Imagine walking into a room filled with the sweet, smoky aroma of delicious BBQ wafting through the air, tempting your taste buds from the moment you step inside. That’s the magic of Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage – tender little bites of sausage smothered in a tangy, sticky barbecue sauce that makes every gathering feel like a backyard barbecue (even if it’s just Tuesday).
This dish isn’t just about flavors; it’s about memories. I can still remember the first time I made these for a family reunion. The looks on my family’s faces were priceless as they dove into the slow-cooked goodness, and I knew then, this recipe would become a staple at every event. Perfect for game days, holiday parties, or just when you want to impress your friends with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make dish requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the work.
- Its sweet and savory flavor profile will satisfy any crowd.
- Visually appealing with its glossy sauce, it’s perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
- You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
I still chuckle at how quickly these vanished that day—it’s like they had legs! My cousin even asked for the recipe before he finished his first plate.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cocktail Sausages: Choose bite-sized sausages that are pre-cooked for optimal flavor and convenience.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand; sweet and tangy works best for this recipe.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramelized sweetness; adjust based on how sweet you like it.
Mustard: Yellow mustard is classic here, adding a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds depth and umami flavor to the mix.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage
Prep the Cocktail Sausages: Start by placing your cocktail sausages into the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly spread out at the bottom for even cooking.
Create the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well blended.
Pour Over Sausages: Pour your barbecue mixture over the sausages in the crock pot, making sure every sausage gets coated in that delicious glaze.
Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours until heated through and flavors meld beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once done, give them a good stir before serving in a fun bowl. Grab some toothpicks because these little beauties won’t last long!
This simple yet delightful recipe will elevate any occasion with its irresistible flavors and ease of preparation. So go ahead, fire up that crock pot and let it work its magic!
Content
Tip 1: Use high-quality sausages for the best flavor and texture. They make a world of difference in taste. I once made this mistake with bargain sausages, and my guests never let me forget it.
Tip 2: Let the cocktail sausages simmer longer for extra tenderness. This enhances their flavor and makes them irresistible. Trust me; your guests will be licking their plates clean!
Tip 3: Don’t skimp on the sauce; it’s what brings everything together. A great BBQ sauce can elevate an average dish into something magical. I learned this after one too many bland parties!
You Must Know
- The right BBQ sauce can transform your Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage from ordinary to extraordinary, adding depth and sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
- Experimenting with different sauces can lead to delightful surprises that keep your guests coming back for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the sauce and sausages in your crock pot, then cook on low for six hours or high for three hours for perfectly tender results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding veggies like bell peppers or onions, or even a splash of whiskey for a unique twist on flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the crock pot on low until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For maximum flavor, sear the sausages before adding them to the crock pot for that rich caramelized taste.
- If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick it up a notch!
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance.
I’ll never forget when I first served these Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausages at a family gathering; they disappeared faster than my uncle’s famous potato salad!
FAQ
Can I use frozen sausages in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sausages; just extend cooking time by about an hour.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce pairs excellently with the savory sausages.
Can I make these spicy?
Absolutely! Add hot sauce or spicy BBQ sauce for a deliciously fiery kick.
Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage
Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausages are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or celebration. Tender, bite-sized sausages are coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking. This easy-to-make dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, ensuring your guests will keep coming back for more. Whether it’s game day or a casual weeknight dinner, these delicious little bites are guaranteed to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: 14 minute
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cocktail sausages (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and tangy preferred)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Place cocktail sausages in the bottom of a crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Stir before serving in a fun bowl with toothpicks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sausage pieces (90g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider searing the sausages before adding them to the crock pot. - Feel free to add diced bell peppers or onions for additional texture and taste.
