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| Sweet and savory Little Smokies cooked in apple butter for the perfect party appetizer. |
Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies – The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Party Appetizer
Introduction
If you're looking for an effortless appetizer that always disappears first, these Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies are the perfect choice. Combining juicy cocktail sausages with rich apple butter, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and warm spices creates an irresistible balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Whether you're hosting a football party, holiday gathering, family dinner, or potluck, this slow cooker recipe delivers incredible flavor with almost no effort. Simply add everything to your crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious appetizer everyone will love.
Crockpot Apple Butter Little Smokies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) packages Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place the Little Smokies into your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the apple butter, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cinnamon.
- Pour the sauce over the sausages.
- Stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Stir before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Keep warm in the slow cooker while serving.
- Great with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Butter Little Smokies pair perfectly with:
- Cheese platter
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread
- Holiday buffet spreads
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them a day in advance and reheat in the crockpot.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze after cooking and thaw overnight before reheating.
What is apple butter?
Apple butter is a thick, concentrated apple spread made by slowly cooking apples with sugar and spices.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 760mg
