Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Little Smokies
These irresistible Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies are sweet, savory, and effortless to make. The perfect appetizer for parties of all kinds—your guests will devour them!
The Easiest Appetizer Your Guests Will Go Crazy For
If you need a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer you can throw together in under five minutes, look no further than these Maple Brown Sugar Little Smokies. This is one of those go-to recipes that sticks with you — the kind you’ll find yourself making for every party, potluck, or game day. It’s simple, reliable, and always a hit.
There’s just something special about how the smoky sausages, sweet maple syrup, and rich brown sugar come together in the slow cooker — pure comfort in every bite. And the best part? You can literally dump everything in the pot with zero chopping, no fancy prep, and let the slow cooker handle the rest. This is a snack that is guaranteed smiles all around.
Just 6-Simple Ingredients—Zero Effort
- Lil’ smokies- We use the all-beef but feel free to use your favorite kind.
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup– You’ll want to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
Meat-Swap Options
If you want to switch up the smokies for another meat option, here are some ideas:
- Meatballs– use frozen or homemade
- Smoked sausage rope cut in larger slices
- Chicken or turkey sausage cut in chunks
One Easy Step For Slow Cooker Little Smokies
- Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and give it stir. Place the lid on and cook on high for 2-3 hours. Serve warm right from the slow cooker.
Freezing and Making Ahead Tips
- To prep ahead assemble the sausage and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container before cooking. Freeze up to 2-3 months.
- On the day of serving, you can add these straight to the slow cooker frozen, or thaw overnight in the fridge, then add to the slow cooker and cook until hot.
- If you have leftover cooked sausages, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve toothpicks on the side so guests can easily grab and go.
- Garnish with chopped green onion or parsley for a fresh pop of color.
- Set out a small bowl of grainy or spicy mustard for a tangy dip option.
- If you want to make it into more of a “main” than just an appetizer, serve the sausages over rice, roasted potatoes or steamed veggies.
Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Little Smokies
Equipment
- 2 qt or larger slow cooker
Ingredients
- 24 ounce package little smokies we use all-beef
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the package of the little smokies then place them in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6. Enjoy warm from the slow cooker.
Notes
Nutrition
More Appetizer Ideas? Try These Next!
Complete your party with these tasty snacks: Hot Bean Dip, Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix, Easy Dill Pickle Dip, Cocktail Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Smoked Sausage Cranberry Cheddar Bites, Mediterranean Artichoke Dip Bruschetta, and Whipped Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip.
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