Lil Smokies Recipe

This Lil Smokies recipe is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic cocktail sausage dish. Featuring tender beef sausages slow-cooked in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce with a kick of cayenne pepper heat, this easy crowd-pleaser is perfect for game day, potlucks, holidays, or casual get-togethers. It’s a “set-it-and-forget-it” recipe that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lil Smokies deliver a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite. The combination of brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and Frank’s RedHot gives them a rich, sticky glaze that clings to each mini sausage. With only five ingredients and minimal prep, they’re incredibly easy to throw together. Whether served straight from the slow cooker or transferred to a platter, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 28–36 ounces beef Lil Smokies sausages (2 packages)

• 18 ounces barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot cayenne pepper sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Set up a 6–8 quart slow cooker and pour in the Lil Smokies.

2. Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper sauce, and garlic powder directly into the crock.

3. Stir everything together until the sausages are evenly coated in the sauce mixture.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.

5. Once hot and saucy, stir well and serve warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving bowl.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 to 12 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Extra spicy: Add more cayenne sauce or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

• Honey BBQ: Swap half the brown sugar with honey for a sticky-sweet variation.

• Maple twist: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

• Smoky flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra smoky touch.

• Jelly version: Substitute BBQ sauce with grape jelly and add chili sauce for a classic sweet-and-savory flavor.

• Cheesy Lil Smokies: Add shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a melty topping.

• Pineapple kick: Add crushed pineapple or juice for a tropical, tangy spin.

• Mini meatball mix: Add frozen mini meatballs for a mixed appetizer pot.

Storage/Reheating

Storing leftovers: Keep any leftover Lil Smokies in an airtight container with some sauce. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Transfer fully cooled smokies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Wrap containers in foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat in a small saucepot, or microwave in short 30-second bursts at 50% power until warmed through. Add a little extra barbecue sauce if the mixture has thickened too much in storage.

FAQs

Can I make Lil Smokies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove before serving.

Are these Lil Smokies very spicy?

They have a moderate heat level. You can adjust the spice by adding less or more cayenne sauce.

Can I use turkey Lil Smokies?

Absolutely. This recipe works with any type of cocktail sausage.

What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite brand. Sweet, smoky, or spicy — all work well, depending on your taste.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger slow cooker or split into two slow cookers for even cooking.

Can I serve these without a slow cooker?

Yes, transfer them to a serving bowl or dish. To keep warm, use a warming tray or chafing dish.

How long can they sit out?

Keep warm in the slow cooker for up to 4 hours. If sitting at room temperature, no more than 2 hours.

What can I serve with Lil Smokies?

They’re great with chips, crackers, veggie sticks, or as part of an appetizer spread.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Are they gluten-free?

Check your BBQ sauce and sausages for hidden gluten. Many brands are gluten-free, but always read labels.

Conclusion

This Lil Smokies Recipe is the ultimate easy appetizer for entertaining, tailgates, or casual get-togethers. With just a few pantry ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sweet, tangy, and a little spicy — perfect for snacking and sharing. Once you try them, you’ll see why these irresistible mini sausages never last long!

Print