Save My neighbor used to bring these to every single block party, and I'd hover by the crock pot refilling my napkin until someone gave me the look. One year she finally scribbled the recipe on a sticky note, and I realized it was almost embarrassingly simple. The smell alone turns any gathering into an event, that sweet tangy cloud drifting through the house before anyone even arrives. I've made them for birthday parties, playoff games, and one memorable afternoon when I just needed comfort food and had no shame. They disappear faster than anything I've ever served.
I brought these to a potluck once and watched a guy go back four times before sheepishly admitting he'd skipped dinner just to save room. My friend's teenage son, who claimed he didn't like anything fancy, ate them with one hand while gaming with the other. There's something about the way the sauce gets sticky and caramelized at the edges that makes people forget their manners. I started keeping the ingredients on hand because you never know when you'll need to feed a crowd. It became my signature without me ever planning it.
Ingredients
- Cocktail smoked sausages: Little Smokies are the classic choice, already smoky and perfectly bite sized, so they soak up the glaze without falling apart.
- Barbecue sauce: Use whatever brand makes you happy, whether it's sweet, smoky, or tangy, because it sets the baseline flavor for the whole dish.
- Apricot jam: This is the secret weapon that adds a fruity sweetness and creates that shiny, sticky coating everyone remembers.
- Dijon mustard: Just enough sharpness to balance the sugar and keep the sauce from being one note.
- Apple cider vinegar: A small splash cuts through the richness and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle savory depth that you can't quite name but definitely notice if it's missing.
- Black pepper: A gentle kick that lingers just enough to make you reach for another one.
Instructions
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk together the barbecue sauce, apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl until it's smooth and glossy. This is where the magic starts, so make sure everything blends completely.
- Load the crock pot:
- Dump the cocktail sausages into your slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, stirring gently so every piece gets coated. It'll look like a lot of sauce, but trust me, it all cooks down into liquid gold.
- Slow cook:
- Cover and set it to low for 2 hours, giving it a stir halfway through so nothing sticks to the bottom. The sauce will bubble and thicken, and the sausages will get plump and shiny.
- Serve warm:
- Keep them in the crock pot on the warm setting with toothpicks nearby, or transfer to a serving dish if you're feeling fancy. Either way, they'll be gone before they cool.
Save The first time I made these for my family, my dad ate so many he had to unbutton his jeans and take a walk around the block. My mom started keeping a container of them in the fridge and reheating a few whenever she wanted a snack. It's the kind of recipe that makes people feel taken care of, even though you barely lifted a finger. I've seen quiet guests come alive over a shared toothpick and a sticky napkin. Food this simple shouldn't create memories, but somehow it does.
Flavor Variations
Swap the apricot jam for grape jelly if you want a more traditional sweet and savory vibe that leans into nostalgia. A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce will wake up anyone who thinks appetizers should have a little heat. I've also used peach preserves when that's all I had, and honestly, no one could tell the difference. You can play with different barbecue sauces too, from smoky to spicy to honey kissed, and each one shifts the whole personality of the dish. The base recipe is forgiving enough to handle your pantry improvisation.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect next to a pile of crackers, some sharp cheddar cubes, and a bowl of pickles for crunch and tang. I like setting out potato chips or pretzels because people love the salty contrast with the sticky glaze. If you're going full spread, add some veggie sticks and ranch just to pretend there's balance. They also work as a surprisingly good topping for baked potatoes or mixed into a bowl of mac and cheese if you're feeling wild. Keep a stack of napkins close because fingers will get messy and no one will care.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or back in the crock pot on low. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it almost gets better the next day when everything has really melded together. I've even frozen them in portions and pulled them out for last minute guests, though the texture is slightly softer after thawing. Just warm them gently and give them a stir, and they'll still disappear fast.
- Refrigerate in a sealed container and reheat in 30 second bursts, stirring between.
- Freeze in freezer bags for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add a splash of water or barbecue sauce if the glaze gets too thick after storing.
Save This is the recipe you make when you want to look like a hero without breaking a sweat. Keep the ingredients stocked, and you'll always be ready for anything.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular-sized sausages instead of cocktail sausages?
Yes, you can use regular sausages cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust the cooking time slightly, adding 30 minutes to ensure they're heated through completely.
- → What can I substitute for apricot jam?
Grape jelly is a popular alternative that creates a slightly different but equally delicious sweet flavor. Peach preserves or orange marmalade also work well.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and sausages up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, transfer to the crock pot and cook as directed.
- → How do I make these sausages spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
- → Can I keep these warm for serving throughout a party?
Absolutely! Switch your crock pot to the warm setting after cooking. The sausages will stay at the perfect temperature for serving for several hours.
- → What sides pair well with these sausages?
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, potato chips, pickles, or a cheese platter. They also pair nicely with coleslaw or potato salad for a heartier spread.