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Crockpot Lil Smokies are an easy way to get a hearty appetizer in front of your guests. While BBQ is a year-round favorite, this maple dijon flavor is a fall favorite or count on Christmas party appetizers like these to be a crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies served on a plate

Table of Contents

Make These Maple Dijon Lil Smokies in the Crockpot

Since these are warmed in the crock, these slow cooker little smokies are best with pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup, so the flavor maintains that “real” maple flavor even after staying hot for a while. The maple dijon sauce stays flavorful for hours. You can usually find a reasonable price on real maple syrup at Aldi or Trader Joe’s.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies process: gather the Lil Smokies, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic

Step 1: Gather the packages of Lil Smokies, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies process: stir the maple syrup, brown sugar, both mustards, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper

Step 2: Add the following to a small bowl: the maple syrup, brown sugar, both mustards, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently but thoroughly combine.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies process: add the Lil Smokies to the slow cooker, pour the maple Dijon sauce over them, and stir until every one is coated

Step 3: Add the Lil Smokies to the bottom of the slow cooker, then use a spatula to pour the maple Dijon sauce over all, and stir until all sausages are coated. If you love lil smokies, this is one of our fave slow cooker appetizers.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies process: cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or HIGH for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring now and then so the sausages stay

Step 4: Turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours or HIGH for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, gently stirring occasionally. If your crock runs hot, low is the best setting so the sauce doesn’t stick.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies process: when the sauce is hot, glossy, and a little thicker, switch the slow cooker to WARM and serve with toothpicks

Step 5: When the sauce is hot, glossy, and coats the lil smokies pretty well, switch the slow cooker to WARM. If it doesn’t have that setting, either keep on low with the lid off and add a 1/4 c of water every hour or turn it off and leave the lid on.

Tools & Equipment

Slow cooker
Measuring cup and spoons
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Rubber spatula or bowl scraper
Optional for serving: toothpicks (or tiny forks!), cocktail napkins, and small plates

Close up of Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies

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Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Lil Smokies

Lil Smokies cook low in a maple syrup, brown sugar and mustard sauce until hot, glossy and slightly thick.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 5

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Balloon Whisk
Glass Measuring Cups
Rubber spatula or spoon

Ingredients

28 oz Lil Smokies 2 (14-ounce) packages
1/2 c pure maple syrup
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c Dijon mustard
2 T whole grain mustard
2 T apple cider vinegar
1 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes. (Everything but the sausages.)
Add the Lil Smokies to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce over the Lil Smokies and stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW 2 to 3 hours or HIGH about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Stir occasionally while cooking. Once the sauce is hot, glossy and slightly thickened, switch to WARM for serving.

Notes

For a sweeter version, add another tablespoon or two of brown sugar.
If the sauce is too thin, stir in a slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
Storage: airtight in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

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The bottom line

I am a fan of hot crockpot appetizers because they are great for self-serve, and are the best make ahead party food for a hungry crowd. Looking for game day appetizers? Again, they come together easily and stay warm all day.

Want more holiday party food ideas? Easy street: