It’s not a Party without the little smokies. This appetizer recipe for Slow Cooker Molasses Barbecue Little Smokies has a great sauce that you’ll love.

What’s great about this recipe is that you can leave it on low or warm for hours and hours during the party and they just get better! They start to soak up even more flavor as the party goes on. I also make an apple butter version and bacon wrapped little smokies too!

My sister-in-law makes these lit’l smokies for our family get-togethers. They all quickly disappear, they are that good. My daughter Lola always asks if Auntie Annesha is making these smokies for every party. I’ve had to learn how to make them for the parties Auntie Annesha is not at!

What kind of little smokies should I use?

I get Hillshire farm’s Lit’l smokies that have beef, turkey, and pork in them, I like the flavor of them. Choose whichever is your favorite, they will work great with this recipe.

How to cook little smokies:

You will need these ingredients:

• Lit’l Smokies (four 14-oz. packages.)
• 18 oz. bottle barbecue sauce
• ½ cup beer (use your favorite)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• ⅛ tsp. red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

Add everything to a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir.

How long does it take to cook little smokies:

• Place the lid on the slow cooker
• Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until hot.
• Serve with toothpicks or with forks.

Can I use something other than beer?

Use one of these options instead of beer.

• Apple juice or apple cider
• Water
• Pineapple juice

How long can I keep these warm in the crockpot?

These little smokies can stay warm for 3 or more hours after being heated up. Give them a stir occasionally to prevent any burning on the edges.

More variations of sauces:

Try one of these different crockpot little smokie recipes for a change on flavor:

• Slow Cooker BBQ Beer Little Smokies
• Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Little Smokies
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter Little Smokies
• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Little Smokies
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Little Smokies
• Slow Cooker Smokies with Grape Jelly

How to serve:

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.
• OR as a main dish with mashed potatoes or rice.

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More appetizer recipes just as good as this one:

• Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Union Square Bar Nuts
• Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs
• Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Artichokes
• Slow Cooker 7-Layer Bean Dip