Cranberry Little Smokies
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Cranberry Little Smokies are an easy slow cooker appetizer made with just three ingredients. The mix of cranberry sauce and chili sauce gives the sausages a sweet and tangy flavor that works well for holidays, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Crockpot Little Smokies with Cranberry Sauce
I love a good appetizer, especially the kind that takes barely any prep. These Cranberry Little Smokies are exactly that, a three-ingredient slow cooker recipe that couldn’t be easier to throw together. If you’ve tried my Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, this is basically the same idea but with cocktail sausages instead.
Cranberry sauce has always been my favorite part of Thanksgiving, so I’m constantly looking for new ways to use it outside of the holiday meal. These sausages are a fun twist and a great alternative to my Grape Jelly Little Smokies, which also use the slow cooker for that easy set-it-and-forget-it prep. Whether you’re hosting or bringing something to a potluck, this is one of those reliable appetizers that people always come back to for seconds.
Ingredients
- Little Smokies cocktail sausages – Bite-sized smoked sausages that hold up well in sauces.
- Cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied) – Adds sweet-tart flavor to the dish.
- Chili sauce – Gives the sauce a tangy kick and helps balance the sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Little Smokies
- Add ingredients – Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during the cooking process.
- Serve – Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use homemade cranberry sauce – If you have leftover cranberry sauce, homemade works just as well as canned. Use about 1 ½ cups.
- Swap in sliced smoked sausage – Cut up smoked sausage links are a good alternative if you don’t have Little Smokies.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce – BBQ sauce gives it a sweeter, smokier flavor and still pairs well with the cranberry.
Tips for Success
- Stir occasionally – This keeps the sauce from sticking and ensures an even coating.
- Cranberry sauce options – Use jellied for a smooth sauce or whole berry for added texture.
- Use the warm setting – It keeps the sausages hot and the sauce at the right consistency for serving.
- Easily doubled – Great option if you’re serving a larger group or want leftovers.
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More Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizers
Check out these easy snacks that are great for any occasion.
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Little Smokies
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) package Little Smokies cocktail sausages
- 1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce about 1 ½ cups (jellied or whole berry)
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
Instructions
- Add the Little Smokies, cranberry sauce, and chili sauce to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Serve warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
- Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.