Easy Crockpot BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites Appetizer Recipe
We were invited to my friend Lindsay’s house to hang out and watch the start of college football season and I was looking for a simple app to bring that would satisfy our teen boys. This EASY CROCKPOT BBQ SMOKED SAUSAGE BITES appetizer recipe was the exact right choice! These BBQ sausage bites are sweet, smoky and filling. And it doesn’t hurt that they are low-carb and packed with protein! Cut the sausage into 1″ slices, dump them in a small crockpot with a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard, and voila. It’s that easy!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 3-ingredient party snack is perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or whenever you want a tasty, crowd-pleasing starter without the fuss. Honestly, unless you are vegan or vegetarian (I totally get and support that!), I don’t know who wouldn’t love this recipe.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
Equipment:
- Small Crockpot or Slow Cooker (this is my appetizer-sized Crockpot)
- Cutting Board (my cutting board)
- Sharpe Knife
- Spatula
- Toothpicks or cocktail picks (I used these 3.5″ toothpicks)
- Serving platter or bowl (optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 12 oz. Package Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa Sausage
- 1 Cup Grocery Store Barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- Chopped Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Cut the sausage into 1″ slices and place the sliced sausage in the crockpot.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard into the crockpot and stir until the sausage is well coated.
- Set your crockpot to high and cook for about an hour or until hot and bubbly. At this point, I turn my crockpot down to warm and serve right out of the crockpot.
Pro Tips
#1 Cut the sausage into no more than 1-inch-thick slices. No one likes a giant bite that they can’t fit in their mouth and chew. Trust me, I made this mistake before! Just cut your sausage to about 1″ or a little less slices, but not more than 1 inch.
#2 Stir occasionally. Even though the sausages are cooking slowly, an occasional stir helps distribute the sauce and keeps flavors consistent.
#3 Choose your sauce. When I say this recipe works with any BBQ sauce, I mean it! I’ve tried it now with three different sauces, always using the dijon mustard, and it consistently turns out perfect.
#4 Party presentation. For a casual gathering, serve the sausages straight out of the crockpot. If you want to step up the presentation, using a slotted spoon, scoop the sausages onto a platter or into a pretty bowl and insert some cute toothpicks.
Recipe Riffs & Swaps
Make it spicy:
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the crockpot for an extra kick.
Swap the sausage:
Try smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage or andouille for a different flavor. All of these options work well in the crockpot.
Use different sauces:
Experiment with sauces. Try honey mustard or a tangy buffalo sauce instead of BBQ for a different twist.
Flavor Boosters
Add liquid smoke. A few drops of liquid smoke can intensify the smoky flavors.
Fresh herbs. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for an added boost of color and herbiness.
Top with cheese. Try adding a little shredded sharp cheddar or smoked gouda right before serving for a melty, gooey touch that pairs well with the barbecue flavors.
Freezing & Storing Leftovers
Freezing:
Cool the sausage bites completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.
How To Reheat
Oven Method. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sausage bites in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway to ensure even reheating.
Microwave Method. Place sausage bites in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly, but be cautious not to overcook as sausages can dry out.
Stovetop Method. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add sausage bites, and cook slowly while stirring occasionally. Add a little extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep everything moist.
Ways to Use Leftovers
- BBQ Sausage Sliders. Pop the leftover sausage bites into small slider buns and top with coleslaw for a quick, tasty snack or light meal.
- Loaded Nachos. Scatter the sausage bites over a tray of tortilla chips, top with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and bake until bubbly. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
- BBQ Sausage Flatbread. Spread naan or flatbread with BBQ sauce, spread the sausage bites and some cheese on top, then bake until crispy.
- Breakfast Scramble. Chop sausage bites and toss them into scrambled eggs with cheese and veggies to make an easy breakfast scramble.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased amount. Also, I would add the BBQ sauce and Dijon gradually and taste. You may not need two full cups of BBQ for a double batch, but you really can’t mess this up either. The cooking time might be slightly longer.
Is it possible to make this on the stove?
Sure, you can brown the sausage bites in a pan and then simmer with BBQ sauce on low heat, stirring often.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check the BBQ sauce and sausage labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options.
This Crockpot Smoked Sausage Recipe hits the spot whenever you are serving a hungry, meat-loving crowd! With just a few simple ingredients, you get a dish that’s smoky, sweet, and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you time to kick back and enjoy the game! Whether it’s a casual gathering or a last-minute party, these sausage bites bring warmth and flavor effortlessly to the table. Plus, the leftovers are just as versatile and delicious as the first round. The perfect appetizer for game day parties!
If you liked this delicious recipe, you need to try our other 3-ingredient recipes, like the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries & Dip and the No-Bake Boursin Cheese Dip.
If you’re looking for more easy apps and snacks, follow our Game Day Recipes Pinterest board.
Easy Crockpot BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cut the sausage into 1" slices and place the sliced sausage in the crockpot.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard into the crockpot and stir until the sausage is well coated.
- Set your crockpot to high and cook for about an hour or until hot and bubbly. Stirring occasionally.
- After an hour, turn the crockpot down to warm and serve the sausage bites right out of the crockpot. If you prefer, spoon onto a platter or a bowl and serve with toothpicks. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe works with almost any BBQ, so have fun and experiment! I’ve tried it now with three different sauces, always using the dijon mustard, and it consistently turns out perfect.
- Stick to 1″ sausage slices or smaller. Anything bigger than 1″ will make for too big a bite.
Cheers!
