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A colorful spread of easy-to-make party crockpot appetizers simmering in a slow cooker on a kitchen counter.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
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.