There’s something magical about those recipes that take only a few minutes to throw together but somehow taste like you spent all day on them. That’s exactly how I’d describe these Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies — the ultimate easy party appetizer that’s sweet, smoky, saucy, and unbelievably addictive. Around my house, these are a must for game days, holidays, and any casual get-together.

Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies on a white plate with toothpicks in it, with a slow cooker behind it on the table

When I make these, the smell alone gets everyone wandering into the kitchen. My husband will “sample” a few long before dinner, and even my kids hover close by with toothpicks in hand. The sweet apple butter mixed with tangy barbecue sauce turns into this glossy, flavorful glaze that clings to every little sausage — and trust me, they disappear fast.

wooden spoon with some Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies on it with apples behind it on the table

What Is This Recipe

This recipe for Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies is one of those go-to crowd-pleasers that looks fancy but takes next to no effort. You toss everything — just three ingredients — into the slow cooker, stir, and let it do all the work. The end result is bite-sized cocktail sausages simmered in a luscious, sticky-sweet BBQ apple butter sauce that’s pure comfort food.

Apple butter adds a fall-inspired depth and richness to the sauce, giving the classic BBQ smokies a sweet and tangy twist. It’s cozy enough for autumn gatherings but simple enough to whip up any time you need a reliable appetizer.

looking down on a white crockpot full of apple butter little smokies

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity that doesn’t taste simple. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

The apple butter magic: It adds layers of flavor — think warm spices, apple sweetness, and caramelized undertones that balance the smoky BBQ.
Effortless cooking: The Crockpot handles everything. Just set, forget, and serve.
Perfect texture: The slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken and coat the sausages evenly, giving them that irresistible sticky finish.
Customizable: Sweet, spicy, or tangy — you can tweak the flavor to your crowd’s liking.

It’s one of those recipes you can make once and memorize forever.

glass bowls with bbq sauce, apple butter, and lil smokies

Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do

Lit’l Smokies (28 oz package): The classic base. Smoky, savory, and perfectly snack-sized.
Apple Butter (1 cup): Adds sweetness, richness, and that hint of fall spice. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
Barbecue Sauce (1 cup): Use a thick, smoky one like Sweet Baby Ray’s to give body and balance to the sauce.
Optional Heat: A pinch of cayenne, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper if you want a kick.

lil smokies with sauces on top in a white crockpot on the table

apple butter bbq lil smokies in a white crockpot on the table

When to Serve / Serving Ideas

You can serve these little smokies at just about any event — and they never disappoint.

Game Day Parties: Keep them warm in the slow cooker so guests can serve themselves.
Holiday Gatherings: These are perfect for Thanksgiving snack tables, Christmas parties, or New Year’s Eve.
Casual Weekends: Sometimes I’ll make them for an easy Friday-night treat with a side of mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
Potlucks & Tailgates: They travel beautifully. Just plug in the Crockpot at the venue and watch them vanish.

Serve them straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks or pile them high on a platter — they’ll be gone in minutes either way.

toothpicks poked into saucy lil smokies on a white platter

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This is a dream recipe for busy days.

Make-Ahead: You can mix everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just pop it into the base and cook.
Storage: Leftovers (if you have any!) keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or pop back into the slow cooker on “low” until hot.

crockpot on the table and in front of it you have a white plate full of bbq smokies with toothpicks for serving as an appetizer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Because it’s one of those no-fail recipes that makes you feel like a genius in the kitchen. It’s fast, flavorful, and crowd-tested.

Only 3 ingredients — no chopping, no prep stress.
Cozy and crave-worthy — perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.
Feeds a crowd easily without breaking the budget.
Smells amazing — that slow-cooked BBQ aroma fills your home.
Freezer-friendly and easy to double or triple for parties.

It’s comfort food disguised as an appetizer, and that’s why everyone always asks for the recipe.

white crockpot full of bbq and apple butter coated little smokies

FAQ Section

If you’ve ever wondered how to make BBQ Little Smokies taste richer, saucier, and more flavorful — this version answers every question before you even think to ask.

This recipe stands out because of the balance between sweet and smoky. The apple butter brings that soft fruitiness and warmth, the kind of flavor that feels nostalgic and familiar. It thickens the sauce naturally without needing cornstarch or extra sugar. When combined with a smoky BBQ sauce, the result is a glossy, sticky glaze that hugs every sausage and caramelizes as it simmers.

What’s also special is the texture. After two hours on high or four on low, the sausages absorb just enough of the sauce to become tender and flavorful without falling apart. The edges get a little darkened — the kind of detail that makes each bite taste a little smoky, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.

Using a slow cooker makes this foolproof, but it also transforms it into a make-ahead masterpiece. You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and simply turn it on before guests arrive. The low-and-slow heat does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on everything else (or, you know, actually enjoy the party).

And let’s talk versatility. This recipe fits any gathering — from tailgates to baby showers. During the holidays, I’ve made it alongside meatballs and cocktail weenies, and it’s always the first dish to go. It pairs beautifully with other comfort foods like baked mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, or sliders.

For spice lovers, it’s easy to customize. A few dashes of hot sauce, some crushed red pepper, or even a swirl of chipotle BBQ sauce adds that subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. And for those who want to go extra savory, a splash of Worcestershire or a bit of dijon mustard deepens the flavor profile.

You can even make this vegetarian-friendly by swapping in plant-based mini sausages — the sauce itself is naturally meat-free, so it works perfectly either way.

The best part? Cleanup is almost nonexistent. The sauce doesn’t burn or stick since it’s cooked low and slow, and if you line your slow cooker with a disposable liner, you’ll literally just lift and toss when you’re done.

The overall vibe here is simple, cozy, and timeless — it’s a throw-together appetizer that somehow tastes like you planned it days in advance. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic, like something that’s been passed down, even if it’s brand new to your table.

looking down on a slow cooker full of lil smokies in an apple butter and bbq sauce mixture with a wooden spoon scooping some up

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper, sriracha, or hot honey.
Extra Sweet: Mix in a spoonful of brown sugar or a dash of maple syrup.
Different Meats: Swap the smokies for meatballs, cocktail sausages, or even shredded pulled pork.
BBQ Swap: Try hickory, honey, or Carolina-style sauces for different flavor profiles.

Crockpot full of little smokies with apple butter and a wooden spoon scooping some of the lil smokies out of the crockpot

Leftover Ideas

Toss leftovers over white rice or mashed potatoes for a quick meal.
Chop up the smokies and mix them into mac and cheese.
Use as a pizza topping for a BBQ twist.
Stir into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a sweet-and-savory breakfast.

3 ingredient crock pot smokies in a white crockpot

Budget Breakdown

This recipe is amazingly budget-friendly.

Lit’l Smokies: $5–6
BBQ Sauce: $2
Apple Butter: $3
Total: About $10–11 for 10–12 servings — less than $1 per serving!

Apple Butter lil smokie on a toothpick being lifted up

Lightened-Up Version

Use turkey or chicken smokies for fewer calories and less fat.
Try reduced-sugar BBQ sauce.
Use unsweetened apple butter or make your own with less sugar.

toothpicks in smokies on a white platter with a crockpot sitting behind it

Reader Favorite Tips & Ideas

“I use spicy BBQ sauce for a smoky kick — huge hit at football parties!”
“Make it ahead and reheat right in the Crockpot — perfect for potlucks.”
“I double the sauce so it’s extra glossy and spoonable.”

Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies on a plate with toothpicks in a few and an apple and crockpot sitting in the background

Troubleshooting Tips

Sauce too thin? Leave uncovered for 15 minutes on high to thicken.
Too thick? Add a splash of broth or apple cider.
Burning edges? Make sure the Crockpot is at least half full — small batches can overcook.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 17g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: <1g

looking down on table with a white Crockpot full of Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies with apples to the side of table and wooden spoon

My Personal Kitchen Notes

I’ve made these so many times that it’s become one of my “don’t-think-just-make-it” recipes. The apple butter adds something special — it’s not overpowering, just this warm, spiced sweetness that turns the sauce into something you can’t stop tasting. I usually use Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce because it’s thick and rich, and the flavor balance with the apple butter is perfect. Sometimes I’ll throw these in early in the day, and by dinner, the whole kitchen smells amazing. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me why I love slow cooker meals — effortless, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.

overhead look of a white crockpot full of bbq sauce smokies

My Final Thoughts

These Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies are the kind of recipe that turns a handful of ingredients into something truly special. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for holidays or parties. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy snack for movie night, these hit the spot every time.

They’re sweet, smoky, sticky, and downright addictive — proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes really are the best.

Apple Butter smokies on a white platter with toothpicks in them

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