These Sweet Chili Sauce Little Smokies are the easiest party snack you’ll ever make—and one of the most addictive.
We’re talking tender, juicy cocktail sausages simmered in a sticky-sweet, slightly spicy sauce that’s just two ingredients. Dump it all in a crockpot, stir, and wait.
That’s it. Perfect for game day, holidays, or when you just want something warm and tasty on the table fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these little smokies for a family potluck, and they disappeared fast. I barely set the slow cooker down before someone asked for the recipe. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” kind of dishes. Super low-effort but tastes like you worked hard.
- Only 2 ingredients
- Cooks in one pot
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Tastes even better after simmering for hours
- Sticky, sweet, a little heat—perfect balance
What You’ll Need
- 2 (14 oz) packages cocktail sausages (like Lit’l Smokies)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
Servings & Time
Makes: About 10 servings (as an appetizer)
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours on LOW in the crockpot
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the sweet chili sauce—it’s got garlic, vinegar, sweetness, and heat all in one
- Stir the sausages halfway through so the sauce coats everything evenly
- If your crockpot runs hot, check around the 1.5-hour mark
- Use the Keep Warm setting once done to serve straight from the pot
- Double the batch if you’re hosting—it disappears fast
Tools Needed
- Black oval crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Small serving bowl or round plate for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap sweet chili sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha if you like it hotter
- Stir in a tablespoon of grape jelly or apricot preserves for a fruity sweetness
- Use plant-based mini sausages for a vegetarian version
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this recipe the day before. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge inside the crockpot insert. Reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Add the cocktail sausages to the crockpot
Dump 2 (14 oz) packages of cocktail sausages straight into the black oval crockpot.
Step 2: Pour in 1 cup sweet chili sauce
Measure 1 cup of sweet chili sauce and pour it over the sausages in the crockpot.
Step 3: Stir to coat
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together until sausages are coated evenly.
Step 4: Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours
Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours until heated through and the sauce is bubbling gently.
Step 5: Serve warm
Scoop into a round white serving bowl and add toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve warm!
Leftovers and Storage
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or back in the crockpot on LOW until warmed through.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sweet chili sauce is a magic combo of sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili. The sugar caramelizes a bit as it cooks, thickening the sauce and making it stick to the sausages. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat, so every bite feels balanced and not too heavy.
Common Mistakes
- Using raw sausage links instead of cocktail sausages — These are already cooked, so you just need to heat them through.
- Cooking on high — Can burn the sauce or overcook the sausages. Low and slow is best.
- Skipping the stir — Give it a quick mix after an hour so the sauce doesn’t pool at the bottom.
What to Serve With
- Mini slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- A bowl of toothpicks for easy eating
- Sliced cheese and crackers
- Crunchy coleslaw or pickles on the side
FAQ
Can I use BBQ sauce instead of sweet chili sauce?
Yes! It’ll have a totally different flavor but still work great.
Do I need to add any other seasoning?
Nope, sweet chili sauce is packed with flavor already.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just make sure your crockpot can hold everything. Stir halfway to help everything cook evenly.
Can I use the HIGH setting?
Not recommended. The sauce can overcook and get sticky in a bad way. Stick with LOW for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for every get-together. It’s so easy, requires almost no cleanup, and delivers bold flavor with just two ingredients. If you make it, let me know how it turns out and what sauce combo you tried—I’d love to hear about it!