When it comes to party appetizers, Little Smokies are always a hit. This recipe takes them to the next level by simmering the mini sausages in a sweet and smoky apple butter sauce. The apple butter adds depth and richness, balancing perfectly with tangy barbecue sauce and savory smoked sausage.
These Apple Butter Little Smokies are easy to make in the slow cooker or stovetop, making them ideal for game day, holiday gatherings, or potluck dinners. With just a few ingredients, you get a crowd-pleasing dish that’s flavorful, hearty, and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies sausages
- 1 cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or sweet style)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together apple butter, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Combine with Smokies
- Place Little Smokies in a slow cooker or large saucepan. Pour sauce mixture over sausages and stir to coat.
Step 3: Cook
- Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours.
- Stovetop Method: Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and sauce thickens.
Step 4: Serve
- Keep warm in slow cooker or transfer to serving dish. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Variation
- Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne.
- Honey Apple Smokies: Stir in 2 tbsp honey for extra sweetness.
- Bourbon Glaze: Add 2 tbsp bourbon for a rich, boozy flavor.
- Cran-Apple Twist: Add 1/4 cup cranberry sauce for a tangy holiday variation.
- Onion Kick: Sauté diced onions and add them to the sauce for extra depth.
Cooking Notes
- Apple butter adds a unique sweetness that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
- The slow cooker method keeps them warm for parties without extra effort.
- Adjust sweetness or spice level to your preference by balancing sugar and cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
- Pair with sliders, chips, or veggie trays for game day spreads.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a quick dinner.
- Add to a holiday buffet alongside dips and cheese boards.
Tips
- Double the recipe for large crowds—it disappears fast!
- Use a smoky barbecue sauce for the best contrast with apple butter.
- Keep in the slow cooker on warm for up to 2 hours during serving.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2–4 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker) or ~40 minutes (stovetop)
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 680mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Apple Butter Little Smokies ahead of time?
- Yes, cook fully, refrigerate, and reheat in the slow cooker or stovetop before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
- Yes, freeze cooked smokies in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Q3: Can I substitute the apple butter?
- Apple jelly or applesauce works, but apple butter gives the richest flavor.
Q4: What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
- A smoky or slightly tangy barbecue sauce balances the sweetness of apple butter.
Q5: How do I keep them warm for parties?
- Keep in the slow cooker on “warm” mode for up to 2 hours.
Conclusion
These Apple Butter Little Smokies are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory. Whether served at a holiday party, tailgate, or family dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy Little Smokies in a new and delicious way.