If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing, hands-off appetizer that bursts with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, then this BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for game days, parties, or simple family snacks, this dish combines tender smoked sausages simmered in a luscious sauce made from barbecue sauce, apricot jam, and a hint of Dijon mustard. The slow cooking method melds the ingredients into a mouthwatering glaze that coats every bite, making it irresistibly easy and delicious. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe, it will become a kitchen staple you can pull out anytime you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. The combination of smoky sausages and a sweet-savory sauce strikes the perfect balance that everyone will love.
- 2 lbs cocktail smoked sausages: Choose high-quality smoked sausages for a rich, meaty base that holds up well in the slow cooker.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: This adds a bold, tangy punch and a familiar smoky sweetness that defines the dish.
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves: The apricot jam brings a natural fruit sweetness that perfectly complements the barbecue flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: A touch of Dijon cuts through the sweetness with a slight sharpness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This adds acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a subtle umami boost to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice to lift the flavors without overpowering the dish.
How to Make BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Begin by whisking together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the secret to the dish’s incredible flavor — the blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes will coat the sausages beautifully as they cook.
Step 2: Add Sausages to the Crock Pot
Next, place the cocktail smoked sausages in the crock pot in a single layer if possible. This step ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 3: Coat the Sausages with Sauce
Pour the whisked sauce over the sausages, then gently stir to coat them evenly. Every link should be covered in the glossy, flavorful sauce that will become rich and sticky as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Cover your crock pot and cook on the LOW setting for 2 hours. Stir halfway through to redistribute the sauce and ensure even cooking. The sausages should be heated through and the sauce bubbling and thickened by the end.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the sausages warm directly from the crock pot with toothpicks for easy snacking, or transfer them to a pretty serving dish if you’re entertaining guests. The sticky, flavorful bites will surely be a hit.
How to Serve BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a splash of color and a subtle herbaceous note. A light sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely diced red onion can add a pleasant crunch and extra zing.
Side Dishes
While these sausages are excellent on their own, they pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy potato chips, crunchy vegetable sticks, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For a hearty spread, sweet cornbread or baked beans make fantastic options that complement the BBQ flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your party presentation stand out by serving the sausages in mini bread bowls or on small skewers alongside dipping sauces such as ranch, mustard, or extra barbecue sauce. Lining them up on a large wooden platter garnished with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables creates a festive, inviting display your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe, place the cooled sausages along with their sauce in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled sausages and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sausages gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, microwave in short increments, stirring between each to reheat evenly. Add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce if the mixture seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use regular sausages instead of cocktail sausages?
Absolutely! While cocktail sausages are perfect for bite-sized snacking, you can use regular smoked sausages cut into smaller pieces. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
Is apricot jam necessary in the sauce?
Apricot jam adds a perfect fruity sweetness that balances the tangy barbecue sauce. If you don’t have apricot jam, feel free to substitute with peach or orange marmalade for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe on high instead of low?
You can cook on high for about 1 hour, but slow cooking on low really develops the flavors and gives the sauce that sticky, luscious texture. Low and slow is definitely recommended for best results.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A thicker sauce tends to cling better to the sausages, helping create that irresistible glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally yes, but always check the labels on your sauces and sausages to be sure they don’t contain gluten or additives you want to avoid. Most basic ingredients like those listed are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that delivers big on flavor and fun every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick family appetizer, it’s a guaranteed winner that brings people together around the table. Grab these simple ingredients, let your crock pot do the magic, and enjoy some seriously tasty bites that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
BBQ Cocktail Sausage Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy BBQ Cocktail Sausages cooked slowly in a crock pot, coated with a sweet and tangy sauce made from barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, and spices. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these flavorful sausages are tender and coated in a rich glaze.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cocktail smoked sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Place sausages in crock pot: Arrange the cocktail smoked sausages evenly in the bottom of the crock pot, making sure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
- Coat sausages with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the sausages, then stir gently to ensure all sausages are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook slowly: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 2 hours. Stir the sausages and sauce halfway through cooking to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
- Serve warm: Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbling and thickened, serve them warm. Use toothpicks for easy party serving, either directly from the crock pot or by transferring to a serving dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
- You can substitute apricot jam with peach or pineapple preserves for a different fruity flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- These sausages are perfect for parties, game days, or as an appetizer.
