Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies recipe is a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for parties or game day snacks. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just three main ingredients.
Ingredients
- 28 oz package Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the Lit’l Smokies to the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Step 2: Pour in the apple butter and barbecue sauce.
- Step 3: Stir to fully coat the sausages in the sauce mixture.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through if possible.
- Step 5: Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Try swapping the apple butter for peach preserves for a slightly different fruity sweetness.
- Using a high-quality barbecue sauce enhances the overall flavor, but feel free to pick your favorite brand.
Storage
Store leftover Little Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can heat the sausages and sauce mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through, but the slow cooker allows for hands-off, even cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just set the slow cooker to the desired temperature and time.
PrintCrockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies Recipe
This Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies recipe combines smoky sausage bites with a sweet and tangy apple butter BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these flavorful little smokies are slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection and are easy to prepare with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (high) or 4 hours (low)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (high) or 4 hours 5 minutes (low)
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 28 oz package Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the entire package of Lit’l Smokies into the slow cooker bowl to start the base of your dish.
- Add Sauces: Pour in 1 cup of apple butter and 1 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the lit’l smokies.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir the lit’l smokies thoroughly so that each sausage bite is fully coated in the combined apple butter and BBQ sauce, ensuring a rich flavor throughout.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high setting for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Stir once halfway through the cooking time if possible to keep the sausages evenly coated and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the little smokies warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at your party or gathering.
Notes
- Using Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce provides a classic, sweet BBQ flavor, but you can substitute with any preferred brand.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps keep the sausages evenly coated and prevents the sauce from settling.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Serve as an appetizer or snack for gatherings, game days, or potlucks.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Keywords: apple butter bbq little smokies, crockpot appetizers, slow cooker sausages, bbq little smokies recipe, party appetizers, easy crockpot recipes
