appetizers is that you can create an entire hot buffet with minimal effort. Consider adding a second slow cooker with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip or a queso blanco with spicy chorizo. Offer a variety of dippers and let your slow cookers do all the heavy lifting, keeping every bite warm and delicious from the first guest to the last.

Remember, the goal of any great party is connection and joy, not stress. By letting your crockpot be the hero, you’re choosing to spend your energy where it matters most—with your friends and family. So plug in that pot, pour yourself a drink, and get ready to host the easiest, most delicious gathering yet. You’ve got this, and I’m right here cheering you on from my kitchen to yours.

Bourbon BBQ Little Smokies (Crockpot Appetizer)

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it party appetizer featuring cocktail smokies simmered in a rich, homemade bourbon BBQ sauce. It’s effortlessly kept warm in a slow cooker, ensuring a savory, crowd-pleasing bite for every guest all night long.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• A pinch of cayenne pepper optional
• For the Smokies & Assembly: 2 14-ounce) packages cocktail smokies (little smoked sausages
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water optional, for thickening
• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Serving spoon
• Toothpicks or small forks for serving

Method

 

1. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients (ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne). Whisk until smooth.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors are melded.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the cocktail smokies into the slow cooker insert. Pour the warm BBQ sauce over them and stir gently to coat.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until heated through and bubbling gently.
5. Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, stir the cornstarch slurry and mix it into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce glazes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Serve directly from the slow cooker set to WARM, with toothpicks or small forks.

Notes

Pro Tips: The BBQ sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. For a variation, substitute the smokies with 2 lbs of frozen cooked meatballs. If your slow cooker’s WARM setting is very hot, prop the lid open slightly with a wooden spoon to prevent over-reduction. This recipe doubles easily for a larger crowd in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.