This one’s a total crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re done.
These Hawaiian Little Smokies are sweet, tangy, a little sticky, and super juicy. Perfect for game day, parties, or honestly just a fun dinner.
I love how the pineapple juice blends with the BBQ sauce—it gives it that tropical twist without being overpowering. And no stove babysitting! Let the slow cooker do its thing while you chill.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one reminds me of potlucks growing up. Someone always brought little smokies, and they always disappeared first. But adding pineapple and that sweet tangy sauce? Game changer.
- No prep work—everything goes straight into the slow cooker
- Sweet and savory flavor combo
- Crowd favorite—great for parties or casual dinners
- Takes almost no effort
What You’ll Need
- 2 (14 oz) packages of beef Little Smokies
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite, I like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, with juice (don’t drain!)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use pineapple chunks with juice – don’t drain it, that juice helps make the sauce extra flavorful
- Don’t overcook – 2–3 hours on low is perfect so the smokies don’t get too soft
- Great for keeping warm – Set to “warm” after cooking and let guests serve themselves
- Use tongs, not a spoon – this keeps the smokies whole and less messy when serving
- Add a spicy BBQ sauce if you want a little heat
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval slow cooker (at least 4 qt)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl or plate
- Tongs
Substitutions and Variations
- Use turkey smokies for a lighter option
- Try crushed pineapple for a more blended sauce
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like spice
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a twist
- Go vegetarian with plant-based mini sausages
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix all the sauce ingredients together the night before and store in a jar in the fridge. In the morning, just dump over the smokies and turn on the slow cooker.
Recipe and Instructions
Servings: 10–12 as an appetizer
Cook Time: 2.5 hours on LOW
Step 1: Add Little Smokies to Crockpot
Place 2 packages of little smokies (14 oz) directly into the crockpot in an even layer.
Step 2: Add Pineapple Chunks and Juice
Pour 1 cup of pineapple chunks with their juice evenly over the smokies.
Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce
Drizzle 1 cup BBQ sauce all over the top. Don’t stir yet!
Step 4: Add Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Sprinkle 2 tbspe brown sugar evenly across, then pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce. Add 1 tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp onion powder on top. Still no stirring yet.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 2.5 hours.
After cooking, give everything a gentle stir to coat the smokies in sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Use tongs to scoop the smokies into a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions if you like.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. The sauce will thicken even more overnight!
Macros (Per Serving – approx. ½ cup)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The sugar in the pineapple and BBQ sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, helping the sauce thicken and cling to the sausages. Pineapple juice adds natural acidity which balances the sweet and savory. Slow cooking lets the smokies soak up every bit of flavor without drying out.
Common Mistakes
- Draining the pineapple – you need that juice!
- Cooking on high – low and slow gives you better texture and flavor
- Stirring too early – wait until the end so the sauce forms properly
- Using a thin BBQ sauce – go for thick and rich for the best glaze
What to Serve With
- Toothpicks or small forks for parties
- Hawaiian rolls to make mini sandwiches
- Rice or mashed potatoes for a dinner-style version
- Grilled corn or coleslaw on the side
- A cold tropical drink like pineapple iced tea
FAQ
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is big enough and add an extra 30 minutes of cook time.
Can I make it in the oven instead?
Yep! Put everything in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F for 1.5 hours.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet, smoky ones are great—like Honey BBQ or Hickory.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Sure can! Freeze in a sealed container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is so easy, but it tastes like you put real effort in. Whether you’re feeding a group or just want something fun, these Hawaiian Little Smokies are the way to go. If you make it, let me know how it turned out or ask me anything in the comments!