This recipe is pure party magic. It takes just a few minutes to toss together, and then your slow cooker does the rest. What comes out is a sweet, smoky, tangy, super flavorful appetizer that everyone goes crazy for. These Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies are a must-have for game days, holidays, or any time you’re feeding a crowd and want something easy and delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making these since my college days when I needed something that looked like I put in effort—but really didn’t. Every time, they disappear fast. They’re the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky.
- Only 3 ingredients!
- Crowd-pleaser every single time
- You can keep them warm in the slow cooker for hours
- No fancy cooking skills needed
Servings & Time
- Serves: 10-12 (as an appetizer)
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours on LOW
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
What You’ll Need
- 2 (14 oz) packages little smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (any style you like, sweet or smoky)
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 black oval slow cooker (at least 4-quart size)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cup
Pro Tips
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce, not the jellied kind—it adds texture.
- Stir everything before turning the heat on to get even sauce coverage.
- Want it tangier? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh orange juice.
- Keep on the warm setting for hours during parties.
- You can double the recipe—just use a bigger slow cooker.
Substitutions and Variations
- No cranberry sauce? Use grape jelly instead—it’s a classic swap!
- Spicy twist: Add 1 tbsp hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based cocktail sausages.
- BBQ flavor change: Try honey BBQ or smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a flavor twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce the night before and store in the fridge.
- You can also cook the entire dish a day ahead and reheat in the slow cooker on low.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Add Little Smokies to Slow Cooker
Pour 2 (14 oz) packages little smokies straight into your black oval slow cooker. Spread them out evenly at the bottom.
Step 2: Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce right on top of the little smokies. Don’t stir yet. Let it sit on top in a thick, chunky layer.
Step 3: Add Barbecue Sauce
Pour 1 cup barbecue sauce right over the cranberry sauce. Let it ooze down naturally over the sausages.
Step 4: Stir to Combine
Use a spatula to stir everything together until the sausages are well-coated in the cranberry-BBQ mix. Make sure it’s mixed evenly.
Step 5: Cook on LOW for 2–3 Hours
Put the lid on and let the slow cooker do its thing. Stir once halfway through if you can.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the sausages are hot and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, it’s ready. Spoon into a serving bowl or keep them in the slow cooker on warm.
Macros (Per Serving – Approx. 1/10 of recipe)
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 14g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cranberry sauce brings natural tartness and sugar, while the BBQ sauce adds savory depth and smoky flavor. Together, they balance out perfectly to coat the sausages in a sticky, irresistible glaze. The slow cooker keeps the sausages juicy while letting the sauce thicken gently over time.
Common Mistakes
- Using jellied cranberry sauce: It doesn’t have the same texture and flavor—always go for whole berry.
- Not stirring the sauce in: If you just dump and leave, the sauce might not coat the sausages evenly.
- Overcooking on high: Low and slow gives the best flavor. High heat can split the sauce.
What to Serve With
- Toothpicks for easy grabbing
- Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- A crunchy salad for balance
FAQ
Can I use frozen little smokies?
Yep! Just thaw them first so they heat evenly.
Can I cook this on HIGH?
You can, but the sauce might not thicken as nicely. If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Do I need to grease the crockpot?
Nope! There’s enough fat in the sausages and sauce to keep it from sticking.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or pop them back into the slow cooker on warm.
- You can even freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker cranberry BBQ little smokies are a go-to for a reason. They’re super easy, crazy tasty, and just feel right at any kind of get-together. Try them once and you’ll be bringing them to every potluck, game night, and holiday party from now on. Give it a try and let me know how it went in the comments—especially if you put your own spin on it!