Sweet and tangy Crock-Pot Cocktail Sausages made with smoked sausage, BBQ sauce, chili sauce, and fruit jam. This easy slow cooker appetizer is perfect for parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Ready in just a few hours, it’s a crowd-pleasing finger food that stays warm for serving.

Ingredients

3 (14-ounce) packages fully cooked smoked sausage (rope sausage), sliced diagonally about ½-inch thick
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other neutral oil, such as vegetable oil)
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup chili sauce
½ cup apricot or peach jam

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sauté the sausage in batches for 1–2 minutes per batch, just until lightly browned. Transfer the browned sausage to a double layer of paper towels to remove excess grease.
Prepare the Sauce: In the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together BBQ sauce, chili sauce, and jam until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Cook: Add the browned sausage to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or on HIGH for 1 hour.
Keep Warm: After cooking, set the slow cooker to WARM to maintain temperature for 3–4 hours. Serve with cocktail picks for easy self-serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cocktail sausages are sweet, tangy, and full of smoky flavor. Perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite.

Tips

Browning the sausage adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.
Stir the sauce occasionally during cooking for even coating.
Use paper towels to remove grease for a less oily dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Sausage Options: Try kielbasa, smoked bratwurst, or chicken sausage for a different flavor.
Sauce Variations: Swap jam for marmalade, pineapple preserves, or raspberry jam.
Spice Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
Diet-Friendly: Use sugar-free jam and low-sodium BBQ sauce for a lighter version.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and brown the sausage in advance. Store separately in the fridge and combine in the slow cooker before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked sausages with sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Do I have to use a slow cooker?
No, you can simmer the sausages and sauce on the stovetop over low heat for 30–45 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cocktail picks for parties and game-day appetizers.
Pair with crackers, breadsticks, or cheese trays for a full appetizer spread.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a simple weeknight meal.