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brown sugar smokies crockpot

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2-4 hours Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes Servings: 10-12 (about 4-5 smokies per person) Difficulty: Very Easy
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Equipment

  • 3-4 quart slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Toothpicks for serving
  • Serving dish or bowl (optional)
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • Main Components:
  • 2 pounds little smokies sausages cocktail wieners
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 4-6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Smokies
  • If your little smokies are in liquid, drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better and prevents excess moisture in your brown sugar smokies crockpot.
  • Step 2: Add Smokies to Crockpot
  • Place all the little smokies into your slow cooker in an even layer. There's no need to grease the crockpot for this brown sugar smokies crockpot recipe.
  • Step 3: Mix the Glaze
  • In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the brown sugar is evenly incorporated. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
  • Step 4: Pour Glaze Over Smokies
  • Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the little smokies in the crockpot. Use a spoon to gently stir, ensuring all the sausages are coated with the glaze. Don't worry if coverage isn't perfect initially—stirring during cooking will help.
  • Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
  • If using bacon, garlic powder, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce, add them now and stir gently to combine with the brown sugar smokies crockpot mixture.
  • Step 6: Set Crockpot Temperature
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The LOW setting is recommended for the best flavor development and texture.
  • Step 7: Stir Occasionally
  • If possible, stir the brown sugar smokies crockpot mixture once or twice during cooking. This ensures even coating and prevents sticking. The glaze will gradually thicken and become glossy as it cooks.
  • Step 8: Check for Doneness
  • The brown sugar smokies crockpot dish is ready when the sausages are heated through and the glaze has thickened to a syrupy, caramelized consistency. The mixture should look glossy and sticky.
  • Step 9: Switch to Warm Setting
  • Once cooking is complete, switch your crockpot to the WARM setting. This keeps the brown sugar smokies crockpot appetizer at the perfect serving temperature for hours without overcooking.
  • Step 10: Serve
  • Provide toothpicks or small cocktail forks for easy serving. Guests can pick smokies directly from the crockpot, or transfer to a serving dish. The brown sugar smokies crockpot can remain on the warm setting throughout your party.

Notes

Smokie Brands: Any brand of little smokies or cocktail wieners works for this brown sugar smokies crockpot recipe. Beef, pork, or turkey varieties all work well.
Brown Sugar Type: Light brown sugar creates a milder sweetness, while dark brown sugar offers a deeper molasses flavor. Both work beautifully.
Glaze Consistency: The glaze will be thin when you start but thickens considerably during cooking. Don't worry if it seems too liquid initially.
Crockpot Size: A 3-4 quart slow cooker is ideal. If using a larger crockpot, the smokies may not be fully submerged in glaze.
Make-Ahead: You can combine all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, then cook the next day. Add 30 minutes to cooking time if starting cold.