Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies: The Best Easy Appetizer

Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies are the ultimate shortcut recipe for your next party or game day. This 3-ingredient marvel takes just 5 minutes of prep and delivers sweet, tangy, and savory cocktail sausages that everyone will devour. With your trusty slow cooker doing all the work, these little bites come out tender, flavorful, and completely irresistible.

I stumbled on this time-saving recipe one night when I needed a last-minute party dish. Instead of babysitting a bubbling saucepan of savory appetizers, I threw everything into the crockpot and let the magic happen. The result? Hands-off cooking, perfect texture, and loads of flavor packed into every single bite. Trust me, you’ll want this simple recipe in your back pocket for all your gatherings.

Why This Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies Is a Game-Changer

• Time-saving: Traditional stovetop methods require constant stirring and attention, but this crockpot version takes just 5 minutes of prep and cooks while you do other things.
• Hands-off cooking: Set your slow cooker, walk away, and come back hours later to perfectly tender little smokies soaking in a rich sauce.
• Minimal ingredients: With only 3 basic ingredients, you can throw this dish together without a lengthy shopping list.
• Perfect party food: These little sausages stay warm and juicy in the crockpot, so they’re ideal for serving at gatherings.
• Customizable flavors: Play around with barbecue sauce varieties or homemade apple butter to make this recipe your own.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a ton of fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Slow cooker: A 4-quart or larger crockpot works best for this recipe. If yours has a “keep warm” setting, it’s perfect for serving.
• Spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients together and giving the little smokies an occasional mix during cooking.
• Measuring cups: These make portioning the apple butter and barbecue sauce a breeze.

If you’re in the market for a crockpot, I recommend looking for one with a timer function—it’s a lifesaver for recipes like this.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies

With just 3 ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lit’l Smokies: You’ll need three 14-ounce packages (42 ounces total) of these cocktail sausages. You can use beef, pork, or a combination based on your preference.
• Apple butter: This sweet, spiced spread is the star of the dish. Homemade works great, but store-bought is perfect for convenience.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose a tangy, smoky variety to balance the sweetness of the apple butter. A thicker sauce works best for clinging to the sausages.

If you’re in a pinch, grape jelly can be swapped in for apple butter to create a different take on this dish, but trust me—the apple butter version is next-level delicious.

Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies Recipe Details

• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (hands-off)
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies Ingredients

• 3 (14-ounce) packages lit’l smokies (42 ounces total)
• 1 1/2 cups apple butter
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies

1. Add the lit’l smokies, apple butter, and barbecue sauce to your slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together to make sure the sausages are fully coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
3. Cover and set the crockpot to HIGH for 2.5 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours.
4. During cooking, stir the sausages occasionally to distribute the sauce evenly and prevent burning around the edges.
5. Once the little smokies are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, set your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting for serving.
6. Enjoy straight from the crockpot or transfer to a serving dish for your guests.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies

• Let them soak: The longer the sausages cook, the more they’ll absorb the flavors of the apple butter and barbecue sauce.
• Stir occasionally: Mix the sausages every 30-45 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
• Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the apple butter and barbecue sauce before adding to the slow cooker for easier mixing.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe if you’re cooking for a big crowd—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
• Make ahead: You can cook these up to 2 days in advance and reheat in the crockpot before serving. Add a splash of barbecue sauce if needed.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Easy Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce mix for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the barbecue sauce for pure maple syrup for a sticky, sweet variation.
• Bourbon Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple butter.
• Clean-out-the-fridge: Toss in a handful of caramelized onions or sliced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure you’re using a large enough slow cooker (6 quarts or bigger), and keep the cooking time the same.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely. If you’ve got homemade apple butter, it’ll add even more of that fresh, spiced flavor to the dish.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Go with a thick, tangy barbecue sauce for the best results. Avoid super thin sauces, which might not cling as well to the sausages.

How do I prevent the edges from burning?

Stir the little smokies about every 30-45 minutes during cooking to keep the sauce evenly distributed and prevent scorching.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, though the texture might differ slightly. Use the sauté function to heat the mixture, then switch to “keep warm” to serve.

These Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies are a lifesaver for any busy host. With just minutes of effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s loaded with flavor. What’s your favorite time-saving appetizer? Let me know in the comments below!