These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Little Smokies are the easiest party or game day snack you’ll ever throw together. Sweet, sticky, and smoky, they’re made with just a few ingredients but pack in BIG flavor.
You dump everything in the crockpot, stir, and a few hours later—boom—perfect little bites ready to go.
We love serving these at family get-togethers and movie nights. They’re always the first thing gone.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe has been in rotation at my house for years—starting with my aunt’s legendary New Year’s Eve parties. She always had a crockpot of these on the counter, and people literally hovered until they were gone. Now I make them for just about everything. You’ll love them because:
- Only 3 ingredients!
- Takes 5 minutes to prep
- The crockpot does all the work
- That sweet and smoky combo is super addictive
- Great for feeding a crowd
What You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz) package of beef little smokies
- 1 12 oz can Dr Pepper
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
Tools Needed
- Black oval crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cup
- Mixing spoon
- Small bowl for sauce (optional)
Pro Tips
- Stir halfway through cooking to keep the sauce evenly coating everything
- Don’t skip the Dr. Pepper—its sweet caramel flavor gives the sauce depth
- You can keep it on warm for hours while serving
- Use a BBQ sauce with a little spice for extra kick
- Double the recipe easily for larger crowds
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Coca-Cola or root beer if you don’t have Dr. Pepper
- Try smoked sausage chunks instead of little smokies
- Add 1 tsp of Dijon mustard for tang
- Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Use turkey or plant-based mini sausages for a lighter version
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can combine all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the base and turn it on.
Recipe + Instructions
Servings: 6-8
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on HIGH or 4–5 hours on LOW
Step 1: Add Little Smokies to Crockpot
Pour the entire 14 oz package of beef little smokies into the black oval crockpot.
Step 2: Pour in Dr. Pepper
Measure 1 cup of Dr. Pepper and pour it evenly over the little smokies in the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Barbecue Sauce
Pour 1 cup of thick BBQ sauce directly on top of the sausages and soda in the crockpot.
Step 4: Stir to Combine
Use a spoon to gently stir everything together until the little smokies are coated in sauce and soda.
Step 5: Cook on HIGH for 2-3 Hours
Place the lid on and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until sausages are heated through and sauce is thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Macros (Per Serving – Approx. for 8 Servings)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 18g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The sugars in Dr. Pepper caramelize as they cook down, thickening the sauce and deepening the flavor. Combined with the acidity and spices in BBQ sauce, it creates a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the sausages. The fat in the little smokies also adds richness and helps carry the flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Using diet soda – It won’t caramelize the same way and may taste bitter
- Not stirring – You need to stir at least once during cooking so the sauce doesn’t burn around the edges
- Using too much sauce – Stick to the ratios so the sauce thickens instead of staying watery
What to Serve With
- Toothpicks for easy grabbing
- Potato salad
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Soft slider rolls to make mini sandwiches
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep it the night before and just turn on the crockpot when you’re ready.
Do I have to use Dr. Pepper?
No, you can use any dark soda like Coca-Cola or root beer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yep! Just store in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure your crockpot is big enough.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just let them cool fully first.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that proves simple really is better. Sweet, smoky, and ridiculously easy, these Dr. Pepper Little Smokies are always a hit. If you make them, let me know how they turned out and drop your favorite BBQ sauce brand in the comments—I’m always looking for new ones to try!