If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors with zero fuss, the Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender little smokies bathed in a luscious blend of apple butter and rich barbecue sauce, slow-cooked until they’re bursting with flavor and perfectly sticky. This dish turns any get-together into an instant hit, and it’s so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with shiny, orange-brown small sausages is placed on a white marbled surface. Above and below the bowl are two small white cups, one holding thick, dark brown sauce with a smooth swirl texture, and the other filled with a brighter reddish-brown sauce, also swirled neatly on the top. The bowls and cups are spaced evenly, showing a simple and clean arrangement photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, building layers of flavor while requiring minimal prep time. Here’s what you’ll need:

28 oz package Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies: These mini smoked sausages bring the perfect bite-sized smoky goodness that forms the heart of the dish.
1 cup apple butter: Adds a smooth, sweet fruitiness that balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce beautifully.
1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended): Rich and tangy, this sauce ties everything together with its familiar, savory kick.

How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by grabbing your slow cooker and adding the entire package of Lit’l Smokies directly into the bowl. This is the base for your saucy masterpiece.

Step 2: Mix in the Apple Butter and Barbecue Sauce

Pour in the apple butter and barbecue sauce over the smokies. These two ingredients are the dynamic duo that transforms the sausages from simple to spectacular with their lush, sticky coating.

Step 3: Stir to Coat

Give everything a good stir so that every little smokie is fully covered in that sweet and tangy sauce. This ensures they’ll be bursting with flavor after cooking.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow or High and Fast

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. If you can, give it a gentle stir halfway through to keep all those flavors mingling perfectly.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is up, you can either serve the little smokies right from the slow cooker to keep them cozy and warm, or transfer them to a platter with toothpicks — perfect for parties and easy snacking.

How to Serve Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe

Inside a white slow cooker, small orange sausages fill the bottom layer, surrounding two thick sauces on top. One sauce is a shiny red color, smooth in texture, stretching across much of the sausages on the top left side. The other sauce is dark brown, thick and slightly glossy, sitting on the bottom right side of the sausages. The cooker is placed on a white marbled surface with a hint of a green cloth in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a splash of color and a mild fresh note that beautifully complements the rich sauce. A few red pepper flakes can add a surprising hint of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic picnic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or even crispy potato wedges. The creamy and crunchy textures from sides contrast delightfully with the sticky and tender smokies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these smokies on slider buns with a bit of extra barbecue sauce and a pickle slice. Or turn them into party kabobs alternating the little smokies with colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks for eye-catching appeal and extra flavor dimensions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier bites the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Be sure to cool the smokies completely before placing them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to restore that luscious saucy texture. If reheating on the stove, adding a splash of water can help loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of Lit’l Smokies?

Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies are ideal for their size and smoky flavor, cocktail sausages or mini smoked sausages from your butcher can be great substitutes. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before tossing with the sauces.

Is apple butter necessary in this recipe?

Yes, apple butter brings a unique sweet, fruity depth that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully. Without it, the smokies lose some of that signature balance between sweet and savory that makes this recipe shine.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy and hands-off, you can warm everything together in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Cook until everything is heated through and nicely blended.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and friendly for all taste buds, thanks to the sweet apple butter and classic barbecue sauce. You can easily add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne if you want a little kick.

What occasions are best for serving Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe?

This dish is perfect for casual gatherings like game day, potlucks, family dinners, and holiday parties — basically any time you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s effortless and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about the ease and flavor combo in the Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a snack that never disappoints and always invites everyone back for more. Give it a try, and watch this little smoky sensation become your go-to for every occasion!